The TRUTH About Caribbean Cruises In July
If you are planning a Caribbean cruise in July, then it is crucial to keep certain things in mind so you can plan ahead and enjoy your trip. Taking a Caribbean cruise can be exciting and fun, but if you are not prepared and aware of what cruises are like during July, then you can potentially be caught off guard.
What do I need to know about a Caribbean cruise in July?
The truth about July Caribbean cruises is the weather is usually very warm, including the ocean temperatures, prices can be higher due to people traveling for summer, and places can be much more crowded, including on the ship and on land at your stopping points.
It is important to be prepared for the weather, the pricing, and the crowds when taking a cruise. It is always a good idea to plan ahead for your cruise so you can enjoy your trip as much as possible.
Taking a Caribbean cruise is a great vacation experience regardless if you are traveling with a couple of people or a big family. The information in this guide has been researched by people who take cruises frequently and experts in the travel industry in order to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Where Do Cruises Go In The Caribbean
Cruises that move through the Caribbean typically have certain stopping points along the way. There are also Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises, so you can decide which stopping points are the most appealing to you for your trip, depending on what areas of the Caribbean you want to explore.
Eastern Caribbean Cruises
Eastern Caribbean cruises are known to be the more laid-back cruises of the two options. Many Eastern Caribbean cruises will depart out of ports like Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Florida, but some will depart out of other ports on the east coast.
Locations
Locations that are considered part of the Eastern Caribbean and are common stopping points while on Eastern Caribbean cruises include the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and the British Virgin Islands, which are Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda, the French West Indies, the Bahamas, and the Dominican Republic.
Certain cruise lines have their own private islands, so they will make stops there. Some of the private stops include Royal Caribbean stopping at CocoCay, Holland America stopping at Half Moon Caye, Norwegian Cruise Line stopping at Great Stirrup Cay, Disney Cruise Line stopping at Castaway Cay, and Princess Cruises stopping at Princess Cays.
Western Caribbean Cruises
Western Caribbean cruises are typically referred to as the more adventurous of the two types of Caribbean cruises. The stops on the way while on a Western Caribbean cruise usually include areas that are known for adventure and excursions.
Western Caribbean cruises will sail out of multiple ports in Florida as well as Galveston, New Orleans, Mobile, and San Juan in Puerto Rico.
Locations
Locations that are frequently visited while on a Western Caribbean cruise include stops in Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Honduras, Key West, and occasionally stops in the Bahamas.
Private island stops are less common on Western Caribbean cruises, but Royal Caribbean will sometimes stop at Labadee.
Southern Caribbean Cruise
Southern Caribbean cruises bring together the best of both worlds with the more adventurous Western Caribbean cruises and the laid-back Eastern Caribbean cruises. Locations in the Southern Caribbean boast a landscape that varies greatly from mountains and volcanoes to lush rainforests to beautiful sand beaches.
What Are July Caribbean Cruises Really Like?
If you are planning to take a cruise in July, it is important to be prepared and know what to expect before you get on the cruise ship and set sail. By being prepared, you are more likely to have a fun time and know what it is going to be like.
Weather
July is going to be a time of warm and even hot weather while on a cruise. It is in the summer months, so warm weather is to be expected.
Ocean temperatures are going to be at some of their warmest in July, so it is the perfect time to relax and enjoy the beaches throughout the Caribbean. It is good to know that July in most Caribbean locations is one of the hotter months, but it is typically a dry month.
The end of July into the first of August can be the start of the wetter months, and you may notice some rain. July is also a good month for the weather because hurricanes are unlikely in July, although it is considered hurricane season.
Prices
Prices can be slightly higher in July depending on which cruise line you choose and how long you want to cruise for.
Prices for a cruise are generally somewhat higher during the summer months because kids are out of school or families want to take summer vacations as well as during holiday periods because not only are kids also out of school then, but families want to escape the colder weather.
Crowds
Since Summer is a peak travel time and one of the most popular times to travel outside of the holidays, you can expect crowds. This includes on the ship and off the ship at each of your stops. It is important to be prepared for these crowds, especially if you want to enjoy beaches and excursions at each stop you make on your trip.
Plan ahead once you know where you will be stopping so you can book excursions or plan where you want to spend your time. Having a plan ahead of time will allow you to not be scrambling last minute and fighting the crowds.
How To Prepare For A Cruise in July
Planning for a cruise can be stressful and even more so in certain times of the year. There are a few things you can do to prepare for your cruise in July ahead of time.
1. Research and Plan Excursions Ahead of Time
Due to July being a busier month for taking a cruise, it is a good idea to research your excursions ahead of time. Once you have picked your exact Caribbean cruise, you will know where you are stopping and for how long so you can make plans.
Certain stops may have more excursions available, but others may be suited for shopping or dining. Even if you only plan to shop and eat at one of your stops, you can always call ahead to see if you can make reservations at restaurants.
2. Book Room Ahead of Time
If you know you will be taking a cruise in July, it is a good idea to book your room as soon as possible.
Due to this month being more popular for cruises, you will want to reserve your room quickly so you can ensure that you get the room you want. Some people prefer to have a room with a window or even a balcony, and these can be preferred over interior rooms, so they tend to book up quickly.
3. Plan Cruise Ship Activities
Not only do you want to plan the activities that you will be doing when off the ship, but you also want to plan ahead for the activities on the ship. Many cruise lines will have specific activities on the ship that require reservations, including special dinners, performances, and kid-friendly activities.
4. Pack for the Weather
The weather in July will be warmer than taking a cruise at other times of the year. Pack accordingly, and make sure to bring the proper clothing, so you are comfortable and also protected from the sun.
Bringing hats, coverups, and plenty of sunscreen is critical when taking a cruise during this time of year.
Cruise Lines To Book for Caribbean Cruises
There are quite a few cruise lines that travel to the Caribbean. It is a good idea to research each cruise line and find which one suits your needs best.
Disney Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Lines are a great decision if you are traveling with children. Not only have they continuously been voted as one of the best cruise lines, but they offer an incredible variety of activities for kids on board.
They have special dinners, meetings with Disney characters, and special performances.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is one of the most popular cruise lines due to the wide range of destinations that they travel to. Stops on their Caribbean cruise include Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and St. Maarten. You can book on-shore excursions through them, including zip-lining, strap-on scuba equipment, and snorkeling.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity cruises offer a range of different Caribbean cruises, which makes them a go-to when booking. You can cruise to the U.S Virgin Islands as well as the Cayman Islands. There are plenty of excursions you can book through the cruise line, including swimming with sting rays and rum tasting.