We Love January Cruising

January is a bit of a perfect storm when it comes to Caribbean cruise bargains. You can expect great weather, yet it’s a traditionally slower period for cruising – with some people still recovering from the rush of the holidays.

Fares for 7-day Caribbean sailings start at under $500 if you can go, like, now. Choice of cabins is limited, but if you’re not fussy, your wallet will thank you.

Here are some sample deals. To see what else is available, check with the cruise lines or call your travel agent.

Cruising for a week: Pack now and sail from Fort Lauderdale on Crown Princess from $452. Or head to Miami and hop aboard Carnival Glory from $329, or Norwegian Epic from $399. Cruise on Caribbean Princess from Houston from $402 or book a sailing from New Orleans in February on Norwegian Jewel from $389. Prices may sneak higher as we get into late February, depending on demand.
But you don’t have to limit yourself to a week at sea. If you can get away for longer periods, you can save too. Consider that being on a ship is much cheaper than, say, the rent on a South Florida condo.

If you’re looking to get away for two weeks or more, search for back-to-back deals that combine itineraries – such as a week in the Eastern Caribbean followed by a week in the Western Caribbean, or other combos.

Example: Do a 14-day Southern Caribbean cruise from Tampa on Holland America Line’s Ryndam, embarking on January 26, and combine that with a weeklong sailing to the Western Caribbean. Your 21-day cruise is priced from $1,699. Port calls include Aruba, Curacao, San Juan, Grand Cayman, Honduras (Mahogany Bay), Guatemala, and Costa Maya, Mexico.