October or March

I'm booked for March 2018, but it looks like the weather (and snorkeling) are better in October. Between the 2 choices, March or October, which do you think is the better choice?

More detail, please. Where are you going? What are you planning to do?

I guess more info would help!

The March cruise is RT Brisbane, and includes Sydney and Great Barrier Reef.

The October cruise is RT Sydney, and includes Brisbane and Great Barrier Reef.

We're mostly interested in snorkeling GBR and exploring on land (hiking, nature, animals, etc).

Whichever one we choose, we'll stay an extra couple of days before/after the cruise.

The weather and snorkel conditions will be better in October than in March. Also, March is still stinger (deadly jellyfish) season, so you can't swim off any beach and you have to wear a stinger suit (supplied by the boat) when you snorkel. October is not stinger season, so you won't have those constraints.

October for reasons above.

Also March is more likely to get Cyclone effects than October.

Be aware that regardless of whatever date you choose you will probably have to do excursions provided by the cruise line for your snorkelling as most private excursions leave too early or return too late to fit in with port visit times, especially if they are tender ports.

Thanks for the info, this helps a lot. Looks like I'll be going on October.

I like the March itinerary better - RT Brisbane, though. Looks like there's more to do pre/post cruise in the Brisbane area vs Sydney area? Not really interested in exploring "cities" as much as I am exploring nature and wildlife...