The Perks of Planning an Offseason Cruise
Booking an offseason cruise can help save you money, while you sail to must-see stops. (After all, whether it’s May or November, the Colosseum will still be in Rome, right?) All it takes is a little calendar flexibility to plan an offseason excursion.
When Is Offseason?
This depends on the destination. Peak season is when a cruise destination is most popular, which often means it’s a time when the location experiences good weather or when many people are off work or school. Though it has its perks, peak season cruising can come at a price: Cruises can be more crowded and expensive. Take a look at the destinations below and see how cruising outside of peak season can work to your advantage.
Alaska. The Last Frontier’s geography makes cruising possible from May through September. These months are considered the shoulder season, which falls on the cusp of a destination’s peak season and can be a good time to find a deal. It can be a little chilly in September, so pack accordingly.
Tip:
Don’t forget to take advantage of HGV’s Member cruise events offering Club Members the guaranteed best prices—even during many destinations’ peak seasons. There’s never been a better time than now to book your spot on this years’ Breathtaking Alaskan Adventure. This ClubPartner Perk Grand Adventure begins on Aug. 7 with a 3-day pre-cruise tour of Anchorage and Denali National Park. Next, set sail from Seward aboard Holland America’s sophisticated Noordam to cruise alongside mammoth glaciers before stopping in the unique ports of Haines, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Vancouver, Canada. Don’t miss this breathtaking land-and-sea journey’s exclusive HGV member package pricing that includes 11 nights’ accommodations for two on the pre-cruise land tour, and aboard the Noordam, Member group excursions like the Music of Denali evening Excursion, a custom whale watching in Juneau and onboard amenities such as the signature beverage package and much more. This cruise tour provides the ultimate Alaska experience, but if you are looking for a shorter trip, you may inquire about a cruise only option.
Caribbean. Unlike some destinations, cruisers visit the Caribbean year-round. December through April are the most popular months. To get a bargain, consider traveling during the region’s windy season in late summer or fall. Pack rain attire and know that your itinerary could change based on inclement weather.
Europe. Extremely popular during the summer, European cruises in late spring and early fall may save you more than a penny. The trade-off? A bit of rain. Pack a poncho and a few layers, and you’ll be just fine.
Hawaii. Travelers flood into Hawaii during the islands’ lovely summer months, which is also wedding season in the Rainbow State. Steer clear of the crowds and keep an eye out for discounts during September and October, when summer crowds are waning. Outside of the holidays, November through February also offer potentially cheaper fares. Retired? Instead of booking a trip for Thanksgiving or Christmas week, consider traveling in the weeks between those holidays for smaller crowds.
Mark Your Calendars for Additional Sales
Still have Points to spend after summer? After Labor Day, you’ll start to see more cruises go on sale. Don’t forget, October is also National Plan a Cruise Month. This annual event is an amazing opportunity to learn more about the incredible cruises available to Members on more than 28 of the most popular cruise lines thanks to Hilton Grand Vacations ClubPartner CruisesOnly. Use this month to plan ahead and score your next amazing cruise for a great price.
More Information
For additional details about how, when and where to cruise, visit on the ClubPartner Perks Cruise Travel page on the Club website to learn more.
Photo at top by Britus/Getty Images