Where is my cruise ship?

So one of the first questions you'll ask yourself when you're planning a cruise holiday is, "Where do I want to go and when can I go there?" The answer to these questions can be must trickier than you think, given that cruise ships only visit some destinations during certain seasons of the year.

So here is a quick guide to point you in the right direction.

The key thing to remember is that the cruise lines decide their itineraries some 2 years or so in advance,  but do so to have the ships in places where the weather is good and tourists want to go.

You can go to the Caribbean throughout the year, but the 'peak' season would be our Winter when most of the ships from the summer Mediterranean sailings have repositioned and it is outside the hurricane season. So, should you not go when the weather may be bad? Of course all modern ships are bristling with technology, so the Captain knows about possible weather problems some time in advance and can change the course or itinerary to compensate.
 
As one cruise line representative said, "That's the great thing about a cruise ship. We don't have to sit and wait it out for the season to change; we can follow the sun and move the ships to where people want to go."

So based on that premise, thought I would come up with a where or where not for the various seasons. Don’t forget that there are always exceptions to the rule and I hope that I have covered most of these off.-

• Alaska - This is a short season so you can catch the best weather in the Alaskan Fjords.

• Australia - This is a year long season, although the Winter months see more ships as they have repositioned  for the peak season. In the Summer months mostly Australian cruise line  sailings from Sydney.

• Canada & New England - Traditionally a short season to see 'New England in the Fall' and the Autumn Colours.

• Caribbean - This is a year long season, although the winter months see more ships as they reposition from the Mediterranean. Although the weather is warm year long in the later summer months may see some hurricane action.

• Dubai & Middle East - Generally a Winter sun destination or world cruise stop off. Probably too hot and humid in the summer months.

• Far East - This is again a short season to catch the best of the weather in the South China Sea.

• Galapagos - All year round, speciality cruising.

• Hawaii & Pacific - You can sail all year round in Hawaii, with a ship based in Honolulu, but far more ships sail to Hawaii in the Winter months from LA or San Diego.

• Mediterranean - This is year long season, although the summer months see more ships as they have repositioned from the Caribbean (mostly). In the Winter months it could be colder and inclement weather.

• Mexican Riviera - Can be all year round from LA, but care may be needed at times of US holiday seasons as lots of students may make it a little more boisterous than you would expect.

• Northern Europe - The main season for cruising to the Fjords or Baltics is during the Summer; but you can sail the Fjords on a speciality cruise throughout the year.

• South America - In the Southern Hemisphere, so their Summer is our winter, so going at these times make the best of the weather.

• World Cruise - Generally to be away for the worst of the winter, and a variety of destinations and trips available.

The key:

Green arrows mean most ships available, amber arrows less ships available and no arrows means in the main no sailings. - There are always exceptions to this rule!