Discover some of the best destinations for an October cruise.
October is a wonderful time of year to cruise. Getting away breaks up the long months where the days get shorter and colder.
The weather is still very pleasant in many places in October, and can often be more comfortable than at other times of the year. Most destinations are not as crowded as they were over the main summer holiday period meaning you can have a more relaxed experience and perhaps find some great cruise fares.
In this post, I explore some of the best places to cruise in October to help find the perfect destination if you are considering an autumn getaway.
At a Glance: Best Places to Cruise in October
- Canada and New England
- Japan
- The Mediterranean
- Greek Islands
- The Caribbean
- Arctic Circle
- Northern Europe
- South America
- A transatlantic crossing
The benefits of cruising in October
Before we get into the details of what regions and countries make the ideal destination for a cruise at this time of the year, let’s look at the benefits of a cruising in October.
- The weather is more comfortable with the heat and humidity of the summer temperatures long gone
- Many destinations have fewer crowds at this time of year so it is easier to explore with less queues at popular attractions
- Cruise fares can be more affordable as it is not generally considered peak season in many cruise destinations. So you may be able to pick up a great deal.
- You may get to experience some cultural events and festivals at this time of year
- Depending on your destination, you may see some spectacular fall foliage or a natural phenomenon like the Northern Lights.
Best October Cruise Destinations
Here are a few ideas for where to cruise in October:
If you want to see Fall Foliage and Autumn Colours
New England and Canada
If you would like to see some fall colours then a cruise along the coastline of New England and Canada is not to be missed.
The forests and hillsides come alive with pops of colour. Hues of red and orange to gold and yellow dominate the landscape. It is a beautiful sight to see.
You’ll be able to explore picturesque towns and learn more about the region’s maritime history while enjoying some spectacular autumn views.
These cruises often start in Montreal or Quebec City in Canada and end in Boston or New York (or vice versa) in the USA, giving you an ideal opportunity to extend your stay and explore these cities.
If you don’t want the travel hassle of having different embarkation and disembarkation ports you can take a closed-loop cruise where you start and end in the same port.
Popular ports of call on cruises around this coastline include Bar Harbour, Portland and Saint John in the United States and Sydney and Halifax in Nova Scotia and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in Canada.
Japan
Japan may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a cruise destination to see some fall foliage but it is a great option to consider. The fall colours make a truly stunning backdrop to many of the country’s landmarks, temples and shrines.
A cruise around Japan provides a unique perspective of this spellbinding country taking you to places you may not reach on a land tour.
While you can visit Japan on a cruise at other times of the year, spring and autumn will make your trip extra special.
I was lucky to visit during cherry blossom season which was stunning but I think autumn would be just as beautiful.
It is also worth considering extending your visit with extra days in Tokyo before or after your cruise or heading down to Kyoto to really get the full Japanese experience.
If you are looking for some sun and warm temperatures
If you are looking for a last bit of summer before the winter kicks in then the Mediterranean or the Caribbean are two destinations to consider.
The Mediterranean
While the Mediterranean is an all-year-round destination, October is a great time to visit.
The summer crowds have departed from many of the big cities in the region. So, the famous attractions will be less busy (shorter queues!) and the streets less crowded.
With cities such as Athens, Barcelona, Florence and Rome (to name just a few) on Mediterranean cruise itineraries, it is a much more pleasant and relaxing experience to explore these historical places without the crowds.
Greek Islands
Of course, the Mediterranean is more than just historical cities, there are plenty of islands and beaches to explore.
October is coming to the end of the season for cruises around the Greek Islands. However, that brings many benefits.
The temperature, while lower than the summer months, is generally still very pleasant. This makes activities such as sightseeing or hiking much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Ports will be less busy. At the height of the season, you may find three or four cruise ships in port. In October, your ship may be the only one, or one of two in port. Fewer ships means fewer crowds so sightseeing will be a little easier. Queues at popular attractions or scenic spots will be shorter.
From the ancient ruins of Athens to the nightlife of Mykonos to the blue domes a Santorini , October could be the perfect time to explore Greece.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations and it’s not hard to see why. From beautiful sandy beaches to lush rainforests, the region has some incredibly diverse landscapes. By island hopping on a cruise, you get to experience the best of it.
Eastern Caribbean ports of call include destinations such as the British Virgin Islands, St.Maarten and St.Thomas while ports of call on Southern Caribbean cruises boasts islands such as Aruba and Barbados.
In October, you can expect warm weather with the odd spot of rain and fewer crowds as it is outside the school holidays.
The downside? October is towards the tail end of the hurricane season so you may want to think twice about cruising at this time of year. That said, some parts of the region are more prone to hurricanes than others and cruise ships will avoid storms where possible.
Being off-peak and with the potential for some extreme weather conditions, you can find some good cruise fares but you’ll have to be prepared for potential last-minute itinerary changes.
Hawaii
Hawaii is a fabulous destination at any time of the year, but October is a good time to consider visiting.
A cruise is a great way to explore as you can visit multiple Hawaiian islands in one trip and you don’t have to worry about packing and repacking when you move to each island.
Heading into autumn, it is shoulder season which brings lower prices and better availability. You can still expect some good weather though.
Whatever your interests and cruise preferences you’ll find something in Hawaii for you. If you love adrenaline fuelled activities you can enjoy watersports such as kiteboarding, surfing, parasailing and jet skiing to name just a few.
Looking for something more relaxing? There are plenty of beautiful beaches to enjoy, scenic hiking trails to wander along, out-of-this-world snorkeling locations to view the region’s sea life and resort spas to put your feet up in.
If you want to see a natural phenomenon
Northern Lights
Seeing the Northern Lights is a real bucket list moment for many people. October is one of the best times to try to catch a glimpse of this incredible natural phenomenon.
You need dark skies, few clouds and quite a lot of luck. Look for cruises around the Arctic Circle, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and the Northwest Passages for your best chance to see them.
If you like exploring cities
Northern Europe
If city breaks are your thing then a Northern Europe Cruise is for you.
Usually, a mini cruise or a seven-day voyage, ports of call include some of Europe’s most interesting and historical cities. Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Hamburg, Le Havre, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge (for the fairytale-looking Bruges) are all destinations you can expect to see on itineraries.
From exploring historical sites, enjoying local cuisine, or just wandering around taking in the atmosphere, each city has its own charm.
Visiting during October, the weather should be generally ok. Not too warm, but the harsh reality of winter won’t have struck yet. The crowds will be fewer though making it a much better experience all around. Just avoid the October school holidays.
Read more | How to spend one day in Rome and see all the sights
European River Cruises
Another way of exploring some of Europe’s most magical cities is by river cruise.
These week or so long cruises sail along some of Europe’s most famous rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and Douro. With a different city each day and the odd overnight stop, you have plenty of sightseeing opportunities and tours are often included in your fare.
Just like ocean cruise ships, there is a range of river ships to meet all budgets, from luxury to more affordable options.
If you have a sense of adventure
South America
If you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary, a number of expedition ships explore South America and the Galapagos Islands in October.
Home to the Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountains, and Igzu waterfall, you’ll experience a variety of historical sights, incredible landscapes and get to know the different cultures of this region.
If you like sea days…
Transatlantic Cruises
October is when many cruise ships escape the approaching winter in Europe and head to warmer climates such as the Caribbean.
These repositioning cruises are great if you love a sea day as you get plenty on the bounce. Cruises depart from European ports such as Southampton in the UK, Barcelona in Spain or Rome in Italy and head to the Caribbean or North America. The journey across the Atlantic can take anything from six (if going directly to New York) to sixteen days (if cruising to and around the Caribbean).
With very few ports on the itinerary, these cruises are for you if you like to spend time exploring the ship and using all the facilities or enjoy relaxing sea days.
Another benefit is that fares for these cruises can be cheaper than the equivalent amount of time onboard when doing a fuller itinerary so you might grab a bargain. These cruises are well worth considering if the ship is the destination for you or if you’d like to be able to say you’ve sailed across the Atlantic.
Read more | A Luxurious Escape Aboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2
Tips for Planning an October Cruise
If you have decided to cruise during this month, here are some tips to help you find the perfect voyage.
- Book your cruise as early as you can. You’ll usually get the best price this way.
- That said, if you can hold your nerve (and won’t be too upset if you miss out) you may be able to pick up a late deal.
- If there is somewhere you’d particularly like to cruise to in October and would be disappointed not to then I’d recommend booking as soon as you can.
- Make sure you have all the right documents such as passports, visas and travel insurance before you travel
- See what the weather is like in the region you are visiting and pack accordingly
- Have a great time!
The Last Word
From vibrant fall foliage to the serene beauty of the Mediterranean, a cruise in October offers something for every type of cruiser.
Mild weather, fewer crowds and affordable fares are just some of the advantages a cruise at this time of year brings.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or just want to explore the world, you’ll be able to find the right cruise for you.