New here...Anyone cruise in January to the Caribbean?

[theplaceofh]

Dh and I are planning our first cruise in January 2009 to the Western Carribean...I'm hoping to hit Cozumel and Belize at the very least. We are also getting our SCUBA certification so we can dive on this trip.

 

One of the reasons we are choosing January is the low rates. Does anyone else choose this month to cruise the Caribbean, and how is the weater/water temp. during this time of year?

 

I have gotten some great info. so far from lurking these boards!

[cb at sea]

The Caribbean air temps are warm all the time! Can't tell you about the water temps in the W. Carib.--It won't be freezing, but it may be a bit chillier than, say, a port in the Gulf Stream--those islands/ports tend to have warmer water all the time.

[Toyz711]

didn't get into the ocean...but the air temps were mid-80s, last december. did the NCL spirit out of new orleans...roatan, santo tomas, belize and cozumel. hot enough to sweat, not too hot to be miserable.

[CaptData]

Water temps are very nice. I snorkle in Jan in the Carbbean. Try to go on newer ships as there is more to do/try. Many ships go to both ports.

[dna1990]

We have been to quite a few ports in January months, only Nassua was 'cold water'. You know not just the chilly-when-u-jump-in cold, but cold the whole time.

 

Along Mexico, you can run into the thermalclines (is that the right term?) where the cold/warm water are meeting and cause a blurry condition. But have never been anything that lasted for more than just a few minutes at that spot.

 

This has all been snorkle trips, no dives.

[eandj]

We have had problems with Cozumel a couple times in Jan. and Feb. (But we've been by there about 7 times.) The waters can be rough which then cancels the tenders over. Once they were just delayed until afternoon and the other time cancelled totally. Just gave us another day at sea. Mother Nature can't be controlled.

Weather is warm all over the Carib in Jan. and Feb.

[Cruise Passenger]

We have been in Feb. to Belize,Cozumel,Cayman, Progresso, etcc... Wheather was great. The only thing I have noticed is that the seas seem to get a little rougher in the winter time due to fronts moving across the ocean.

[barryod]

Don't know if you've already booked, or what your financial picture is, but I always found the So. Carribean a great spot in Jan. or Feb. If you can sail out of P.R. and make it down to, say Bonaire, you'd love the diving there. Have a great cruise whatever you decide.

 

Barry

[bullydogsmama]

We were in Belize in January and snorkeled and the water was wonderful.

[theplaceofh]

Thank you all. I really have my heart set on going to Cozumel and diving, so I hope the weather holds up for us. :D

[RCCLismyfav1]

The temps will be fine to swim in the ocean. We have been in the Western, Eastern, and Southern Caribbean in January. The only weather related problems we ever had was the rain and some wind but allin all it is a great month to travel to the Caribbean. The best and cheapest time is right after the New Year up to say Jan. 15-20. Have a great time:)