We are tentatively planning a Caribbean cruise in February; a friend and I are having a disagreement about whether seas will be calmer in the Gulf of Mexico or in the Caribbean Seas. Anyone have an idea? We just returned from a Mexican Riviera cruise where we had 2 chilly days with rough seas and are hoping to avoid it by going farther south!

Since no one has answered yet I'll tell you that our cruise last Feb. to the Western Caribbean out of Tampa was rough after we left the Gulf. We were delayed 2hrs getting off in Grand Cayman because of the waves and all water related excursions were cancelled.
Cozumel was rough taking the tender in as well.
But,that was last year, who can say what will be next year? It was very cool as well.

thanks for the info! Most of the posts I've seen have found the weather to be warm most of the time. I'm going to hope yours was an isolated icky-weather incident. We are probably going to embark in Ft Lauderdale rather than New Orleans or Galveston; hopefully, that will make a difference!

Like in all seas/countries, nobody can guarantee the sea and/or the weather..
for past statistics have a look at www.wunderground.com and keep your fingers corssed when you travel.!

The Western Caribbean can be rough, especially in the winter months from November to April. I've cruised that area in mid-November and it was rough. There are many good medications for sea sickness, like bracelets, ear patches, pills. If you get a stateroom on a higher deck, the rough seas make less impact. Also, apple juice and crackers, piece of bread settle the stomach, too. Your body does adjust to the rolling motion.

Best Regards,
Julia

We had a fairly rough cruise in late March between Jamaica and Grand Cayman one year. But then we also had an incredibly calm cruise another late March. So it really all depends on the year. What has proven to work really well for me in rough seas is ginger capsules. You can get them at Whole Foods or other similar store. I took 2 every 4-6 hours when we were out on the Great Barrier reef for 2 days in VERY rough seas on a small boat and had NO problems whatsoever.

Having just returned from the Mexican Riviera, I will tell you that you are likely to have much warmer weather in the Caribbean - especially at night. We noticed the difference in temperature, especially between Cabo and Los Angeles. So I think you will be pleased with your Caribbean cruise.