Is It Safe to Cruise During Hurricane Season?
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It is important to buy insurance during hurricane season, and it should be done promptly. However, outside costs of the cruise, such as non-refundable hotel rooms or airfare with hefty change fees and booked tours or shore excursions outside of the cruise line, are not covered. It’s important to review the cruise contract and reservation details carefully to understand the policies and procedures in case of delays or cancellations. By being prepared and informed, passengers can confidently navigate any unexpected situations. In the days before the cruise, my mind was put at ease that we'd be able to sail thanks to his updates.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Booking A Cruise During Hurricane Season
I do not typically get seasick, but I experienced a slight queasiness during our most recent cruise. Our captain and crew did a fantastic job at steering around Hurricane Ian, but I definitely felt the ship’s motion more than normal. It didn’t get bad enough to where I needed to take medicine, but I was glad to have extra. As I planned this cruise I was most excited about the 2 days where plans went a little south due to weather. At the end of the day, I kept my mind on the fact that I was on a beautiful ship with my family and that someone else was doing the cooking and cleaning up. With dozens of cruise ports all around the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean being targets for hurricanes, if there is a storm then the chances are high that one or more ports will be affected.
How to Deal with Delays and Cancellations
While storms are a reality of life and can affect travel anytime during the year, cruise lines work extra hard during hurricane season to monitor any developing storms. They'll work to adjust itineraries if needed to keep everyone safe if a system does pop up. Hurricane season for cruises typically runs from June 1 to November 30. During this time, tropical storms and hurricanes are more likely to occur in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean. Travelers should also watch for special offers and lower prices for cruising during hurricane season. While booking a cruise at a lower price may be tempting, it’s important to consider the potential risks and understand the cruise line’s cancellation policy.
Why Cruising is Safe During Hurricane Season
But if you're playing the odds, one area that is known for seeing fewer storms on average is the southern part of the Caribbean. The southerly islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (common stops on Southern Caribbean itineraries), in particular, are far south of the typical hurricane track and experience few fall storms. That said, I told my husband I didn’t want to book another cruise during hurricane season. We moved a cruise we’d booked for September 2023 to later in the year, which increased the price of our cruise substantially. If you’re going to cruise during hurricane season, you must be able to trust these things and resign yourself to going with the (literal) flow and not knowing every step of how the sausage gets made. Start watching the weather forecast a week out and be informed but agree with yourself and your travel party to believe the cruise line has everyone’s best interest at heart.
Two Hurricanes Affecting Multiple Cruise Ships and Ports - Cruise Hive
Two Hurricanes Affecting Multiple Cruise Ships and Ports.
Posted: Tue, 29 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
What happens if I'm at sea and a hurricane hits? Will the cruise ship sail into a hurricane?
First, while it lasts for six months, the severity of hurricane season is limited for most of that time. Storms are most prevalent during a two month period from mid-August through mid-October. Cruising during hurricane season is generally safe, because your captains aren’t just going to sail you right into the eye of the storm.
The worst months to cruise the Caribbean - Royal Caribbean Blog
The worst months to cruise the Caribbean.
Posted: Tue, 20 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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Occasionally, you'll see cruises shortened or extended by a day or two or even three. Ian had hit land while we were out to sea and was traveling north, so we found another flight that avoided the direction of the storm. Our airline waived change fees for Ian-related travel, and we got a flight that worked better for us. If you have to stay in a hotel because of a canceled flight, make sure you’ve got the resources to be able to do so. Expect to pay more or to have to go further from the port/airport to find lodging. If a storm has hit land or if your port is under a storm watch/warning, your flight home might be delayed or canceled.
You aren't entitled to compensation for itinerary changes
All our itineraries were created with great consideration to provide both unparalleled experiences and quick evacuations in the event of an emergency. Not to mention, our ships are destinations in themselves, so guests can continue relaxing and exploring while on board and inside. When you sail with Princess, find peace of mind that your safety is always our top priority. As a general rule, cruise line passengers are not entitled to compensation for storm-related itinerary changes.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Caribbean is enormous in comparison to the size of a typical hurricane. The distance between Belize, on the western end of the Caribbean Sea, and the easternmost Leeward Islands is nearly 2,000 miles. The hurricane-force winds of a typical small hurricane, by contrast, extend just 25 miles out from its center. The hurricane-force winds from a large hurricane might extend as far as 150 miles from its center.
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You may find yourself completely charmed by the opportunity to visit a different Caribbean port and think of those captivating stories you’ll have to tell about the time your cruise ship was diverted during a storm. The peak of hurricane season occurs between mid-August and early November. The biggest challenge if a hurricane disrupts a cruise is finding alternate places to dock or anchor when ships' scheduled ports of call are threatened. Keep in mind that airports in these regions can also be affected by severe weather. Hurricanes in the Caribbean seasons are often easy to track, so finding a hurricane-free embarkation area should be simple.
Having a plan in place and understanding when hurricane season is in your desired destination(s) means you can enjoy your cruise stress-free. The latter situation can occur when a storm is forecast to pass between a ship and its home port around the time the vessel is scheduled to be heading home. The ship either will return to the home port early to arrive before the storm or stay out at sea for extra days to wait for the storm to pass. Make sure you know what happens to your money if your ship skips a port or your port day changes. Most independent tour companies require guests to pay in full upon booking. The most-asked questions centered on whether the cruise line would cancel.
While you should always hope for the best, it's important to plan ahead, too. There are a few things that you can do ahead of time to minimize the impact of inclement weather. Another perk of traveling during the low season is that the islands tend to be less crowded. Fewer people on the beaches and in the town, and the slower pace of life can make your vacation that much more relaxing. The peak occurs during the months of August to October, accounting for 96% of major hurricanes.
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
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