What is shoulder season cruising – and could it save you money?

Shoulder season is that special time in the cruising calendar when it isn’t quite the glorious peak season but isn’t yet the dreary off-season. Those oft-overlooked weeks and months offer cruise lovers an intriguing opportunity to relish many of the benefits of peak cruising with some significant savings.

Booking the right shoulder season cruise will often lead to a marvellous voyage full of unforgettable memories. But beware – there are a few crucial things to think about before you weigh anchor. 

When is shoulder season for cruises?

It’s helpful to remember that shoulder season varies from region to region – although it usually falls on either side of summer.

In the Mediterranean, for example, shoulder season falls in the autumn (September and October) and the spring (April and May) when it isn’t quite so intensely hot. Australian cruises have shoulder periods during October, November, March, and April, promising pleasant sailing conditions without peak season prices.

In the Caribbean, shoulder season for cruises runs from mid-April through late May and again from early September through mid-December, excluding holiday periods. It's worth remembering that autumn shoulder season in the Caribbean coincides with some local hurricane activity, contributing to the lower prices.

In Northern Europe, shoulder season is April, May and September, when temperatures remain comfortable, but tourist numbers significantly decrease. For Alaska's shorter cruise season, shoulder periods occur at the beginning and end of the viable sailing window, typically late April through May, then September through early October.

How cheap is shoulder season?

Shoulder season cruises are often substantially cheaper to book than their peak equivalent. But why is that? First and foremost, it comes down to the classic rules of supply and demand.

During school term times, families can't travel, meaning cruise companies experience a natural, predictable drop in demand. So, rather than sailing with empty cabins, they offer discounted cabin rates to attract more business.

This creates a ‘buyer’s market’, where savvy cruisers can save as much as 30 per cent or even 40 per cent on fares. Many travellers seize this opportunity to splash out on an upgrade, book a premium package or stay in a swanker cabin than they might typically have room for in their budget. For the very best deals, keep your timings as flexible as possible and try to book last-minute.

Even if the fares don’t drop that significantly, cruise lines can tempt you into booking a shoulder-season trip with juicy perks, like complimentary Wi-Fi, drink packages, fun excursions, spa deals or even free on-board credit. 

Is bad weather a significant factor?

Of course, shoulder season means you’re more prone to experience less than ideal weather – or at the very least, hit-and-miss conditions at sea. This is reflected in the cheaper rates on offer.

Don’t be put off by the fact that the Caribbean shoulder period can often clash with hurricane season – cruise captains always have one eye on the weather and will certainly make a point of steering you well clear of any real danger. But it’s nonetheless worth checking your travel insurance to see if you’re covered for, say, extreme weather flight cancellations.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that nowadays with heatwaves occurring with blazing regularity, cruising in the Mediterranean during shoulder season can be a little cooler and more pleasant, especially for those sensitive to intense heat. As your mother might say, regarding the weather – pack assuming the worst!

Peace of mind

Dyed-in-the-wool shoulder-season cruisers love to point out that, as well as being significantly more affordable, the cruise experience at this time of year is usually much less hectic than during peak times.

With fewer crowds battling for the same spaces, they argue, guests can typically enjoy a more refined and peaceful time aboard. Furthermore, with a slightly more favourable ratio of crew members to guests, you might get served more promptly at the bar.

Not to mention the fact you’ll probably find it a lot easier to book spots on the more desirable speciality dining experiences or those excursions that sell out in an instant during busy peak times; the same goes for bagging the best pool loungers in the morning or booking spa appointments – if you hate stressing about being first in line to secure the best slots for you or your partner, shoulder season may well be the one for you.

Best of all, the ports you visit along the cruise route during shoulder season will be less busy too. This is especially true of popular cruise ports like Dubrovnik, Barcelona or Venice, which can be stiflingly packed during summer months but far more manageable and potentially enjoyable during the more serene shoulder seasons. That means an easier time getting tables at restaurants – and more perfect holiday snapshots.

Some ports even offer seasonal activities unique to shoulder periods, like harvest festivals during autumn in Europe or blossom displays in springtime. As always, it’s worth checking in advance. 

Shoulder season downsides

Of course, it’s not all positive. Depending on where and when you cruise, evenings on deck might be a tad chilly or windy. The nights draw in noticeably earlier, which may scupper any romantic plans for an elegant evening sundowner.

In some ports, excursions that run throughout peak season may be simply unavailable. Naturally, it’s worth having a quick look in advance and adjusting your expectations accordingly.

In extreme cases, bad weather might, in rare cases, necessitate the ship altering course and missing some of the itinerary. 

At destinations with dramatic seasonal changes, such as Alaska or Norway, shoulder-season visits may not showcase these regions at their traditional best. Wildlife sightings might be less frequent, and certain natural phenomena, like Alaska's salmon runs or Norway's midnight sun, may not happen when you visit.

Seasoned experts

Cruise stalwarts recommend – and here is a real pro-tip – booking repositioning cruises. These are one-way voyages where ships move between regions for seasonal demand.

For instance, if a ship transitions from Europe to the Caribbean in early November, consider its repositioning itinerary, a transatlantic crossing, for the best deals and smallest crowds; these sailings often feature extended sea days, unique ports, and discounted rates due to lower demand.

Either way, shoulder season cruising represents a brilliant middle ground for travellers who want to maximise their cruise enjoyment while keeping a lid on costs – especially when you take advantage of those superior last-minute deals. Happy hunting!