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The 3 Most Undervalued Robotics Stocks to Buy in April 2024 – InvestorPlace

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AI led the stock market to unprecedented heights last year, beckoning interest in complementary technologies such as robotics. Thanks to game-changing advancements in AI and automation technology, the robotics space is evolving swiftly. Consequently, these developments effectively pave the way for investors to scout for the most undervalued robotics stocks to buy in April.

To be fair, the development of Robotic AI hasnt been at the same pace at which generative AI or branches of the technology are growing. Nevertheless, the sector has been showing remarkable progress, and AI can potentially take things up a few notches. Improvements in robot durability and functionality are a testament to what lies ahead. That said, three stocks are leading the charge in robotics, offering strong long-term upside potential.

Source: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com

Intuitive Surgical(NASDAQ:ISRG) is a force to be reckoned with in the fast-growing robotic-assisted surgical solutions industry. Its primary offering, the da Vinci Surgical System, facilitates minimally invasive operations with greater accuracy and agility.

Moreover, the da Vinci Surgical System has been a major needle-mover for ISRG, facilitating upwards of 13 million surgical procedures. Its incredible impact on the company can be seen in the 234% jump in sales to $7.1 billion from 2014 to last year. Also, its steady income streams have had a similar impact on its eye-catching bottom-line numbers.

ISRG has been killing it by posting strong numbers late despite operating in an unconducive market. It comfortably beat analyst estimates in three out of the four past quarters across both lines by considerable margins. In its most recent quarterly report, revenues were up to $1.93 billion, a 16.51% increase on a year-over-year (YOY) basis. Likewise, net income came in at an impressive $606.2 million, beating expectations by more than 85%. Additionally, with an aging population, expect ISRG to continue posting similar numbers for the foreseeable future.

Source: Michael Vi / Shutterstock.com

Defense solutions providerKratos(NASDAQ:KTOS) is a critical cog in the wheel, driving innovation through its robust product portfolio. It specializes in the development of modern military operations and the deployment of unmanned systems.

These products are effectively designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations. Over the years, it has been an excellent wealth compounder, delivering more than 136% gain in the past decade. The impressive uptick in its price is linked to its spectacular growth in top-and-bottom-line results, marked by double-digit gains across key metrics. Moreover, recent results have been a visual treat for its investors, with it outperforming estimates across both lines in the past seven consecutive quarters.

Furthermore, as a recent article from my fellow InvestorPlace colleague, Larry Ramer, explains, Kratos has recently inked some massive contracts from the U.S. government. Perhaps the most noteworthy is its $579 million deal with the U.S. Space Force. Additionally, in March alone, it received contracts exceeding $550 million in value from the Pentagon.

Source: Daniel J. Macy / Shutterstock.com

ABB(OTCMKTS:ABBNY) is a top pick in the burgeoning industrial automation, leveraging AI to push the envelope in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) industry. ABBNY stock got a strong AI-powered boost in the stock market last year,gaining over 34%.

According to ABB, roughly 20% of the data produced by industrial entities undergoes analysis and an even smaller fraction results in actionable insights. Hence, it is looking to pounce on this underserved market with its power Genix software, which harnesses AI for industrial analytics, aiming to unlock valuable insights for its customers.

Despite AIs disruptive impact, ABB doesnt solely rely on its software analytics business. It runs a diversified operation providing robotics, automation, electrification, and motion products globally. Moreover, given the diversity in its revenue base, it operates a highly consistent business thats been exceptionally profitable across key metrics. On top of that, it offers a growing dividend,yielding over 2.1%.

On the date of publication, Muslim Farooque did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com Publishing Guidelines.

Muslim Farooque is a keen investor and an optimist at heart. A life-long gamer and tech enthusiast, he has a particular affinity for analyzing technology stocks. Muslim holds a bachelors of science degree in applied accounting from Oxford Brookes University.

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The 3 Most Undervalued Robotics Stocks to Buy in April 2024 - InvestorPlace

AI is More Than ChatGPT: It is a Ticking Time Bomb for Women – Torch – St. John’s University

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Photo Courtesy / Unsplash Melanie Wasser

In recent months, image-based sexual abuse has been on the rise due to alternative intelligence (AI) mainly targeting high-profile women. It also imposes an increased risk to the LGBTQ+ community, sex workers and women everywhere. A 2023 UPenn article on the rise of deepfake porn says, Broadly speaking, minoritized women and femmes are more likely to experience image-based sexual abuse, as are single people and adolescents. LGBTQ populations are also at increased risk of harassment.

There are currently four states that created laws based on image-based sexual abuse. But with the growth of the internet, now more than anything what society needs is protection of the most vulnerable. When 14 year old Mia Janine takes her own life as a result of bullying and her face being placed onto the bodies of porn stars, it makes me fear what AI could do next.

What do we turn to when we see our own faces reflected back at us on the news and social media? When one girl dies or is faced with an inconceivable amount of tragedy, all girls watching stand as testaments to her pain.

We turn on the news and see our politicians arguing for more law enforcement and to lock people up in prisons overflowing with blue-collar criminals. But there is something about the politics of it all that makes my stomach turn and keep me from making eye contact with the girls face staring back at me, especially knowing that the politicians raising their voices only comes from a sense of inherent whiteness and lack of acknowledgement for women of color.

In order to stop these things from happening, the culture around womens existences must shift. Image-based sexual abuse is an example of the continual affects AI pornography can have on generations of people. If boys grow up believing that behavior like this is okay, what will stop them from using it to harm the women that they know? The cycle continues.

This is not a call for more policing or for longer prison sentences when tragedy does strike, this is a call for accountability. For resources available to victims and perpetrators, for laws to be created to catch crimes before they increase.

Resources can include community-led programs about sexual assault prevention and affordable therapy for people dealing with the effects of abuse and assault on their lives. More than anything, this is a call to see one less smiling girls eyes staring into mine, knowing that she died and nothing can be done to save her. Knowing that I cannot reach into my screen and pull her out.

These girls are suspended in time for me as the same age they were when they died. When the boys mugshot appears on the screen, I try to imagine what he was like as a child and what happened down the line for everything to go so wrong for him.

Social media, Deepfake images and an entire world of systemic, personal and institutional oppression fosters a world where the most heinous thoughts are validated. In order to be here for our women, we need to start with our boys.

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AI is More Than ChatGPT: It is a Ticking Time Bomb for Women - Torch - St. John's University

The Future of Censorship Is AI-Generated – TIME

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The brave new world of Generative AI has become the latest battleground for U.S. culture wars. Google issued an apology after anti-woke X-users, including Elon Musk, shared examples of Google's chatbot Gemini refusing to generate images of white peopleincluding historical figureseven when specifically prompted to do so. Gemini's insistence on prioritizing diversity and inclusion over accuracy is likely a well intentioned attempt to stamp out bias in early GenAI datasets that tended to create stereotypical images of Africans and other minority groups as well women, causing outrage among progressives. But there is much more at stake than the selective outrage of U.S. conservatives and progressives.

How the guardrails" of GenAI are defined and deployed is likely to have a significant and increasing impact on shaping the ecosystem of information and ideas that most humans engage with. And currently the loudest voices are those that warn about the harms of GenAI, including the mass production of hate speech and credible disinformation. The World Economic Forum has even labeled AI-generated disinformation the most severe global threat here and now.

Ironically the fear of GenAI flooding society with harmful content could also take another dystopian turn. One where the guardrails erected to keep the most widely used GenAI-systems from generating harm turn them into instruments of hiding information, enforcing conformity, and automatically inserting pervasive, yet opaque, bias.

Most people agree that GenAI should not provide users a blueprint for developing chemical or biological weapons. Nor should AI-systems facilitate the creation of child pornography or non-consensual sexual material, even if fake. However, the most widely available GenAI chatbots like OpenAIs ChatGPT and Googles Gemini, prevent much broader and vaguer definitions of harm that leave users in the dark about where, how, and why the red lines are drawn. From a business perspective this might be wise given the techlash that social media companies have had to navigate since 2016 with the U.S. presidential election, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the January 6th attack on the Capitol.

But the leading GenAI developers may end up swinging so far in the direction of harm-prevention that they end up undermining the promise and integrity of their revolutionary products. Even worse, the algorithms are already conflicted, inconsistent, and interfere with users' ability to access information.

Read More: AI and the Rise of Mediocrity

The material of a long dead comedian is a good example of content that the worlds leading GenAI systems find harmful. Lenny Bruce shocked contemporary society in the 1950s and 60s with his profanity laden standup routines. Bruce's material broke political, religious, racial, and sexual taboos and led to frequent censorship in the media, bans from venues as well as to his arrest and conviction for obscenity. But his style inspired many other standup legends and Bruce has long since gone from outcast to hall of famer. As recognition of Bruce's enormous impact he was even posthumously pardoned in 2003.

When we asked about Bruce, ChatGPT and Gemini informed us that he was a groundbreaking comedian who challenged the social norms of the era and helped to redefine the boundaries of free speech. But when prompted to give specific examples of how Bruce pushed the boundaries of free speech, both ChatGPT and Gemini refused to do so. ChatGPT insists that it can't provide examples of slurs, blasphemous language, sexual language, or profanity and will only share information in a way that's respectful and appropriate for all users. Gemini goes even further and claims that reproducing Bruce's words without careful framing could be hurtful or even harmful to certain audiences.

No reasonable person would argue that Lenny Bruce's comedy routines provide serious societal harms on par with state-sponsored disinformation campaigns or child pornography. So when ChatGPT and Gemini label factual information about Bruce's groundbreaking material too harmful for human consumption, it raises serious questions about what other categories of knowledge, facts, and arguments they filter out.

GenAI holds incredible promise for expanding the human mind. But GenAI should augment, not replace, human reasoning. This critical function is hampered when guardrails designed by a small group of powerful companies refuse to generate output based on vague and unsubstantiated claims of harm. Instead of prodding curiosity, this approach forces conclusions upon users without verifiable evidence or arguments that humans can test and assess for themselves.

It is true that much of the content filtered by ChatGPT and Gemini can be found through search engines or platforms like YouTube. But both Microsofta major investor in OpenAIand Google are rapidly integrating GenAI into their other products such as search (Bing and Google search), word processing (Word and Google Docs), and e-mail (Outlook and Gmail). For now, humans can override AI, and both Word and Gmail allow users to write and send content that ChatGPT and Gemini might disapprove of.

But as the integration of GenAI becomes ubiquitous in everyday technology it is not a given that search, word processing, and email will continue to allow humans to be fully in control. The perspectives are frightening. Imagine a world where your word processor prevents you from analyzing, criticizing, lauding, or reporting on a topic deemed harmful by an AI programmed to only process ideas that are respectful and appropriate for all.

Hopefully such a scenario will never become reality. But the current over implementation of GenAI guardrails may become more pervasive in different and slightly less Orwellian ways. Governments are currently rushing to regulate AI. Regulation is needed to prevent real and concrete harms and safeguard basic human rights. But regulation of social mediasuch as the EUs Digital Services Actsuggests that regulators will focus heavily on the potential harms rather than the benefits of new technology. This might create strong incentives for AI companies to keep in place expansive definitions of harm that limit human agency.

OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman has described the integration of AI in everyday life as giving humans superpowers on demand. But given GenAI's potential to function as an exoskeleton of the mind, the creation of ever more restrictive guardrails may act as digital osteoporosis, stunting human knowledge, reasoning, and creativity.

There is a clear need for guardrails that protect humanity against real and serious harms from AI systems. But they should not prevent the ability of humans to think for themselves and make more informed decisions based on a wealth of information from multiple perspectives. Lawmakers, AI companies, and civil society should work hard to ensure that AI-systems are optimized to enhance human reasoning, not to replace human faculties with the artificial morality of large tech companies.

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The Future of Censorship Is AI-Generated - TIME

Russia likely to menace NATO Eastern Flank in ‘three to five years,’ Kallas tells UK daily – ERR News

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Europe has between three and five years to prepare a resurgent Russian military as a serious threat to NATO's eastern flank, including Estonia's eastern border, Kaja Kallas told British daily The Times.

"Our intelligence estimates it to be three to five years, and that very much depends on how we manage our unity and keep our posture regarding Ukraine," the prime minister told The Times.

"What Russia wants is a pause, and this pause is to gather its resources and strength. Weakness provokes aggressors, so weakness provokes Russia," she added.

Kallas conceded that it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain NATO unity, with signs of war fatigue present in several western nations, and the possibility of Donald Trump returning as U.S president, which would undermine NATP deterrence, the paper wrote.

"It's becoming harder [to maintain unity] all the time because the topics are getting harder as well," Kallas added.

"We are all democracies, and in democracies you have domestic problems that kick in and the war has been going on for some time so that it sort of becomes wallpaper," the prime minister continued, adding that it is nonetheless the obligation of leaders to continued to explain why Ukraine must be supported and must triumph, for the sake of all of Europe's security.

In the longer term, NATO needs to to adopt a Cold War-style "containment" strategy towards Russia, Kallas added, with defense spending of 2.5 per cent of GDP per year as a baseline minimum for western nations.

A report by the Foreign Intelligence Service (Vlisluureamet) which Kallas had cited says Moscow regarded Estonia as among the most vulnerable parts of the NATO alliance and thus the most likely location for any potential attack.

This is the case even with Russia's losses in its invasion of Ukraine so far estimated at up to 300,000 casualties, while irredentism and never having had to take responsibility for past atrocities being among the driving forces of Russian aggression.

The rest of the interview deals with a recent spate of disruption to GPS navigation across the southern Baltic Sea, which Kallas has said was likely conducted or at least caused by Russia Kallas was the first NATO leader to suggest this, shortfalls in relation to NATO capabilities LINK, and different theorized windows of time which Russia might require to rebuild its military fully after the Ukraine war.

As noted Kallas put this time-frame at around five years, while other estimates have put the figure at up to nine years.

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Russia likely to menace NATO Eastern Flank in 'three to five years,' Kallas tells UK daily - ERR News

DeepSouth: A Revolutionary Supercomputer for Simulating the Human Brain | 2024 Launch – Medriva

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In an ambitious leap forward in computational neuroscience, a supercomputer designed to simulate the entire human brain is set to become operational in 2024. This cutting-edge development, named DeepSouth, holds the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the human brain and advance the field of neuroscience.

Set to switch on in 2024, DeepSouth is the worlds first supercomputer capable of simulating networks at the scale of the human brain. Using a neuromorphic system that mimics biological processes, it can perform a staggering 228 trillion synaptic operations per second. This system is purpose-built to operate like networks of neurons, demanding less power and facilitating greater efficiencies. The supercomputer is a collaboration between Western Sydney University, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Aachen in Germany.

This unprecedented development is expected to lead to significant advances in smart devices, sensors, and AI applications. But perhaps the most profound impact of DeepSouth will be its contribution to our understanding of the healthy and diseased human brain. By replicating the brains neural network and cognitive functions, the supercomputer paves the way for groundbreaking insights into brain disorders and neurological conditions.

DeepSouth is not the only attempt at creating a biological computer. Researchers worldwide are exploring the possibility of building computers powered by actual brain cells. Such advancements could potentially create a cyborg brain vastly more powerful than our own. The hope is to better understand how brains can use such little power to process vast amounts of information.

DeepSouth is part of a larger initiative known as the Human Brain Project. This multinational collaboration aims to simulate the entire human brain by 2024. The goal is to delve deeper into the brains functions and develop new treatments for brain-related diseases. This ambitious project has garnered significant attention from the scientific community and offers a promising direction for future research.

In conclusion, the advent of a supercomputer capable of simulating the entire human brain signals a new era in neuroscience and AI research. As we await the operational launch of DeepSouth in 2024, the scientific community and the world at large watch with bated breath, eager to witness the revolutionary insights this development will bring to our understanding of the most complex organ in the human body. The future of neuroscience holds exciting possibilities and is poised for unparalleled growth and discovery.

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DeepSouth: A Revolutionary Supercomputer for Simulating the Human Brain | 2024 Launch - Medriva

The Degenerate’s Gambit: 2023 Week 15 NFL Gambling Lines with Tony – Football Absurdity

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Welcome back to The Degenerates Gambit! Once again, please remember that these articles are for fun, and while I love writing them and gambling on football, if you or someone you know is addicted and needs help, please get help or get help for them. The national helpline number is 1-800-522-4700.

Were here early this week, as Im trying to get all my writing, podcasting, and picks in before MY WEDDING on Saturday. The powers behind Big Wedding have conspired to have my nuptials in the first week of the fantasy playoffs, so while Ill be tying the knot with the love of my life, its also a great excuse to not have to sit through the Bengals and Vikings fumble their way around lost seasons. Truly a galaxy-brain decision on my fiancees part.

Selflessly, Ive decided that Im giving you a wedding gift for being a loyal degenerate: 4 banger picks for this weekends upcoming games.

The Colts rank incredibly high on Walker Kellys patented Chaosmeter. Im not sure of the statistical implications, but I do know that its incredibly easy to beat any team with Mitchell Trubisky under center. George Pickens is having a Stevie Johnson-level existential crisis every time he runs a route, the team is still determined to run Najee into dust, and they cant stop opposing offenses. A big Michael Pittman week awaits us, and the Colts walk away with a win.

Carolina is a bad football team, who couldve seen that one coming? At the same time, Arthur Smith is learning that maybe leading with a scheme that gets his best players the ball is worth running. Atlanta runs zone the most in the league, and Carolina gives up the second most yards to zone runs. Atlanta is a top 3 offense in red zone rush rate, and Carolina gives up the most rushes inside the 5 this season. Smash the Falcons -3, and take as many Bijan overs as you possibly can.

Baltimore should be the number-one seed in a fraudulent AFC this year when all is said and done. With that in mind, they tend to play down to the quality of their opponents. I think this can bite them in the ass and cost them that top seed, but I dont think that letdown happens in this game. Jacksonville is far from a complete team, and Trevor Lawrence at full health covers up a lot of shitty Press Taylor schematic issues. That said, TLaw isnt at full health and the Ravens defense is going to turn up the pressure. Baltimore should win this game handily.

Its my wedding weekend and I can bet on the Bears if I want to, so I will. The Joe Flacco story is truly one to behold, but at the same time this Browns defense is getting absolutely rocked with injuries and I believe in the Justin Fields/DJ Moore connection against the man coverage scheme that Cleveland utilizes extensively (the numbers agree with me). Injuries on the Bears defensive line are also not ideal, but the addition of Montez Sweat has completely turned this defense around. Joe Flacco should be under pressure all game, and the secondary has the ability to smother Amari Cooper. Im taking the Bears on the road, and hoping the win streak extends to 3.

Last Week: 1-2-1 Year to Date: 30-25-1 (3-11 Long Shot Plays)

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The Degenerate's Gambit: 2023 Week 15 NFL Gambling Lines with Tony - Football Absurdity

Chrystia Freeland definitely running in the next election amid Liberal freefall in polls – True North

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Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland confirmed her plans to run in the next federal election and even predicted a Liberal win.

Freeland, who has been a member of Parliament since 2013 and a member of Trudeaus cabinet since 2015, deflected questions about her ambitions for the Liberal partys leadership.

I am focused first and foremost on supporting Canadians right now, Freeland said in an interview with CTV.

Recent polling by Ipsosshows that 72% of Canadians think Trudeau should step down as party leader. Even 33% of Canadians who plan to vote Liberal want Trudeau to step down, up from 28% in September. Of all potential replacements, Freeland received the most positive reviews in the poll.

Freeland sidestepped the question but said the Liberals can absolutely win the next election.

I am also absolutely supporting our Prime Minister, who is leading our team doing a really, really great job, she added.

Freeland said that while journalists never believe her, her focus is not on the polls but her neighbours.

When you are put by your fellow Canadians in a position like mine, your job is to wake up every day and think, what are the problems people have? And what can I try to do today to make it better? Thats what I focus on, said Freeland.

Throughout the interview, Freeland discussed the economic challenges being faced by Canadians. She said that in her personal life, the thing that brings the challenge home to her most is that her church has a food bank every Wednesday, where the lines have been getting longer. True North previously reported that food banks across Canada were near a breaking point.

Facing questions about her political future after a decade in office, speculation had arisen about Freeland possibly pursuing an international role post-politics. However, when queried about these prospects, she firmly stated her intention to continue her political career in Canada.

Im definitely running in the next election. Up to my neighbours to decide whether I get re-elected, Freeland said.

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Chrystia Freeland definitely running in the next election amid Liberal freefall in polls - True North

The Caribbean’s Most Anticipated New Golf Course Is Open in Saint Lucia – Caribbean Journal

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Its the most anticipated new golf course in the Caribbean in decades: the 6,575-yard, Coore & Crenshaw-designed Point Hardy Golf Club at the northern tip of Saint Lucia.

The project, part of the Cabot Saint Lucia development, includes comfort stations, a food and beverage concept, a retail shop and sports courts. The plan is for a beach club, a clubhouse, wellness facilities and luxury residences currently in development.

Its the latest global development for Cabot, which has some of the most renowned courses in North America at its locations in Canada.

When I first saw the land that would become Cabot Saint Lucia, I knew it was the perfect canvas to create something truly awe-inspiring, saidBen Cowan-Dewar, CEO and Co-founder of Cabot. Opening Cabot Saint Lucia and Point Hardy Golf Club has been a dream come true, and I am honoured to work alongside the dedicated, creative and talented team whose vision and hard work brought us here today.

Its instantly one of the most striking courses in the Caribbean, with lush terrain, rocky cliffs and nine holes along the ocean.

That includes forced carries over jagged rocks and crashing waves on each of the final holes.

Its very possible that Cabot Saint Lucia is the most visually stunning piece of land we have ever worked with, saidBill Coore, co-principal of Coore & Crenshaw. It was a privilege to work with the Cabot team on this one-of-a-kind site, and Im incredibly proud of what weve accomplished. This project was truly a labor of love, and the initial feedback on this enchanting property as one of the worlds most sought-after golf destinations is very special to Ben and me.

Cabot says it has already sold more than $160 million in real estate at the project, which is now adding another phase.

While more amenities are in development, Cabot Saint Lucia has already added a wood-fired pizza truck curated by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Ester Ha.

As for the sports offering, there are Har-Tru tennis courts, two clay courts, four pickleball courts and basketball courts, too.

For more, visit Cabot Saint Lucia.

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The Caribbean's Most Anticipated New Golf Course Is Open in Saint Lucia - Caribbean Journal

When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean? – Cruise Hive

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Caribbean cruises can be booked throughout the entire calendar year, but the best time to visit is from December to April. If youre looking for the best deals, book a cruise between May and November.

This time frame overlaps hurricane season for a few weeks, but if youre willing to take the risk, you can find significantly more affordable prices for cruises, tours, and on-shore excursions.

Lets take a closer look at everything you need to know to book your Caribbean cruise at the time thats best for you.

To understand the best time to enjoy a cruise in the Caribbean, you first need to know how the seasons in the region work. Essentially, this tropical climate experiences two noticeably different seasons the dry season and the wet season. As you may have guessed, these two seasons revolve around the amount of precipitation the region experiences during different times of the year.

Given the unpredictability of Caribbean weather, the dry season does not have a specific start and finish date, but it generally runs from early November until late April. During this stretch, temperatures tend to be relatively mild, while precipitation is at an annual minimum.

During the first half of the dry season, you can expect daily average temperatures to range somewhere between 70 F and 80 F. This means you can enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine without risking the sweltering intensity of the summer heat.

During the back end of the dry season, meaning January until the end of April, average temperatures rise by a few degrees, but the skies usually remain clear.

When the dry season ends in late April, the wet season begins. May tends to be the informal beginning of the wet season, so temperatures increase alongside humidity levels.

The temperatures vary between the Southern Caribbean Islands, like St Lucia and St Vincent, and those in the Western Caribbean closer to the continental United States, like the Cayman Islands, St Maarten, or Jamaica, but you can expect the average daytime temperature to be around 91 F. As the name suggests, precipitation increases throughout the wet season, but showers are brief and sporadic during the first few months.

Once you reach July, you are at the very peak of the Caribbeans wet season, which means you can expect high temperatures, plenty of rain, and humidity levels that can be uncomfortable. During these mid to late summer months, the Caribbean is also at the greatest risk of experiencing tropical storms, multi-day rainfalls, and even hurricanes.

Given how the wet and dry seasons pan out, you are always better off booking your Caribbean cruise vacation during the calendars shoulder seasons, meaning late fall and early spring.

Read Also: When is the Best Time to Visit US Virgin Islands?

More specifically, you will want to favor the months of November and April when booking your trip. If you want to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms, we recommend April over November, but remember that November can be a pleasant time to enjoy a cruise in the region.

As you can tell from our breakdown of the wet and dry seasons, conditions tend to be at their most pleasant and calm right before the start of the wet season and shortly after it has concluded.

This gives you that perfect blend of warm and sunny weather while minimizing your risk of rainfall and severe storms. Nighttime temperatures are also pleasant during these months, rather than muggy and humid.

While there is always the risk of the occasional light rain shower when you are in the Caribbean, they tend to be fairly minimal during the late fall and early spring.

Beyond ensuring that you have a high chance of enjoying pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall, the shoulder seasons are also an excellent time to book your vacation because of the calmer sea conditions.

Even though modern cruise ships are all designed for stability and passenger comfort, it is always more pleasant to be a passenger when traveling through calm seas.

Not only does it minimize seasickness and that unpleasant rocking motion some passengers find irritating, but the Caribbean Sea and its numerous coastlines are most beautiful when the turquoise water is perfectly still.

The Caribbean Sea is usually relatively calm during late fall and early spring. As you can imagine, this helps ensure all passengers enjoy a smoother, more relaxing cruising experience.

While it is possible to enjoy a pleasant cruising experience in the Caribbean throughout the year, it is generally understood that cruising during a summer month is the riskiest.

When you book a cruise that sets sail between August and September, you almost guarantee that you will travel during the peak of the wet season. This is also when the CCaribbeanshurricane season is in full swing.

Temperatures can be warm and enjoyable, but many people find that the humidity can be unpleasant. Rain is also more frequent, which can makeexcursions and exploring portsof call far less enjoyable.

If you choose to travel during peak hurricane season, there is also the risk that a hurricane or serious tropical storm will disrupt your cruise vacation.

This can mean your itinerary can be disrupted, or the cruise line will be forced to cancel the voyage entirely. Whilethis outcome is fairly unlikely, it can be a concern for those who cannot delay their trip due to work commitments.

This is one of the reasons why Caribbean cruises during the summer tend to be relatively affordable. Not only is there a higher risk of rainfall and high humidity levels, but you also risk trip disruptions due to storms and hurricanes. With that said, due to the lack of demand, fewer Caribbean cruises set sail during this time of year, which can increase costs and level them out.

While it may surprise you, some of themost affordable monthsof the year to cruise the Caribbean are some of the most pleasant months to travel in the region.

Tickets for cruises that set sail between January and March are usually among the most affordable. This is because these months and those between them are when demand is high enough to warrant an increased number of cruise voyages, but they miss the most pleasant months of November and April.

In other words, plenty of cruise lines offer Caribbean voyages during this period, but demand is lower than during the peak travel months. This increases the chances of scoring anamazing Caribbean cruise deal.

If you want tokeep costs to a minimum, it is also worth noting that you should try to avoid booking your trip for days that land near major holidays, like the week between Christmas and New Years Eve. This is because demand increases, which usually translates to higher prices for cruise ship tickets. March break should also be avoided, as many families with children try to book during this week.

Most experienced Caribbean cruisers will tell you to avoid the middle of the wet season. We tend to agree with this advice, as it helps you avoid the most unpleasant Caribbean weather.

Regarding our top picks, we almost always point towards November and April, as they provide the least precipitation, the calmest waters, and plenty of sunshine. These are also some of the most expensive months to travel, so you may want to pick some other time during the dry season.

Ultimately, thebest time to cruisethe Caribbean depends on your personal budget and preferences. If you hope to enjoy a cruise during a less ideal month to celebrate a particular occasion or life event, book your trip and enjoy yourself!

While it is true that certain months are better than others when it comes to reducing your risk of rain storms and unpleasant temperatures, the Caribbean Sea is a year-round cruising destination. As long as you have realistic weather expectations and areprepared for your trip, you will enjoy yourself!

In other words, dont get bogged down in the details! Book when it makes the most sense for you and your loved ones.

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When is the Best Time to Cruise the Caribbean? - Cruise Hive