Spring break cruises and summer cruises for 2027: where to go and which line to pick
For a spring break cruise, book a 4- to 7-night Bahamas, Caribbean or Mexico sailing on Royal Caribbean or Carnival, and check the age rules first: on both lines, guests under 21 can't sail on their own. For a summer cruise, Alaska and Northern Europe are where peak season pays off, and Bermuda is the easy beach trip from the Northeast. Both seasons are school-holiday weeks, so fares and crowds are at their highest.
Book it if
- Your dates are set by a school or college calendar.
- You want kids' clubs, waterslides and other families aboard.
- Alaska, Norway or Bermuda is on your list. Summer is their season.
Skip it if
- You want a calm, adult ship in mid-March. Pick an adults-only line or a longer route.
- You're 18 to 20 and planning to sail with friends your own age. Most big lines won't let you.
- A changed itinerary would spoil a late-summer Caribbean trip. Hurricane season peaks from mid-August.
Spring break and summer 2027: the dates that set the fares
- Spring break 2027
- Set district by district and college by college, spread across March and early April.
- Easter
- Sunday, March 28, 2027. The breaks tied to it fall at the end of March.
- Summer season
- From the end of the school year in June to Labor Day. July is the peak on almost every route.
- Fourth of July
- A Sunday in 2027, so many people get a long weekend.
- Hurricane season
- June 1 to November 30 in the Atlantic. NOAA puts most activity between mid-August and mid-October.
- Cheaper weeks nearby
- The first days of March, late April, May, early June and the last week of August.
The best spring break and summer cruises for 2027
We picked on the criteria in how we rate cruises, weighted toward how each line handles a full ship in school holidays and how well the route suits the season. From-prices come from our monthly snapshot and show the date they were checked.
Best spring break cruise for families
Royal Caribbean, Icon of the Seas or another big ship
Why: The most to do on board in a week when the ship is full of children: waterparks, surf simulators, climbing walls and separate teen clubs, plus a day at Perfect Day at CocoCay on many Bahamas and Caribbean routes.
Watch out: Peak fares and very full ships. On sailings from North America, nobody under 21 gets a stateroom without an adult of 21 or older in it, unless parents are next door or across the hall.
From $216 per personChecked October 2026Best low-fare spring break cruise
Carnival Cruise Line, Any ship from a port you can drive to
Why: Usually the lowest fares, short sailings and the most home ports. Outside Florida and Texas, Carnival sails from New Orleans, Baltimore, Mobile, Norfolk and Long Beach, which saves a family the flights.
Watch out: Guests under 21 must travel with a relative or guardian who is at least 25. Since October 1, 2026, guests of 15 to 20 must be within three staterooms of that adult, and a group needs one adult for every five minors.
From $129 per personChecked October 2026Best for adults who want to avoid spring break
Virgin Voyages, Scarlet Lady or Valiant Lady
Why: Nobody under 18 sails, in any week of the year. Every restaurant and Wi-Fi are in the fare, and the short Caribbean trips from Miami fit a week off.
Watch out: No children does not mean quiet. The ships are lively, and alcohol and a daily gratuity are extra.
From $175 per personChecked October 2026Best summer cruise
Holland America Line, Any Alaska ship
Why: Alaska is the region that needs summer, and July is its warmest month. Holland America sails six mid-size ships from Seattle, Vancouver and Whittier, with Glacier Bay on many sailings.
Watch out: July is the most expensive part of the Alaska season. The crowd is older and evenings are quiet, so teenagers may want Royal Caribbean or Norwegian.
From $564 per personChecked October 2026Best summer cruise with young children
Disney Cruise Line, Disney Wonder or Disney Magic (Alaska), Disney Wish (Europe)
Why: In summer 2027 Disney Wonder and Disney Magic sail Alaska round trips from Vancouver, and Disney Wish spends its first season in Europe, sailing from Barcelona, Civitavecchia and Southampton. Other ships stay on Bahamas and Caribbean routes.
Watch out: The highest fares of the family lines, and Disney rarely discounts. Summer weeks cost the most.
From $2,525 per personChecked October 2026Best summer cruise from the Northeast
Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Luna (from New York)
Why: Bermuda in summer has air around 85°F and water at 82 to 84°F, and you don't need a flight. Norwegian has the biggest 2027 program, from New York, Boston and Philadelphia, and says every Bermuda sailing stays overnight at the Royal Naval Dockyard.
Watch out: July and August are the busiest weeks. Many restaurants cost extra.
From $449 per personChecked October 2026Best Eastern Mediterranean summer cruise
Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Infinity (from Athens)
Why: Celebrity Infinity spends summer 2027 on 7- to 12-night Greek Isles and Turkey routes from Athens, and Celebrity Ascent sails the eastern Mediterranean from Rome. Good food and an adult crowd.
Watch out: Greece in July and August is hot and crowded, and the meltemi wind can make tender ports choppy. June and September are easier.
From $905 per personChecked October 2026
Spring break cruises: where to go
In March the Caribbean and Mexico are in their dry season, so the weather is rarely the problem. The choice is how long you have and where you can board.
- Three to five nights: the Bahamas. The shortest and cheapest spring break cruise, and the busiest with students and families. Our short cruise guide compares the ships.
- Seven nights: the Western or Eastern Caribbean. Western routes go to Cozumel, Roatán, Jamaica and Grand Cayman and usually cost a little less. Eastern routes are covered below.
- From the West Coast: Baja and the Mexican Riviera. Short trips to Ensenada and 7-night sailings to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta leave from Long Beach and Los Angeles. See our Mexico cruise guide.
- From the Gulf Coast: New Orleans and Mobile. Western Caribbean trips from New Orleans save a flight to Florida. Carnival Spirit sails from Mobile until late March 2027, mostly on 6- and 8-night Bahamas trips, and there is no ship there in April.
- From the Northeast: go south, not to Bermuda. Bermuda’s air is around 72 to 76°F in April and the sea is cool for swimming. For a beach in March, pick a longer Caribbean or Bahamas sailing from New York or Baltimore.
Our March 2027 and April 2027 guides rate every region for those months. Families should also read our family cruise picks.
Eastern Caribbean cruise: the classic spring break week
An Eastern Caribbean cruise visits St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, San Juan in Puerto Rico and often Antigua or Tortola, usually with a stop at a Bahamas private island. Royal Caribbean sells its Eastern Caribbean cruises as 6- to 11-night round trips from Florida or New York and describes the region as best for beach days, history and culture.
- Length. A 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Florida has three or four ports and two or three sea days. From New York, allow more nights.
- Eastern or Western Caribbean cruise? Eastern for beaches, shopping and old forts. Western for Mayan ruins, reefs and usually a lower fare. Our Caribbean cruise guide compares the two, and the Southern route, in full.
- Eastern Caribbean cruise ports. San Juan is the one to plan for, because most ships tie up on the edge of Old San Juan and you can walk to the forts; see our San Juan port guide.
- Lines. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, Princess, Norwegian, MSC and Disney all sail the route. Disney Treasure runs 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises in 2027.
| Departs | Line and ship | Nights | Itinerary | From | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 28, 2027 | Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Beyond | 7 | 7 Night St. Thomas & St. Kitts Cruise (from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida) | $788 | Check price |
Spring break cruise safety and rules
The rules that catch people out are about age, and they are enforced at the pier.
- Royal Caribbean. On sailings from North America, no guest under 21 is given a stateroom without an adult of 21 or older in the same room. The exceptions are children whose parents are in a connecting, adjacent or across-the-hall room, married couples and active-duty U.S. or Canadian military. The drinking age is 21 on North American and Caribbean sailings, and at Perfect Day at CocoCay.
- Carnival. A guest under 21 on embarkation day counts as a minor and must travel with a relative or guardian who is at least 25. Under the policy in force from October 1, 2026, children of 14 and under share a stateroom or a connecting one, guests of 15 to 20 must be within three staterooms, and a group needs one adult chaperone for every five minors. Married guests and qualifying military personnel of 18 to 20 are exempt. The drinking age on board is 21.
- Norwegian. Every stateroom needs at least one occupant who is 21 or older. Norwegian reminded spring break guests in March 2026 that guests of 18 to 20 may drink beer and wine only with a parent’s signed consent.
- Virgin Voyages. Adults only: nobody under 18 sails.
Some practical points for any spring break sailing:
- Carry the documents the line asks for. A group that fails the age rule can be refused boarding.
- If a child is traveling without one or both parents, Carnival recommends a signed letter from the absent parent or guardian.
- Agree a meeting place and a time with teenagers before they go off on the ship.
- In port, stay in a group, use the ship’s excursions or a licensed operator, and be back well before all-aboard time. The ship does not wait.
- Drink water in the sun and watch your drink in bars ashore, as you would anywhere.
Adults who want a week without the spring break crowd should look at our adults-only cruise picks, or pick a route of 10 nights or more.
Summer cruises: where to go
Summer is when the cold-water regions open, and that is where the season is worth the fare.
- Alaska cruise in summer. The season runs from late April to late September, and July is the warmest month, with Juneau averaging 52 to 63°F. Fares peak in July; June has fewer families. See our Alaska cruise guide and the best cruise lines for Alaska.
- Northern Europe. Norway, Iceland and the Baltic are cool and light late into the evening. The midnight sun ends in mid- to late July in northern Norway. See our Northern Europe guide.
- Bermuda. Beach season from June to September, on round trips from New York, Boston and Baltimore. See our Bermuda cruise guide.
- Eastern Canada and New England. Summer sailings cost less than the fall foliage weeks, and late August is the value pick. See our Canada and New England guide.
- The Mediterranean. In season, but hot, busy and at its most expensive. An Eastern Mediterranean cruise takes in the Greek islands, Turkey and often Croatia; our Greece guide and Europe guide explain why June and September are easier.
- The Caribbean and Bahamas. Hot, busy with families and often cheaper than March. Hurricane season has started, but most storms come later, so June and July carry less risk than late August.
Our month guides go deeper: June, July and August 2027.
Disney cruise summer 2027
Disney released its summer 2027 sailings in February 2026, so every date is on sale.
- Alaska. Disney Wonder sails 7-night round trips from Vancouver from May to mid-September, and Disney Magic joins it with 6-, 7- and 8-night trips. Details are in our Disney Alaska guide.
- Europe. Disney Wish sails 3- to 10-night cruises from Barcelona, Civitavecchia and Southampton from late April to September.
- Bahamas and Caribbean. The other ships sail from Port Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale all summer.
Our Disney cruise 2027 guide lists where every ship sails.
How to pay less in peak weeks
- Move a few days. A sailing that leaves in the first days of March, or in the last week of August when many schools are back, usually costs less than mid-March or July.
- Drive to the port. Flights for four in a holiday week can cost as much as the cruise. The ports outside Florida are in our departure port guides.
- Book early for summer. Family cabins that sleep four or five tend to go first. Waiting for a late deal works better for couples; see our last-minute cruise guide.
- Compare the total. Add drinks, Wi-Fi and tips before you compare a low Carnival fare with a line that bundles them.
What to wear on a summer cruise
Keep it light. For a warm-water cruise, pack swimwear, a cover-up for walking through the ship, sun protection and something a little smarter for the main dining room in the evening. Norwegian’s spring break reminder asked guests to dress appropriately for each dining venue, and other lines expect the same. For Alaska, ignore the season and pack layers and a waterproof jacket; our July guide has the list.
Sample sailings
| Departs | Line and ship | Nights | Itinerary | From | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 5, 2027 | Royal Caribbean, Utopia of the Seas | 3 | 3 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise (from Port Canaveral, Florida) | $612 | Check price |
| Mar 6, 2027 | Royal Caribbean, Freedom of the Seas | 5 | 5 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise (from Miami, Florida) | $216 | Check price |
| Mar 6, 2027 | Royal Caribbean, Icon of the Seas | 7 | 7 Night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day (from Miami, Florida) | $1,184 | Check price |
| Apr 5, 2027 | Royal Caribbean, Wonder of the Seas | 4 | 4 Night Bahamas & Perfect Day Cruise (from Miami, Florida) | $488 | Check price |
| Departs | Line and ship | Nights | Itinerary | From | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2, 2027 | Royal Caribbean, Independence of the Seas | 5 | 5 Night Western Caribbean Cruise (from Miami, Florida) | $234 | Check price |
| Mar 8, 2027 | Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Firenze | 10 | Carnival Journeys - 10 Day Southern Cari (from Miami, Florida) | $664 | Check price |
| Mar 28, 2027 | Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Beyond | 7 | 7 Night St. Thomas & St. Kitts Cruise (from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida) | $788 | Check price |
| Mar 28, 2027 | Princess Cruises, Caribbean Princess | 12 | 12 Night Caribbean - Southern Cruise (from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida) | $634 | Check price |
| Departs | Line and ship | Nights | Itinerary | From | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 14, 2027 | Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Luminosa | 10 | 10 Day Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier (from San Francisco, California) | $1,229 | Check price |
| Jun 20, 2027 | Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Summit | 7 | 7 Night Alaska Dawes Glacier Cruise (from Vancouver, British Columbia) | $772 | Check price |
| Jun 22, 2027 | Explora Journeys, EXPLORA III | 10 | A Journey Through Glacial Majesty & Alaskan Spirit (from Vancouver, British Columbia) | $10,000 | Check price |
| Jun 24, 2027 | Virgin Voyages, Brilliant Lady | 7 | Alaska: Inside Passage & Glacial Fjords (from Seattle, Washington) | $686 | Check price |
| Aug 13, 2027 | Azamara, Azamara Pursuit | 13 | 13 Night Alaska Cruise (from Seward, Alaska) | $1,679 | Check price |
| Aug 15, 2027 | Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Summit | 7 | 7 Night Alaska Dawes Glacier Cruise (from Vancouver, British Columbia) | $515 | Check price |
| Aug 19, 2027 | Princess Cruises, Ruby Princess | 10 | 10 Night Alaska Cruise (from San Francisco, California) | $644 | Check price |
| Aug 20, 2027 | Royal Caribbean, Voyager of the Seas | 7 | 7 Night Alaska Adventure Cruise (from Seattle, Washington) | $476 | Check price |
| Aug 22, 2027 | Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Summit | 7 | 7 Night Alaska Hubbard Glacier Cruise (from Vancouver, British Columbia) | $628 | Check price |
| Departs | Line and ship | Nights | Itinerary | From | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 3, 2027 | Royal Caribbean, Vision of the Seas | 9 | 9 Night Bermuda & Bahamas Cruise (from Baltimore, Maryland) | $646 | Check price |
Spring break and summer cruise FAQ
When is the best time to book a spring break cruise?
As early as you can if you need a cabin for four or connecting rooms, because those tend to sell first. Peak weeks are the last place to count on a late deal.
Can college students go on a spring break cruise without parents?
Only if someone in the group is old enough. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian need an adult of 21 or older in each stateroom, and Carnival requires guests under 21 to travel with a relative or guardian of at least 25. Virgin Voyages takes anyone 18 or older.
Is a spring break cruise safe?
Ships set rules on age, alcohol and conduct, and lines such as Norwegian remind guests of them before spring break weeks. Ashore, you are on your own. Stay in a group, use licensed operators and be back before all-aboard time.
What is the best summer cruise?
Alaska or Northern Europe, because summer is the only time they are at their best. For a beach trip, Bermuda from the Northeast. The Mediterranean is in season but hot and crowded.
Is summer hurricane season in the Caribbean?
Yes. The Atlantic season runs from June 1 to November 30, with most activity between mid-August and mid-October. In June and July the risk is lower. Ships sail around storms, so the usual result is a changed port.
Are there cruises to Easter Island?
A few, on long voyages. Holland America’s 2028 Grand World Voyage calls there. Our world cruise guide has the details.
Sources
- Royal Caribbean: age policy (staterooms for guests under 21, drinking age by region)
- Cruise Hive: Carnival's minor guest policy from October 1, 2026 (October 2026)
- Carnival Cruise Line: FAQ (minimum drinking age, minors traveling without a parent)
- Cruise Hive: Norwegian reminds spring break guests of key rules (March 2026)
- Virgin Voyages: pre-voyage policies (minimum age 18)
- Royal Caribbean: Caribbean cruises (Eastern, Western and Southern ports and lengths)
- NOAA National Hurricane Center: tropical cyclone climatology (season dates and peak)
- The Old Farmer's Almanac: when is Easter (March 28, 2027)
- Travel Alaska (State of Alaska tourism): Alaska weather by month
- Go To Bermuda: Bermuda's monthly weather
- Norwegian Cruise Line newsroom: 2027 spring and summer deployment (Bermuda from New York, Boston, Philadelphia)
- Disney Parks Blog: Disney Cruise Line summer 2027 itineraries (February 2026)
- Holland America Line: 2027 Alaska season announcement
- Cruise & Sea: Celebrity's 2027–2028 Europe deployment by ship
- Holland America Line: 2028 Grand Voyages (Easter Island call)