Blessed with continuously balmy, beach-going weather, the Caribbean is a year-round cruising destination that's accessible from numerous departure ports along the East and Gulf coasts and in Florida.
Temperatures are at their coolest and most comfortable from December through April, which also coincides with the dry season, typically October or November through April. In summer and fall, it's not unusual to have short rain showers in the afternoon -- consider them a break from the tropical heat. Overall, average temperatures typically hover in the 70s in winter and reach the 80s in summer.
The Caribbean is the most popular cruising destination there is, and you'll see the most families on board when school is out -- during summer, spring break and winter holidays. This is when children's programs are most active and kids have a great chance of meeting and mingling with their peers.