October cruises offer the perfect sweet spot for savvy Sailors seeking incredible value and ideal weather conditions. With summer crowds gone, October cruise deals provide access to stunning destinations like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond at unbeatable prices. Virgin Voyages delivers exceptional October cruise experiences featuring 70% off for the second Sailor, and fun cruise add-ons that will level up your vacation.
Why choose October for a cruise vacation?
October is often considered the hidden gem for taking a cruise vacation – offering the best of both worlds with fewer crowds and fantastic weather, as well as fantastic fall cruise deals. Fall cruises during October provide:
- Ideal Mediterranean temperatures ranging from 65-77°F (18-25°C) with sunny days and comfortable evenings.
- Perfect Caribbean conditions with temperatures between 82-90°F (28-32°C) and reduced hurricane activity.
- Significant savings with shoulder season pricing and exclusive October cruise deals.
- Smaller crowds at popular destinations and onboard activities provide more space to explore our award-winning ships.
- Stunning fall foliage on select itineraries like Canada & New England routes
Best October cruises for an epic fall vacation
Dodge the sweltering summer heat while still enjoying plenty of sunshine for deck lounging and shore excursions on a fall cruise in October. There are plenty of vacation options to choose from, and even themed Halloween cruises for October to bring out your best costume and your inner investigator with suspense on the high seas while on a True Crime Voyage.
New Cruise Ship, Fall Foliage, New England Cruises
This fall, be among the first to experience Virgin Voyages’ brand-new cruise ship, Brilliant Lady, on her MerMaiden Voyage from New York. As she makes her grand debut, you’ll cruise through New England and Canada, where vibrant fall foliage paints the coastlines in fiery reds, golds, and oranges—book your fall foliage cruise today and celebrate Brilliant Lady’s unforgettable New York debut.
Things to Know
Cruise Ship: Brilliant Lady
Embarkation Port: New York City Cruise Terminal
Ports of Call (Stops): Boston, East Port Main, Saint John, New Brunswick, Charleston
Cruise trip duration: 8-13 nights
Round Trip: Yes
Prices from: As low as $129 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)
Caribbean Cruises from Miami: Tropical Paradise in Fall
Exploring Caribbean Islands in October? It's one of the best times with temperatures remaining warm, and October cruise deals making adults-only luxury cruises way more affordable.
Things to Know
Cruise Ship: Valiant Lady
Embarkation Port: PortMiami
Ports of Call (Stops): Key West, Dominican Republic, Costa Maya, Cozumel (Playa del Carmen), Beach Club at Bimini
Cruise trip duration: 4-5 nights
Round Trip: Yes
Prices from: As low as $129 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)
Greek Island, Adriatic Sea Cruises
This October, experience the magic of the Greek Isles with Virgin Voyages’ fall sailings from Athens. Set against cooler breezes and fewer crowds, you’ll explore sun-drenched islands, whitewashed villages, and ancient ruins while indulging in all the luxury and flair Virgin Voyages is known for. Fall is the perfect season to uncover Greece’s beauty—book your Greek Isles cruise today and sail into an unforgettable cruise with relaxation & adventure.
Things to Know
Cruise Ship: Resilient Lady
Embarkation Port: Piraeus Port of Athens
Ports of Call (Stops): Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum, Mykonos
Cruise trip duration: 7-14 nights
Round Trip: Yes
Prices from: $250 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)
Rome & Barcelona Cruises
Set sail on an unforgettable adventure with Virgin Voyages’ cruises from Rome and Barcelona, where culture, cuisine, and coastline come together in the most indulgent way. From the historic landmarks of Rome and the vibrant streets of Barcelona to the sun-soaked Mediterranean islands beyond, every journey is a feast for the senses.
Things to Know
Cruise Ship: Scarlet Lady
Embarkation Port: Rome and Barcelona
Ports of Call (Stops): Tuscany, Ajaccio, Cannes, Casablanca, Madeira
Cruise trip duration: 7-14 nights
Prices from: $119 per Sailor per night (Prices are subject to change)
Find the Best Halloween Cruises for October:
Set sail on a spooktacular Virgin Voyages Halloween cruise from Miami to the Caribbean. Step aboard for a festive voyage filled with costume parties, themed cocktails, hauntingly good entertainment, and chic destinations that shine even brighter under the moonlight. —book your Caribbean Halloween cruise today.
- 15-Night Transatlantic Halloween Cruise from Barcelona to Miami
- This spooky season soirée departs from Barcelona, Spain, on a transatlantic journey to Miami.
- 5-Night Halloween Cruise from Miami to Cozumel & Bimini
- This 5-night excursion departs Miami and allows for a day of self-care, spooky surprises and on-board luxury while sailing to one of the most popular destinations for beach-goers and water-adventurer’s alike.
- 5-Night Halloween Cruise from Miami to Puerto Plata & Bimini
- This 5-night spooky-season scaring sailing departs from Miami and spends a day soaking up the sun on the way to the silver-fogged mountain tops and golden-sand beaches of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
- 4-Night Halloween Cruise from Miami to Key West & Bimini
- This 4-night halloween-themed Fire & Sunset Soirée departs from Miami and provides a full day at sea of self-care and on-board luxury before arriving at the brightly colored doors of your first port, Key West.
Deals & special offers for October Cruises
October cruise deals often include perks that aren't available during peak summer months – making your cruise budget stretch further while enjoying premium experiences.
Money-Saving October Cruise Tips:
- Book early for best cabin selection and pricing.
- Consider repositioning/transatlantic cruises as ships move between regions.
- Pack strategically for varying temperatures at different destinations.
- Take advantage of shoulder season shore excursion discounts.
- Bundle deals combining flights, hotels, and cruise add-on packages.
Best times to travel & celebrate in October
October is full of reasons to celebrate — and there’s no better way to do it than on a Virgin Voyages cruise. This October, make the most of these special days — book your cruise and turn milestones into memories at sea.
National Hair Day
Treat yourself to an onboard salon appointment at Dry Dock or Stubble & Groom. Get a festive style or glow-up while you cruise with Virgin Voyages. Perfect for selfies, nights out, and feeling polished throughout your cruise vacation, it's ideal for celebrating National Hair Day on October 1st.
International Coffee Day
We love International Coffee Day so much that you'll be able to enjoy included coffee experiences without having to splurge on a drink package. Sip your morning brew while you enjoy awesome views or unwind after dinner, sharing moment with loved ones or friends.
World Smile Day
World Smile Day on October 3rd is all about inclusiveness and joy. This is the perfect time to unplug, relax, meet new people, and let your smile shine while on a cruise vacation. Onboard entertainment, warm service, and shared laughter make every moment happy.
World Mental Health Day
Vacations aren’t just fun; they matter for your mental well-being. October’s cooler air, fewer crowds, and immersive escapes at sea give space to recharge, reduce stress, and come back refreshed.
United Nations Day
With crew and Sailors from around the globe, Virgin Voyages cruises are a microcosm of the global community. Celebrate the world’s cultures, cuisines, languages, and connections as you sail with crew from all over the world.
Have a Happy Birthday
If your birthday (or a loved one’s) falls in October, why not celebrate in style aboard a cruise ship, or while exploring multiple destinations? Sailings bring new scenery, special moments, maybe even onboard surprises — a birthday cruise or a family reunion cruise can create unforgettable moments.
Book your epic fall October cruise
October is the perfect time to set sail and celebrate life’s special moments. With fewer crowds, cooler weather, and seasonal savings, a fall cruise creates the ideal backdrop for unforgettable memories (and selfies).
Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or simply time together, sailing in October means exploring vibrant destinations, enjoying award-winning dining and entertainment, and indulging in the little luxuries that make every day at sea feel like a celebration that you never want to end. It’s not just a vacation—it’s a chance to make lasting memories with loved ones while experiencing the magic of autumn at sea.
