10 Reasons Why Fall Is The Best Time To Take A Cruise

Summer is one of the most popular times of the year for traveling. The kids are out of school, the weather is beautiful, and you can finally have that family bonding experience you have waited all year for. While all of that is great, the truth is, summer cruises are expensive, crowded and really hot.

Fall is right around the corner, the weather is a little cooler and the crowds start to simmer down – it's definitely the best time to take a cruise.

*Related: Ways a Cruise Can Improve Your Health

You can finally relax after the hectic summer months; find lower cruise rates, plan your trip at the last minute, and receive tons of discounts.

The warmer months are usually the most popular; therefore, booking your cruise in the fall will allow you to freely roam the ship because there are less crowds. There's nothing worse than waiting online at the buffet for 30 minutes or waiting around for a deck chair because they are all taken. In the fall, you have a better chance of enjoying yourself on the ship and getting the most out of your experience.

Yes, cruises are beautiful in the summer months, but being outside all day can also be extremely uncomfortable – it's just gets too hot. Avoid the possible chance of dehydration and heat stroke. Take your cruise when it's a bit cooler outside.

[See: The Best Family Friendly Cruises for Summer] You had a full-time work schedule, plus your kids were home all summer long. The fall is the best time to get away from it all and relax. Book a spa onboard your ship, unwind, leave your stresses behind you and enjoy a spectacular cruise vacation.

Considering fall is not the most popular time to cruise, ships tend to provide discounts to guests in order to populate the ship. This ultimately saves you money and stress. According to USA Today, "passengers who book early, between three and six months in advance, may encounter discounted prices as well."

[See: The Healthiest Cruise Ships] One of the best parts about booking your cruise in the fall is that you can do it at the last minute. Ships are not as popular during the fall months so you can usually find open space and unfilled rooms onboard.

Summer cruises are usually full of families on vacation, while fall cruises are perfect for travelers who prefer to cruise without a lot of children around. The ship will usually be full of parents vacationing alone or solo travelers.

The temperature is cooler in the fall which means you don't have to force yourself into every water excursion your destination offers. You can embark on sightseeing tours and explore your destination on land.

[See: 6 Stress-Free Travel Tips] Year-round cruises offer everything you need. But in the fall, the staff is likely to be more attentive to your needs because there are fewer people onboard. So don't worry about your hotel, where you are going for dinner or what you will do for entertainment; everything is taken care of for you.

Cruises are usually more expensive during the summer months. During the Fall you can find cheaper cruise rates to places such as Alaska and Bermuda. According to SmarterTravel, Alaska will be a bit chillier during this time but you will find the best prices, while Bermuda has temperate weather year-round and you can find great deals on fall departures.

Frequent cruisers and those who are involved in the ships loyalty programs are usually the first to receive upgrades. However, considering the majority of those people cruise during the summer months, less people will be onboard and your chances for receiving a cheaper upgrade will drastically increase.