newcruiserny Posted September 20 #1 Share Posted September 20 Hi I would prefer not so crowded. I have been reading Feb is the best month to cruise. Can anybody confirm? Also when I look at cruise prices, if it is cheaper does that make it less crowded because less people purchased that cruise? Like would a $2000 vs $1000 price tell me that the $1000 has less people? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddingtonbear Posted September 20 #2 Share Posted September 20 (edited) Where are you cruising? Weather would play a big part for me. I think the cheaper cruises would be at less desirable times in terms of weather. We were on the Roal Princess around the British isles. I was worried about crowds because I’d never been on such a big ship before. We went outside school holidays. There weren’t many children aboard. The ship was full but we didn’t experience crowds. I was amazed. There were many places you could go aboard that were quiet. The only time we encountered crowds was when we had to queue to return to the ship for the two tender ports in Edinburgh and Gernsey but everyone was very polite. I think the smaller ships with less passengers are even better for less crowds but for me less children aboard is more important than total passenger numbers. Edited September 20 by paddingtonbear 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arizona Wildcat Posted September 20 #3 Share Posted September 20 Ships are pretty much full. Am about to go on a TA out of Southampton. TAs attract a generally older group as they are longer. As for the ship being full. . . if there are unsold cabins they drop the price. Inside cabins for this cruise went down about 60% for a few days and then back up when it was near full again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paddingtonbear Posted September 20 #4 Share Posted September 20 Also on a cruise to a warm climate in great weather the pools will be crowded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtnesterz Posted September 20 #5 Share Posted September 20 (edited) Agree with @Arizona Wildcat. Most ships are going out full these days regardless of season. So if you don't want to feel crowded, what you can look at is the passenger to space ratio. The higher number the better. Onboard or number of passengers going ashore in a small port, you're best on the Coral, followed by Diamond and Sapphire. Least space on the Caribbean Princess, though must add some here really love the CP. From CruiseMapper: Princess Cruises ships capacity Vessel Name Passengers (Min - Max) Crew Passengers-to-Space-Ratio Caribbean Princess 3138 - 3766 1200 30 Coral Princess 2000 - 2400 895 38 Crown Princess 3062 - 3674 1200 31 Diamond Princess 2706 - 3247 1100 36 Discovery Princess 3668 - 4402 1350 32 Emerald Princess 3066 - 3679 1200 31 Enchanted Princess 3668 - 4402 1350 32 Grand Princess 2602 - 3122 1150 34 Island Princess 2214 - 2657 900 35 Majestic Princess 3560 - 4272 1350 33 Regal Princess 3560 - 4272 1350 33 Royal Princess 3560 - 4272 1350 33 Ruby Princess 3060 - 3672 1200 31 Sapphire Princess 2678 - 3214 1100 36 Sky Princess 3668 - 4402 1350 32 Star Princess (2025) 4320 - 5189 1550 34 Sun Princess (2024) 4320 - 5189 1550 34 Edited September 20 by mtnesterz 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dog Posted September 20 #6 Share Posted September 20 School break mid February- March- to Easter in April. Crowded, in South- Carribean 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
memoak Posted September 20 #7 Share Posted September 20 17 minutes ago, dog said: School break mid February- March- to Easter in April. Crowded, in South- Carribean It will be super crowded everywhere during spring break time. That being said all my cruises in the last 2 years have been at least 90 % full 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skynight Posted September 20 #8 Share Posted September 20 Most ships sail with all cabins occupied all year. What makes a cruise more or less crowded is the number of passengers per cabin. Many cabins have a 3rd and 4th berth. Generally these berths are filled by youth, parents sailing with their children. If you select a cruise when school is in session the less probability cabins will have 3rd and 4th berths occupied. Alaska cruises, holiday cruises tend to have more people on board. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wishing on a star Posted September 20 #9 Share Posted September 20 I believe you are considering the Caribbean on Sun Princess??? Feb. is high season in the Caribbean. By the first of March, it is Spring Break, kids have time out of school, etc. So, yes, the Caribbean will be crowded by sometime in Feb.. thru March. Easter is not until April 20th next year. So, a late Easter means it will be high season thru April. This is then when the ships reposition to Europe, wherever they are going for the Summer. You are correct in thinking that the sailings that are not booking as quickly might have a lower fare than the highest expected demand. While ships often sell out or sail almost full, a ship at capacity during the family high seasons, with many cabins at 3 or 4 guests, could feel more crowded than than an almost full ship during 'off' season. Looks like these are the dates with the lowest fares for an Interior cabin. (Balconies may or not be the lowest on these cruises, depending on how quickly they are selling) Feb 01 999. Feb 08 989. Feb 15 899. Mar 15 849 If weather in the Caribbean is a factor for you, If I am correct, you might want to wait until later in Feb. to cruise. There can be cool fronts and winds in Jan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newcruiserny Posted September 20 Author #10 Share Posted September 20 (edited) 54 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said: I believe you are considering the Caribbean on Sun Princess??? Feb. is high season in the Caribbean. By the first of March, it is Spring Break, kids have time out of school, etc. So, yes, the Caribbean will be crowded by sometime in Feb.. thru March. Easter is not until April 20th next year. So, a late Easter means it will be high season thru April. This is then when the ships reposition to Europe, wherever they are going for the Summer. You are correct in thinking that the sailings that are not booking as quickly might have a lower fare than the highest expected demand. While ships often sell out or sail almost full, a ship at capacity during the family high seasons, with many cabins at 3 or 4 guests, could feel more crowded than than an almost full ship during 'off' season. Looks like these are the dates with the lowest fares for an Interior cabin. (Balconies may or not be the lowest on these cruises, depending on how quickly they are selling) Feb 01 999. Feb 08 989. Feb 15 899. Mar 15 849 If weather in the Caribbean is a factor for you, If I am correct, you might want to wait until later in Feb. to cruise. There can be cool fronts and winds in Jan. Hello there. So I am flexible Feb - May and I was just reading that Feb was the best time. But looking at Feb, some prices are a lot more for example Feb1 $999 vs Feb22 $1379. This made my little brain think that Feb1 would be less crowded. (I think you are awesome btw because you always answer me lol) Edited September 20 by newcruiserny Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyKid Posted September 20 #11 Share Posted September 20 We found that going between Thanksgiving and Christmas was a good time - kids are in school, fewer people looking to travel at that time, etc. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Roz Posted September 20 #12 Share Posted September 20 Agree with @IndyKid 100%. I've found the best fares and fewest children during the shoulder season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treasure Hunter Posted September 20 #13 Share Posted September 20 Yes to Between Thanksgiving and Christmas also first two weeks in January. Stay away from Presidents week in February ( it is school break in New York Metro area). 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCX22 Posted September 20 #14 Share Posted September 20 Not trying to be rude...I don't understand what people mean when they say they want less crowded on mass market cruise lines. It's counterintuitive to pick a mass market ship that can hold 2000, 3000, 4000, and up passengers and expect a not so crowded ship. Not so crowded on these types of ships happened during the restart when cruises were purposefully sailing at below capacity. Better to pick a luxury line if you want less crowded. When fares decrease, it means that a sailing is not selling well at that interval in time. When the fares decrease, sailings have potential to increase actual cabin sales. It's really dependent on the length and itinerary. The 21 Day World Cruise Segment Sydney to Cape Town on the Island Princess departing 02/16/25 is down to $1406 for Interior because it only has 3 ports. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyKid Posted September 20 #15 Share Posted September 20 17 minutes ago, SCX22 said: Not trying to be rude...I don't understand what people mean when they say they want less crowded on mass market cruise lines. It's counterintuitive to pick a mass market ship that can hold 2000, 3000, 4000, and up passengers and expect a not so crowded ship. Not so crowded on these types of ships happened during the restart when cruises were purposefully sailing at below capacity. Better to pick a luxury line if you want less crowded. When fares decrease, it means that a sailing is not selling well at that interval in time. When the fares decrease, sailings have potential to increase actual cabin sales. It's really dependent on the length and itinerary. The 21 Day World Cruise Segment Sydney to Cape Town on the Island Princess departing 02/16/25 is down to $1406 for Interior because it only has 3 ports. I can't speak for everyone on this board but a lot of us don't have the financial wherewithal to sail on the luxury cruise lines. But there are still times when you're apt to find fewer passengers on board a mass-market cruise ship. A ship that's fully booked - 2 adults per room - won't be as bad as one that's at full capacity, with kids occupying the extra beds. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare J13C85 Posted September 21 #16 Share Posted September 21 2 hours ago, Roz said: Agree with @IndyKid 100%. I've found the best fares and fewest children during the shoulder season between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Add me to this list. We like to sail the week after US Thanksgiving. In the US, very few parents are willing to take the kids out of school between Thanksgiving and when the kids get out of school for Christmas (usually somewhere around Dec 20) so that tends to limit crowds as well as help with pricing. Typically the Christmas decorations go up on this cruise as well. In 2022 the Tree was up and we got pics. We like to spend a couple days pre cruise in embarkation city and TG weekend can be crowded. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wishing on a star Posted September 21 #17 Share Posted September 21 I didn't mention this, as the time-frame given was late Winter and Spring... But, YES, 100%. Early December. Ships are decorated for the Holidays. Not the full Holiday Cruise. But, very nice. Another time to travel is late April - early May.. After Easter, but before Schools let out. That is another great 'window'. Sun will already be heading to Europe by then, though. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Roz Posted September 21 #18 Share Posted September 21 11 hours ago, SCX22 said: When fares decrease, it means that a sailing is not selling well at that interval in time. When the fares decrease, sailings have potential to increase actual cabin sales. It's really dependent on the length and itinerary. The 21 Day World Cruise Segment Sydney to Cape Town on the Island Princess departing 02/16/25 is down to $1406 for Interior because it only has 3 ports. And the airfare will kill you. No bargain. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
555 Posted September 21 #19 Share Posted September 21 We've sailed the Caribbean at all times of the year except the summer. The ships will be filled to capacity no matter which date you choose and since we're most interested in sailing when the kids are not sailing, try to go prior to or in-between holidays like Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving, Valentines day, etc. and if possible go on longer trips over 7 days. Eliminate holidays & you'll have a great time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasJam Posted September 21 #20 Share Posted September 21 I’ve also found 10 day vs 7 day cruises have a lot less school holiday passengers. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WisCruiser2 Posted September 21 #21 Share Posted September 21 17 hours ago, mtnesterz said: Agree with @Arizona Wildcat. Most ships are going out full these days regardless of season. So if you don't want to feel crowded, what you can look at is the passenger to space ratio. The higher number the better. Onboard or number of passengers going ashore in a small port, you're best on the Coral, followed by Diamond and Sapphire. Least space on the Caribbean Princess, though must add some here really love the CP. From CruiseMapper: Princess Cruises ships capacity Vessel Name Passengers (Min - Max) Crew Passengers-to-Space-Ratio Caribbean Princess 3138 - 3766 1200 30 Coral Princess 2000 - 2400 895 38 Crown Princess 3062 - 3674 1200 31 Diamond Princess 2706 - 3247 1100 36 Discovery Princess 3668 - 4402 1350 32 Emerald Princess 3066 - 3679 1200 31 Enchanted Princess 3668 - 4402 1350 32 Grand Princess 2602 - 3122 1150 34 Island Princess 2214 - 2657 900 35 Majestic Princess 3560 - 4272 1350 33 Regal Princess 3560 - 4272 1350 33 Royal Princess 3560 - 4272 1350 33 Ruby Princess 3060 - 3672 1200 31 Sapphire Princess 2678 - 3214 1100 36 Sky Princess 3668 - 4402 1350 32 Star Princess (2025) 4320 - 5189 1550 34 Sun Princess (2024) 4320 - 5189 1550 34 Am I reading this wrong? By CP, do you mean Coral or Crown (I can never remember)? Re the Coral and Island, how can Coral have a higher passenger to space ratio when the Island has more passengers in same size ship? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torfamm Posted September 21 #22 Share Posted September 21 (edited) My experience is that shorter cruises when school is not in session bring the biggest crowds. Spring break in the Caribbean would be a good example as would any 3 or 4 night cruise. More families and budget conscious adults traveling with 4 in a cabin means more passengers. Itineraries of 14 days or more attract an older demographic as vacation time isn’t an issue. As for the best month for a cruise, that depends on itinerary. Do you have a destination in mind? Edited September 21 by Torfamm 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torfamm Posted September 21 #23 Share Posted September 21 16 hours ago, newcruiserny said: Hello there. So I am flexible Feb - May and I was just reading that Feb was the best time. But looking at Feb, some prices are a lot more for example Feb1 $999 vs Feb22 $1379. This made my little brain think that Feb1 would be less crowded. (I think you are awesome btw because you always answer me lol) If you are considering the Caribbean in 2025 my suggestion would be to avoid March and April due to spring break and Easter, which isn’t until April 20. If I were you I’d want to go before that to avoid cold weather so I’d skip May and go in February. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treasure Hunter Posted September 21 #24 Share Posted September 21 Yes go February 1. Like I said , February 21 is NY metro school winter break. All ships are full of kids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skynight Posted September 21 #25 Share Posted September 21 54 minutes ago, WisCruiser2 said: Re the Coral and Island, how can Coral have a higher passenger to space ratio when the Island has more passengers in same size ship? The Coral & Island were identical when built. The Island had the aft public venues removed and replaced with cabins resulting in more passengers with less public space than the Coral. Less passengers with more public space equals a higher passenger to space factor. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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