As summer draws to a close, autumn presents new opportunities for exploration. This period offers a fresh collection of adventures, unique itineraries and captivating destinations that flourish at this time of year, as well as interesting psychological benefits.
Interest in autumn cruises has surged, with Google search data showing a 127% increase for “Autumn Cruises” over the last three years. Iglu Cruise experts offer their top five reasons as to why autumn is the perfect time for a cruise.
Witness the Changing of the Seasons
Many destinations thrive in autumn, when the leaves begin to blush, boasting vibrant hues of reds, oranges and golds. A New England cruise from New York to Quebec City is one excellent itinerary to enjoy the kaleidoscope of colours. Similarly, Japan’s traditional “momijigari,” or “leaf hunting,” provides a superb way to explore the country, with locations like Kyoto and Nikko being particularly stunning as the leaves transform.
October is also wine harvest season for many European wine regions, so it’s a great time to visit the vineyards at their best. River cruises along the River Douro or the River Danube are perfect options for this. Italy celebrates its wine harvest in many regions such as Tuscany and Puglia during this time, making it a wonderful destination for food and wine enthusiasts.
With longer, darker nights, November marks the beginning of peak Northern Lights viewing season in Northern Europe, offering the best chance to witness the aurora borealis. Cruises to Norway’s fjords are often available as no-fly options from the UK and provide an ideal vantage point for this breathtaking natural spectacle.
Psychological Benefits
As the days shorten and darkness descends, many begin to feel the onset of the winter blues. The shift from the bright, extended days of summer to the shorter, darker days of autumn can significantly affect mood and energy. This phenomenon is known as the “autumn funk” and, in clinical terms, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
As many cruise lines ‘follow the sun’ each season, a holiday onboard can be extremely beneficial to help combat SAD symptoms. Exposure to the increased sunlight can help regulate circadian rhythms and boost serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and happiness. This acts as both a preventative and therapeutic measure against SAD.
Psychologists also identify holidays as “temporal landmarks,” marking a clear break in our mental timelines. An autumn holiday perfectly fulfils this role, offering a new adventure to look forward to and an opportunity to reset before the frequently demanding festive season.
Variety of Temperatures
Autumn temperatures across Europe and beyond can differ drastically, which means travellers can choose a cruise itinerary based on their preferences. The Mediterranean is an ideal opportunity for those who favour milder temperatures, with its warm days and cooler evenings, providing the perfect setting for exploration without the discomfort of excessive heat.
If warmth is a priority, destinations further afield, such as the Caribbean, are also a great option. November signals the end of the Caribbean hurricane season, leaving the islands lush and green after the rain, ideal for enjoying pristine, uncrowded beaches.
The Middle East is another excellent choice. November marks the start of cruising in the Arabian Gulf, with the intense summer heat having eased, creating a comfortable climate for exploration. Further south of the equator, in South Africa, October marks the beginning of spring, bringing mild weather and blooming landscapes.
Bag a Bargain
Autumn is often seen as a shoulder season for many cruise itineraries, which means you can often find excellent deals. This is because cruise lines may reposition ships or offer special promotions to fill cabins. The specific deals available vary based on the cruise line, the destination and how far in advance you book.
“Repositioning cruises” are often available when ships relocate between regions for seasonal changes, for example, Europe to the Caribbean. These one-way itineraries are a great option for those looking to enjoy a specific cruise line or ship, as they often include many sea days, meaning guests will have longer to appreciate the many amenities onboard.
October and November are great months to find deals on Caribbean cruises and while the Mediterranean is popular in summer, September and October offer more affordable itineraries.
Unique Onboard Atmosphere
With school holidays over, autumn offers a quieter time to cruise as you’ll find fewer families with children onboard. The pools and top decks are less crowded, and you’ll find it easier to get a table at popular restaurants, book a spot at a speciality dining venue and secure a place on your favourite excursions.
Another benefit of an Autumn cruise is that guests will have a greater chance to book in for exclusive treatments or enjoy the spa facilities. Most cruise lines offer massages, facials, hair and nail treatments, along with access to saunas, steam rooms and hydrotherapy pools. Fewer crowds mean that guests have more flexibility to enjoy these benefits.
The decrease in crowds extends to the port of calls, too. Popular tourist attractions, landmarks and beaches in destinations like the Mediterranean or the Caribbean are noticeably calmer. This means you’ll have less queuing, more freedom to explore and a more authentic experience without the hustle and bustle of peak season tourism.
