Calm seas, clear skies, and pleasant weather are what cruises in May are all about. Before the summer crowd rushes in, take an early break and bring out the inner traveler inside you. May is a great time for cruises for many reasons. In this blog, we have covered major cruise lines offering different itineraries for you. Read about amenities, departure ports, and parking.
MSC Cruises
May is a great time to book from MSC Cruises. They offer a variety of itineraries in May, and their biggest market is the Caribbean and Bahamas voyages. MSC has multiple cruise itineraries, from a short 3-day cruise to a grand 11-night Caribbean voyage.
| Top Destinations | Cruise Duration | Ships | Major Departure Ports |
| Caribbean & Antilles | 3 Nights to 11 Nights |
MSC Seashore, MSC Seascape
|
Miami and Port Canaveral |
Cruise amenities🍽️:
- Gym and pools
- West End-style theatre shows
- Specialty Restaurants
- Sports & Fitness
If you plan on embarking from Miami, then you can get the cheapest parking at the Port of Miami.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers wonderful itineraries departing from multiple ports, including Florida, California, and more. You can enjoy short 3-day cruises to long 11-night Caribbean cruises. For those seeking luxury, Celebrity offers cruises to Alaska, where you can enjoy mesmerizing views of glaciers.
| Top Destinations | Cruise Duration | Ships | Major Departure Ports |
| Grand Cayman, Jamaica & Bahamas, and Alaska Dawes Glacier | 3 Nights to 11 Nights |
Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Silhouette
|
Cape Liberty, Miami, Seattle |
Cruise amenities🍽️:
- Tuscan Restaurant
- The Sunset Bar
- Rooftop Garden
- Sports & Fitness
- The Lawn Club
For the cheapest parking, check out the Cape Liberty Cruise Port Parking
Royal Caribbean
May is when things start to pick up for Royal Caribbean. The holiday crowd has started to grow, and with more than 20 ships, Royal Caribbean is busy in May. It doesn’t matter if you are planning a cruise with your friends or family—Royal Caribbean offers multiple cruises in May.
| Top Destinations | Cruise Duration | Ships | Major Departure Ports |
| Caribbean islands, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda | 3 Days to 13 Days |
Mariner of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Icon of the Seas
|
Boston, New York, Miami, Florida, Washington |
Cruise amenities🍽️:
- Broadway-style shows
- Live music
- Water slides
- Fitness center
- Chops grille
- 150 Central Park
For the most budget-friendly parking, check out Manhattan Cruise parking
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line primarily offers cruise service to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, and Alaska in May. To get the most luxurious suites, it is best to pre-book. From quick 2-day cruises to longer 9-day cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line caters to the needs of many cruise lovers.
| Top Destinations | Cruise Duration | Ships | Major Departure Ports |
| Caribbean islands, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda | 2 Days to 9 Days |
Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Aqua
|
Boston, New York, Miami, Florida, Washington |
Cruise amenities🍽️:
- Aqua Park
- Epic Theatre
- Headliners Comedy Club
- Mandara Spa & Salon
Carnival Cruises
With summer season approaching, cruise lovers quickly start to book their tickets to the nearest destination: Mexico. Carnival Cruises is widely known for offering multiple itineraries to Mexico in May. They also have a special 14-day cruise from Baltimore to Canada and Greenland.
| Top Destinations | Cruise Duration | Top Ships | Major Departure Ports |
| Mexico, Bahamas, Greenland, Canada, Caribbean | 3 Days to 14 Days |
Carnival Firenze, Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Sunrise
|
Miami, Jacksonville, Galveston, Los Angeles |
Cruise amenities🍽️:
- Table games
- Pickleball
- Art exhibitions
- Mini Golf
- Art auctions
You may also like Carnival Cruise Tips: How to Save Money, Time, and Stress
Holland America Line
Imagine stepping aboard a majestic vessel that will take you to the most beautiful destinations. This is exactly what Holland America Line is offering in its May cruises. Canada and Alaska are the two major destinations for May cruises. They also have a special 33-day grand voyage from Amsterdam to Fort Lauderdale.
| Top Destinations | Cruise Duration | Top Ships | Major Departure Ports |
| Canada, Alaska | 1 Day to 33 Days |
Zuiderdam, Noordam, Volendam
|
Fort Lauderdale, Boston, San Diego, Seattle |
Cruise amenities🍽️:
- Fitness Center
- Art Auctions
- Casino
- Beauty Salon/Spa
What to Bring for May Cruises
It is essential to carry a few important documents, such as your passport, before your journey. Make sure you check your cruise line’s specific guidelines and recommendations for anything they may provide or require.
Here is a list of things to carry on a cruise trip in May:
- Light t-shirts, shorts, swimsuits
- Sunscreen
- Travel adapter
- Credit/Debit cards
- Medications
- Sunglasses and a hat for protection
- Travel Insurance
- Laundry bag
You may also like: What to Pack for a Cruise
Why Is May a Good Time for a Cruise?
Off-peak season: May falls before the summer vacation season, and cruise lines often offer lower prices than during peak summer months.
Excursion activities: The warm weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, hiking, zip-lining, and city tours.
Multiple itineraries: May is a great time for cruising, as multiple itineraries offered by top cruise lines suit your needs. You can visit the Caribbean islands, Bermuda, and the Bahamas, and you can even explore Alaska.
You may also like: When Is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean?
Commonly Asked Questions
Is May a good time to cruise?
May is a great time to cruise as it comes right before the peak season, which makes it affordable and less crowded.
Where do cruises go in May?
Cruises usually go to the Caribbean islands, the Bahamas, and Bermuda. To learn more, check with the specific cruise line.
Do you need a passport for cruises?
For certain countries, your passport is mandatory as proof of ID, and it is strongly recommended that you carry it.
Is the Caribbean Sea rough in May?
In May, the seas are usually calm and have pleasant weather.
Is it safe to cruise in May?
May is generally safe to cruise as there is a low risk of storms and rough seas. Also, the crowd is smaller, giving you more privacy.
