If you’re thinking about a cruise, you might want to consider setting sail in October. Not only is this peak shoulder season, when prices are typically lower and crowds fewer, but it’s also one of the most underrated months to travel. Southern Europe is still warm, New England blazes with spectacular colour, and the Caribbean is always inviting.
Plus, on a cruise, you don’t have to deal with sweltering temperatures on or offboard, pools aren’t overrun with noisy children, and even the busiest destinations are at their most peaceful. Though, with so many places at their best in mid-autumn, which are the most alluring?
To get you inspired, here are 10 of the best places to cruise in October. And you can browse hundreds of cruise travel deals on our website for even more ideas.
1. New England, USA
If you look forward to autumn every year and love admiring the beautiful foliage, why not think about a cruise to New England, USA? These six states – Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut – are some of the best places in the world to go ‘leaf-peeping’, as locals call it. Every year, the trees and hills of this part of the US turn into vast, vibrant tapestries of crimson, gold, and ochre.
But a cruise to New England offers more than fiery foliage. Each state is unique, yet all boast a wealth of American history and heritage. Architecture fans will love exploring the old colonial homes of Massachusetts, while history buffs can walk along Boston’s Freedom Trail, learning about the American Revolution. Hiking through Maine’s Acadia National Park, with its stunning coastal trails, is a must, while nearby Portland is a haven for foodies and water lovers.
2. Spain
Thanks to its natural beauty, cultural wealth, and glorious weather, Spain has long been one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits. But summers here can be uncomfortably hot and crowded. October temperatures are far more pleasant, with average highs of 23°C. Plus, the country’s most famous sights and landmarks are much quieter, from Granada’s exquisite Alhambra’s Palace to Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia.
Cruises take you to many of Spain’s most alluring towns and cities – and the sunny weather is perfect for exploring. You can tuck into delicious paella in Valencia, tour the atmospheric port town of Cádiz, and sip sherry in well-heeled Jerez. Sun-seekers can enjoy kicking back on the golden beaches of the Costa del Sol, while art enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice in Málaga, the birthplace of Picasso. Seville, with its many architectural and cultural wonders, is on almost all cruise itineraries too.
3. The Caribbean
The sun-kissed islands of the Caribbean are dreamy at any time of year but, in October, they’re especially idyllic. Kids are back in school so the families have left, leaving the beaches wonderfully quiet. It’s also the height of the low season, so if you’re on a budget, prices are at their most affordable. The days are long and comfortably warm, the change of season brings a refreshing breeze, and the turquoise waters are the perfect temperature for swimming.
For a relaxing yet varied beach break, there’s no better destination. Many cruises take you to Barbados, where you can explore its breathtaking coastal scenery and white sand beaches. Music lovers can listen to reggae in Jamaica, or lose themselves in the soothing sounds of steel drums in Trinidad and Tobago. Or why not explore colonial towns in the Dominican Republic, zip-line through trees in Honduras, and dive in pristine reefs in the Bahamas?
4. The Adriatic Coast
The Adriatic Coast is one of the most strikingly beautiful parts of the Mediterranean. However, summers here can be uncomfortably busy (and hot), particularly in Croatia, where the sleek limestone streets of Dubrovnik and Split heave with tourists. Yet, by October, things are much quieter. With average highs of 22°C, it’s still warm enough to explore and even swim in the sapphire-blue sea.
Adriatic cruises take you to some of the Med’s most vibrant cities, enchanting villages, and spectacular scenery. With its medieval old town and dramatic setting, Montenegro’s Kotor is a cruise hotspot, as is the Croatian island of Hvar. But cruises here also take you to Venice, one of the most romantic cities in the world. No photo can convey the magic of a gondola ride or the beauty of Doge’s Palace, nor the buzz of strolling through St Mark’s Square. Eating cicchetti in a cosy canalside restaurant is also a must!
5. Cyprus
Boasting glorious golden beaches, extraordinary ancient ruins, forest-clad mountains, and delicious local cuisine, Cyprus is a Mediterranean island that has something for everyone. But, its location, just south of Turkey, means its climate is more Middle Eastern than European – and, in summer, temperatures reach highs of 40°C. October, however, brings much more pleasant highs of around 27°C, which is the ideal temperature to make the most of everything this idyllic island has to offer.
Most Cyprus cruise holidays take you on excursions to archeological sites like Ancient Kourion or Kolossi Castle, which you can appreciate without the throngs of summer tourists. If you’re a keen hiker, why not trek along Cape Greco’s wild coastal trails, perhaps stopping off to explore the spellbinding sea caves? You can also head into the mountains to go wine-tasting, or visit hillside villages to refuel in local tavernas. If you’re after sun, sea, and sand, relaxing on Nissi Beach is a must, as is diving at the Zenobia Wreck.
6. The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Cast adrift in the boundless South Pacific, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands are like nowhere else in the world. For wildlife lovers, there are few places that are more thrilling, and while you can visit year-round, an October cruise has many benefits. Temperatures hover in the early 20s, so it’s the perfect time to hike up the famous lava trails and lunar-like fields, or kayak through dense mangroves.
In October, you have a good chance of seeing blue footed boobies with their chicks, giant tortoises laying their eggs, flamingos nesting, and cute sea lion pups playing in the water. Penguins are very active at this time of year too, and if you go snorkelling they might zoom curiously around you! You might also spot humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. A sense of raw wilderness still pervades this volcanic archipelago, and visiting is a true once-in-a lifetime experience.
7. Canada
New England isn’t the only place in North America that’s known for its magnificent autumn leaves. The east coast of Canada is too, and an October cruise will take you to some of this huge country’s wildest and most magical destinations. These often include Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, as well as the Canadian mainland – and the autumn-scapes and vibrant foliage in these destinations have to be seen to be believed.
An October cruise also gives you an excellent chance to spot whales as they migrate south for the winter. Plus, temperatures are comfortably cool – the perfect weather for an invigorating hike! There’s a world of natural beauty to explore on a Canada cruise, from iconic landmarks like Peggy’s Cove in Halifax to the colossal canyons of Saguenay. You can also explore charming old-world ports like Sydney in Nova Scotia, St John’s in Newfoundland, and Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island.
8. Mexico
If you want a sun-drenched beach break with as much opportunity for adventure as relaxation, what about an October cruise to Mexico? The Mexican Riviera backs onto the Caribbean Sea, so you’ll still be able to swim in turquoise waters and lie on soft, sugar-white sands. Average temperatures hover in the high 20s, so it’s just about cool enough to take advantage of Mexico’s exhilarating excursions and experiences – which can’t always be said in summer.
Cruising in October also means you’ll miss the influx of tourists who arrive in summer and winter. The country’s most important festival, Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), happens at the very end of October, and there are many other cultural events occurring earlier in the month too. The most popular attractions, from the Mayan temples of Chichén Itzá and Tulum to Santa Maria Bay in Los Cabos, are at their quietest, so you can enjoy authentic cultural experiences away from the crowds.
9. The Greek Islands
Greece’s charms are no secret. Celebrated for its ancient history, absorbing culture, delicious food, and beautiful islands, it’s a uniquely wonderful place. The islands in particular are a paradise for beach lovers and history buffs but, in summer, the crowds can detract from the experience. Plus, the inflated prices and often-scorching temperatures aren’t much fun. But cruising the Greek isles in October is a very different experience.
Many cruises take you to the most popular islands, like Santorini and Mykonos, which are far more laidback in October. This means you can immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoying warm, sunny days and delightfully refreshing evenings. And, even in the capital Athens, where most cruises stop off, temperatures rarely stray over 25°C. So, you can explore ancient archaeological wonders like the Acropolis without constantly seeking shade.
10. Transatlantic cruises
If you’re dreaming of a more epic ocean adventure, why not think about a cruise across continents? Transatlantic cruises take you from the old world to the new and, along the way, you can relax on board, enjoying your ship’s service and amenities while savouring the sea views. Cruises across continents are journeys you won’t forget, and there’s one big reason why setting sail in October makes perfect sense. Large-scale cruises like this don’t tend to come cheap…but, in October, prices are at their lowest.
This is the month when cruise lines start moving their ships around. These ‘repositioning cruises’ depart from Europe and sail, sometimes uninterrupted, to a port in the Americas. With lots of days at sea and fewer port calls, cruise lines offer huge discounts on these crossings. If you’re keen to see lots of different destinations, these crossings may not be for you – but if you want to enjoy the cruise experience at a fraction of the price, it might be the perfect thing.
Final thoughts…
As the leaves start to fall, the days shorten, and the temperatures drop, the call of adventure is often stronger than ever. If you’re thinking about escaping the UK before the year is out, an October cruise is an excellent idea.
Autumn is a magical time of year, and if you want to witness the best of the seasonal transformation, you might want to think about a cruise to New England or Canada. These parts of North America are known for their bright-coloured foliage and vibrant autumnal palette, and cruises here offer a wealth of cultural and historical experiences too.
If you want to get a last dose of sunshine before winter hits, why not think about a cruise to Mexico or the Caribbean? These famously blissful beach destinations are at their quietest, while prices are at their lowest.
Even parts of Southern Europe, like Spain, Greece, and the Adriatic Coast, are still drenched in sunshine, so if you want to explore some of the Med’s most beautiful destinations without the summer throngs of tourists – and inflated prices – visiting in October just makes sense.
If you don’t have a preference for where to go, but want to experience the relaxing luxury of a cruise, a transatlantic crossing might be the October cruise for you. Transcontinental voyages make wonderful holidays, particularly if you’re looking to unwind, and setting sail in October allows you to experience this luxury at a fraction of the cost.
For more on seasonal cruising, you might want to check out our article; 20 best places to cruise month by month. Or, to browse cruise deals, check out the page on our website below.
Are you interested in any of these October cruises? Do you have your own suggestions for the best places to cruise in October? We’d love to hear about your travel experiences in the comments below.