Cruise regions at a glance
- Caribbean: all year; most popular from December to April. Hurricane season runs 1 June to 30 November.
- Mediterranean: mainly spring to autumn; shoulder months are quieter.
- Alaska: roughly May to September.
- Norwegian fjords: roughly May to September; northern lights voyages in autumn and winter.
- European rivers: spring to autumn, plus Christmas markets in late November and December.
- Canary Islands and Madeira: popular in autumn and winter for mild weather. Many sail from Southampton.
- Antarctica: roughly November to March. The Arctic: roughly June to September.
- Asia and Australia: seasons vary by region; Australia’s main cruise season is its summer, roughly October to April.
Repositioning cruises
Twice a year, many ships move between regions, for example from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean in autumn and back in spring. These one-way repositioning cruises often have lots of sea days and can be good value per night, but check the cost of the one-way flight home.
How to choose a destination
- Decide what matters most: beaches, culture, scenery, wildlife or the ship itself.
- Count the sea days: some people love them, others prefer a port every day.
- Factor in travel to the port, especially for long-haul fly-cruises.
- Check entry requirements for every country on the route.
Last updated: 13 October 2026
