Savvy travellers are choosing off-peak cruises - here's why you should too

From lower costs to smaller crowds, off-peak cruising has some serious advantages. Here's your complete region-by-region, season-by-season guide.

Peak Season: November to March

Shoulder Season: April, October

Winter Season: May to September

Carnival is the only year-round cruise line in Australia. Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises are good options in shoulder months. Crown Princess is based in Sydney most of the year. In winter, the Kimberley kicks off, but if you want to see the iconic waterfalls, go in March or April if you can handle the humidity, straight after the wet season; a couple of months later, there's barely a trickle. True North and Coral Expeditions are excellent local operators.

Peak Season: December to March, June to October

Shoulder Season: April, May

Off Season: N/A

Cruise-friendly islands such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji have wet seasons from November to April that are prone to hot, humid and rainy conditions, with tropical storms and potential cyclones. Ships may be diverted to other ports, but it's busy due to school holidays. The dry season is May to October when weather is best. Check for deals from Royal Caribbean, or consider fly-cruise options such as adults-only Blue Lagoon Cruises in Fiji, or Oceania Cruises and Windstar in Tahiti.

Peak Season: December to March

Shoulder Season: April, October, November.

Off Season: May to September

Our nearest international cruise destination is largely linked to the Australian season, as most NZ cruises start or end there. The crossing between the two countries can be rough, so come prepared with medication if you get seasick. October, November and April are good choices for off-peak exploring. The climate may be cool but this is prime time for hiking and wine-tasting. Celebrity Cruises, Viking, Princess and Azamara are good value for various budgets.

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Peak Season: June to August

Shoulder Season: April, May, September, October

Winter Season: November to March

When the summer crowds go away, locals come out to play. The transition from winter to spring is a sweet spot. September and October bring an autumn atmosphere of relief after Europe's summer months of overcrowding and often oppressive heat. Some businesses close but the open restaurants, bars and attractions will warmly welcome your dollars. November and December can be wet but will be warmest in Morocco, Malta, Greece and the Canary Islands. Christmas festivities are in full swing with in most European cities and villages. River cruises will be more expensive but ocean cruises are discounted. January and February are coldest but winter has its own serene, snowy charm. Fewer tours are offered and most are conducted by coach. Windstar has expanded its winter season, or try the year-round Viking, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celestyal Cruises.

Peak Season: June to August

Shoulder Season: April, May, September

Off Season: October to March

Alaskan ports are congested in summer so look at the "top and tail" months of April, May and September. Spring brings wildflowers, snow-capped mountains and migrating whales. Bears will also start appearing after the winter hibernation. The vibrant autumn landscape is lovely, and there may be a glimpse of Northern Lights if you sail north toward Fairbanks, but expect more rain and temperatures below 10 degrees. It's also the mating season for moose, muskoxen and caribou (reindeer). Holland America, Princess and Cunard are leaders in Alaska.

Peak Season: March, April, June to August

Shoulder Season: Late April to May, September to December

Winter Season: January to February

A quieter yet sunny period occurs before the holiday rush over Christmas and New Year. However, hurricane season starts in November, which may lead to rough seas and route diversions but the biggest discounts. Stick to the itineraries in the southernmost islands, which are less affected by storms. The winter off-season is also warm enough for a pleasant experience. If you like to party with young people, the American "spring break" is mid-March to mid-April. Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian dominate this region. For upscale, try Cunard or Seabourn.

Peak Season: Most of the year

Shoulder Season: May, September and early December

Off Season: N/A

Animals never hibernate on this archipelago, so it's a safe bet year-round. May, September and early December see the least tourism. In May, you can see the hatching of Galapagos green sea turtles on Floreana, Santiago and Espaola, and marine iguana eggs on Santa Cruz Island. Blue-footed boobies begin their mating dance on Seymour Island. In September, the dry season attracts more marine life and seabirds, and Galapagos penguins begin their courtship. By December, the landscape turns greener, giant tortoise eggs are hatching, and turtles and iguanas are mating. Silversea and Celebrity Cruises carry a maximum 100 passengers, while local companies have smaller boats.

Peak Season: June to August

Shoulder Season: May, September

Off Season: October to April

During the first shoulder season wildlife spotting is at its best, particularly for polar bears and grizzlies emerging from their winter dens, and caribou migrating to their summer habitat. Although the weather is colder, the mosquitos and gnats are not as prevalent. From mid-August to September, conditions are similar and best for spotting whales, walruses, seals, moose, muskoxen and Arctic foxes. Ponant, Hurtigruten and Heritage Expeditions have great itineraries.

Peak Season: December to February

Shoulder Season: Late October to November; March

Off Season: April to mid-October

For the most immaculate conditions, choose chillier November when the White Continent lives up to its nickname. Thousands of penguins will be returning from months at sea. However, not many whales turn up until January. By then, much of the snow is covered in orange droppings, which stink and spoil your photos. Humans disturb the environment, too, stomping deep footprints into the ice. If you don't mind the mess and love whales, go in March. Stick to small ships carrying under 100 passengers or the slightly bigger vessels from Aurora Expeditions and Lindblad Expeditions.

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