Where to Find the Best Cruise Deals This Fall

Cruising during a destination's low season is often one of the best ways to score a cruise deal; Cruise Critic shares the best destinations to find deals this fall.

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Cruise Critic

Aug 27, 2013, 07:00 ET

PENNINGTON, N.J., Aug. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Knowing where and when to cruise this fall can mean big savings, and Cruise Critic® (http://www.cruisecritic.com), the leading cruise reviews and information site, shares the top cruise destinations to find off-season deals this fall.

Caribbean
Low Season: September – Early January (excluding holiday weeks)

Perks: The fall is a great time for last-minute availability and bargains – usually hundreds of dollars less per person than during the peak season. Although there is a threat of tropical storms, weather tends to be enjoyable and there are less crowds.
Caveat: Hurricane season still poses a threat through November; if a storm is brewing in Florida or the Caribbean, it can mean a change in ports of call.

List of current Caribbean Cruise Deals

Europe's Rivers
Low Season: October – December

Perks: Enjoy the castles, cathedrals and quaint shops without the summer crowds. A number of river cruise lines offer special Christmas market shopping cruises.
Caveat: The weather can be especially cold, but for shoppers and Christmas lovers it's a unique way to experience the seasonal markets along the riverside.

List of current European River Cruise Deals

Hawaii
Low Season: September – mid-December

Perks: Less crowds and good deals, especially between Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation. More ships visit the islands in late September and October after the end of the Alaska season.
Caveat: Hurricanes rarely affect the islands, but they come closest in September – bringing humidity and storms.

List of current Hawaiian Cruise Deals

Mediterranean
Low Season: October – April

Perks: More competitive fares and fewer crowds in port. Flights to Europe are generally lower around this time as well.
Caveat: Ship inventory is not as high year-round; look for cruises in the warmer regions of the Mediterranean, such as Spain, Morocco and the Canary Islands.

List of current Mediterranean Cruise Deals

According to Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic, there are a few extra considerations to take into account when traveling off-peak. "It's low season for a reason; sure, travel tends to slow down once kids return to school, but it's also a time when many of these destinations are susceptible to inclement weather," she says. "There are some significant deals to be had during this time, and weather shouldn't scare people off. But cruisers should be prepared and consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against any issues that may arise."

For more information on when and where to cruise throughout the year, visit Cruise Critic's guide to the Best Time to Cruise. For more money saving tips, visit the 10 Hidden Costs of Cruising – and How to Fight Back.

About Cruise Critic
Cruise Critic® is an online cruise guide, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers, from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 100,000 cruise reviews and hosts the world's largest online cruise community where travelers share experiences and opinions with fellow cruisers. Cruise Critic was the first consumer cruise site on the Internet, launched in October 1995 by The Independent Traveler, Inc., a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc.

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SOURCE Cruise Critic