4 Best Places to Cruise in February: A Season to Romance

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If you’re looking to escape the winter chill or simply want a memorable getaway, February is an excellent month to cruise. With warm-weather destinations offering stunning landscapes and off-season perks, February cruises can be a fantastic way to kick off your travel adventures for the year. Cruising during Valentine’s Week adds a special touch of romance, particularly for couples seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. Let’s dive into some of the best places to cruise in February, why this month is perfect, and what makes these destinations stand out. 

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What Are the Best Places to Cruise in February? 

Several cruises set sail in February, but which one is the right fit for you? What are the top destinations to explore this month? Let’s dive in and discover the 4 best places to cruise in February.

Pro Tip: For those seeking the perfect moment to propose, there’s no better time or place than a Valentine’s cruise—romantic, unforgettable, and utterly enchanting. Who could possibly say no to that? 

The Caribbean

The Caribbean
Patrick Nouhailler from Genève, Suisse, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why in February? 

The Caribbean is one of the best places to visit in February. Though the Caribbean is excellent throughout the year, it is a dream in February! With temperatures between 75°F to 85°F, you’re treated to warm days and breezy evenings, which means it’s perfect for lounging on white-sand beaches or exploring vibrant local markets.

It is a perfect time for outdoor activities, including hiking and snorkeling. February falls squarely in the high season, which means you’ll experience the best weather without the oppressive summer humidity or hurricane concerns. Sure, it’s a popular time, crowded, and expensive, but the serene waters and lively culture make it all worthwhile. 

Western Caribbean

What are the popular places in the Western Caribbean? 

The Western Caribbean is the most popular Caribbean island. The popular places include Mexico (Cozumel, Costa Maya, Progreso), Belize, Honduras, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba. 

Popular Attractions & Activities 

  • Fishing, kayaking, and scuba diving 
  • Hiking & ziplining adventures 
  • Diving with sharks in Belize’s Shark Ray Alley 
  • Swimming with stingrays in Stingray City Sandbar on Grand Cayman 
  • Exploring Mayan Ruins 
  • Climbing Dunn’s River Falls 

Popular Departure Ports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Galveston. 

Eastern Caribbean 

What are the popular places in the Eastern Caribbean?

The Eastern Caribbean includes the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John), the British Virgin Islands (Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda), the French West Indies (St. Martin and St. Maarten), and the Dominican Republic. 

Popular Attractions & Activities in the Eastern Caribbean 

  • Popular for duty-free shopping 
  • Water sports include surfing, scuba diving, and snorkeling 
  • Hiking and ziplining 
  • Vising the historic Old San Juan 
  • Casinos and a vibrant nightlife  

Popular Departure Ports: Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Cape Canaveral. 

Southern Caribbean  

The Southern Caribbean is the least popular among the Caribbeans. However, it offers a diverse topography and a laid-back vibe, which makes it ideal for those who prefer a lesser crowd. It offers exotic views, soaring volcanoes, opulent rainforests, desert landscapes, and beaches. 

What are the popular places in the Southern Caribbean? 

The Southern Caribbean includes the French West Indies (Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Barts), Dominica, St. Lucia, Barbados, Aruba, Grenada, Curacao, Antigua, Bonaire, and St. Kitts/Nevis. 

Popular Attractions & Activities 

  • Activities include swimming, snorkeling, sightseeing, and shopping 
  • Explore the famous Hato Caves 
  • Visit the Rainforests of Dominica, the coastal villages of Barbados, the beaches of Aruba, and the coral reef in Curaçao and Aruba 
  • Explore the Dutch-influenced Curacao and the French-influenced islands of St. Barth’s and Martinique, consisting of dozens of sidewalk cafes, gourmet restaurants and boutiques 

Popular Departure Ports: Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Galveston, and New York. 

You may also like: When Is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?

The Bahamas

The Bahamas
caseyhelbling, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Bahamas offers a blissful escape, with average temperatures hovering around 77°F. February is part of the peak season here, but it’s also when you’ll find perfect weather conditions: not too hot and free from heavy rains. This is a good time for outdoor activities.

Nassau celebrates the Rum Festival from 24 to 26 February with dance, music, and authentic Bahamian rum. You can taste their variety of rums and authentic island cuisine if you are in Nassau at this time. The Bahamas is excellent for a short and sweet getaway with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. 

What are the Popular Places to Visit in the Bahamas? 

Nassau, Harbour Island, New Providence, The Exumas, Cat Island, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, The Abacos, San Salvador Island, Andros, Harbour Island, Eleuthera, and Long Island are some of the popular places to explore. 

Popular Attractions & Activities 

  • Visit Nassau for its historic charm, vibrant straw markets, and luxurious resorts. 
  • Relax on the powdery beaches of Exuma and Eleuthera 
  • Swim with pigs, yes, pigs, at Big Major Cay for a quirky and unforgettable experience 
  • Relax on the white sands of Nassau, explore the underwater world, and enjoy the vibrant nightlife 
  • Snorkel over coral reefs 

Other Places to See in the Bahamas 

  • Water Parks: Aquaventure Water Parks, Baha Bay Water Park 
  • Islands: Blue Lagoon Island 
  • Private Islands: Half Moon Beach, Disney Castaway Cay, and Coco Cay 
  • Queen’s Staircase 
  • Marine Habitat at Atlantis 
  • Beaches: Cabbage Beach, Pink Sands Beach, and Cable Beach 
  • Clifton Heritage National Park 
  • Popular Departure Ports: Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Port Canaveral 

You may also like: Best Time to Cruise to The Bahamas: All You Need to Know

Mexico

Cabo_San_Lucas_street
Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons 

Why February?

Mexico’s cruise destinations like Cozumel, Cabo San Lucas, and the Riviera Maya are perfect for a February getaway. With average temperatures ranging between 70°to 85°F, you can expect sunny days and cooler evenings.

February is considered a shoulder season in many Mexican ports, offering a balance of pleasant weather, slightly smaller crowds, and affordable rates compared to the peak season. Treat yourself to Mexican culture, enjoy delicious food, and relax on beautiful beaches. 

Popular Attractions & Activities 

  • Explore ancient Mayan ruins like Tulum or Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula 
  • Visit popular cities, including Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas  
  • Enjoy the beaches of Cozumel, Huatulco, and Costa Maya 
  • Treat yourself to the vibrant nightlife and authentic cuisine in Cabo San Lucas 
  • Go snorkeling in Cozumel’s vibrant coral reefs or take a tequila-tasting tour 
  • Visit historic temples, palaces, and ball courts in Kohunlich 
  • Visit the pilgrimage of San Gervasio in Cozumel 

Popular Departure Ports: Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Los Angeles, and Port Canaveral.

You may also like: Cruises in March 2025: All You Need to Know 

Panama Canal

Miraflores_Locks_Panama_canal_2
GameOfLight, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Why February?

February is one of the best months to experience a Panama Canal cruise. It’s the dry season in Central America, meaning less rain and more opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes fully. Temperature averages between 75°F and 90°F, making it warm but manageable. 

What are the popular places to visit in Panama? 

Panama City, Cartagena, Colón, and Gatun Lake are the must-visits. 

Popular Attractions & Activities 

  • Witness the Impressive engineering wonder of the canal itself as your ship passes through the iconic locks 
  • Explore rainforests and wildlife in Panama’s national parks 
  • Extend your itinerary to include stops in Costa Rica or Colombia for added adventure 
  • Visit rainforests, including Chagres National Park, Darién National Park, and Coiba National Park. 

Popular Departure Ports: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, and San Diego. 

Other Destinations to Cruise February

Australia and New Zealand 

February marks the tail end of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, which makes it an ideal time for cruises Down Under. Expect warm temperatures, beautiful beaches, and a variety of excursions, from exploring Sydney’s harbor to discovering the fjords of New Zealand. 

Southeast Asia

Other Best Places to Cruise in February are Southeast Asian destinations, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore. These places offer dry weather and temperatures.

Commonly Asked Questions 

What is the least popular Caribbean Island? 

The Southern Caribbean is the least popular of the Caribbeans. 

What is the most popular Caribbean to visit? 

The western Caribbean is the most visited in the Caribbean. 

What are the Bahamas most popular for? 

The Bahamas is known for its laid-back lifestyle, thriving culture, powdery beaches, and compelling history. 

What are the activities in the Caribbean? 

Enjoy pristine beaches and delicious Caribbean cuisine. Indulge in a variety of water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, surfing, windsurfing, parasailing, wakeboarding, and angling. For adventure enthusiasts, activities like hiking, ziplining, golfing, cycling, ATV or quad tours, mountain biking, and horseback riding offer endless excitement.

Final Thoughts

The best places to cruise in February are the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. These destinations offer the best weather and great outdoor excursions. There are also several events and festivals in February, including Caribbean carnivals and Lunar New Year festivities in Asia. Pack your sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat, and get set and sail into sunny skies! 

Fanny Dorris

Meet Fanny Dorris! She's been writing about her love for cars, travel, and lifestyle for over 5 years. Fanny's adventurous spirit takes her to new and exciting places all around the globe, where she enjoys exploring different cultures and trying out new cuisines. When she's not out and about, you can find Fanny whipping up some delicious treats in her kitchen, filling her home with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods.

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