Things To Know When Cruising During The Hurricane Season
Ahoy, fellow cruise enthusiasts! Are you ready for an exhilarating cruising experience, and are you thinking about what might happen if hurricane season hits you on the way? Well, don’t be concerned as cruise liners mostly avoid hurricanes rather than confronting them. So, most of the time, Hurricane season cruising will not be an issue and may even bring some new routes to the table.
If you are also considering a hurricane-season cruise to the major destinations across the oceans, you’re in the right place. Wizfair can help you arrange a cruise booking of your choice. But before you proceed, make sure you understand the ins and outs of cruising, especially when the ocean is likely to be hit by huge or minor storms.
This blog highlights everything you need to know about hurricane season for cruises, as well as when it occurs in the most popular destinations. The blog will also include some key tips to make cruising amidst the season of thrill more enjoyable. Let’s dive straight into the details.
Understanding The Hurricane Season
Hurricanes are formed when warm and humid ocean air rises in a spiral due to air pressure becoming low beneath the surface. As air rises, it releases heat, then cools and condenses to form clouds and storms. The area with low pressure continues pulling in more hot and moist air, which makes the spiral faster and stronger.
These Hurricanes mostly impact regions with a particular geographical location and climate patterns. Hurricanes usually require warm water temperatures, curving winds, and a contrast in the temperature between the air and the sea.
When is the Hurricane Season For Cruises?
The hurricane season for cruises is mostly during the summer months in the northern hemisphere, as the water is warmest during this period. Usually April till November to Early December is when hurricanes occur the most. If you are also planning to cruise during such bad weather, you must understand which are the destinations most likely to get hit by one.
Each destination has its own cruise hurricane season, as this is the time of year when tropical cyclones will definitely form in certain regions across the globe. Here are some of the popular cruise destinations that are most likely to be hit by these storms or cyclones.
1. Gulf Coast & East Coast
The Gulf Coast & East Coast are major cruise destinations to be hit by the hurricane season. It is a part of the Atlantic Ocean, and hurricane season for cruise ships lasts from June 1 to November 30 every year. Its peak season is usually around mid-September. Major cruise ports include:
- Florida
- Texas
- Georgia
- North and South Carolina
3. Caribbean
The Caribbean is also part of the Atlantic Hurricane season, which runs from June to November. August and September are the peak months for storms. Although cruises are not affected by these storms, these are some major destinations where you must be prepared for anything.
- The Bahamas
- Puerto Rico
- Cuba
4. Central America
The eastern coast along the Gulf of Mexico and Yucatan Peninsula observes an entire six-month storm season, which includes four named storms to date. The timing is the same from June through November.
These regions are more prone to hurricanes because of their proximity to the warm ocean waters. So, if you are cruising in the months when cyclones or storms are most likely to occur, these destinations will have more storms and even intensified cyclones. Remember to prepare yourself accordingly to avoid hassles.
How Often Do Cruise Ships Get Caught in Storms?
Cruises may get affected by hurricanes, but the chances are too slim. It's rare for a cruise to be directly impacted by the heavy storms during their sailings. On average, there are 14 named storms annually during the hurricane season. But, usually a small percentage of cruises are affected due to them. So, if you want to avoid booking a cruise during that time, you can do that, but there are reportedly very few direct impacts. This means you will be safe even if a storm hits the seas, as cruise liners take relevant measures to keep the passengers and the ship safe.
Essential Tips for Cruising During Hurricane Season
Typically running from June to November, Hurricane season is at its peak during August and September months when the likelihood of encountering a hurricane increases. If you are traveling in the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico, make sure you either avoid these months or understand everything about the itinerary. It's highly likely that if a storm appears in the sea, your cruise will reroute to some other port of call or destination. Here are some tips that can help you keep your cruise vacation during this season:
Choose An Itinerary Wisely
Whenever you are planning to cruise, choose an itinerary with lower chances of being affected during hurricane season. Make sure you book a cruise during months or to routes less prone to the typical storms.
Avoid Destinations More Prone to Hurricanes
You must try to avoid destinations that are more prone to storms and hurricanes. Instead, go for locations where sea temperatures are less warm, which will make your sailing experience smoother and better.
Stay Informed
Understand the weather on your entire route. Keep up with the weather forecast and frequently check updates from your cruise line. Most cruise lines have contingency plans, and they adjust routes to avoid storms for passengers' safety.
Pack Your Essentials
Be smart and pack items that you may need the most, such as waterproof bags, extra clothing, and other necessary things for emergencies. Do not overdo it, but still being prepared for the weather makes the difference.
Understand Onboard Safety Measures Of Ships
Familiarize yourself with the safety protocols onboard your cruise ship. Never miss the mandatory safety drills because you must know what to do in case of emergenices to avoid hassles.
Never Forget Travel Insurance
Consider purchasing a travel insurance plan covering weather-related disruptions. It will help protect the investment you made and provide relevant assistance when your plans are affected during hurricane season cruising.
Important Security Measures Taken By Cruise Lines
Cruise liners are very alert and attentive when it comes to their Hurricane season cruising itinerary. Each cruise liner takes several proactive safety measures to ensure the passenger’s well-being and their crew during stormy weather warnings. Here are some of them mentioned below:
Advanced Weather Monitoring
Most cruise vessels, including hurricane-season ships, are equipped with excellent satellite systems. They also have designated officers on the bridge who continuously monitor weather conditions. This allows them to get real-time weather updates and make quick decisions if a hurricane is about to occur.
Route Diversions
As cruise lines monitor the weather forecasts closely, they are aware of any changes in the current ocean climate patterns. They usually divert their routes and change paths or extend the number of days at a cruise port in case of sudden storm alerts to make sure there are no issues. This usually includes:
- Change in Ports of Call
- Route adjustments like diversion or changing paths
- Extending or Shortening The Cruise
Communicating With Passengers
Cruise lines also regularly announce and update passengers about any changes in their itinerary and current safety measures. The liners manage expectations in such ways and ensure that everyone is aware of this situation.
Safety Drills and Similar Protocols
Every cruise line conducts mandatory safety drills at the beginning of each voyage. Some liners, such as Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, make it the first free activity passengers experience on the ship and a must to attend. This helps passengers understand what emergency procedures are available and what to do when severe weather hits.
Securing The Cruise Ship
When encountering the rough seas, cruise liners secure outdoor furniture and any loose items. Sometimes they even ask passengers to stay in their cabins for a temporary timeline to prevent injuries and ensure safety.
Coordinating with Headquarters
Cruise ships constantly communicate with their headquarters to get support in onboard efforts and to help passengers receive the latest information and guidance for their cruise holidays.
Do Cruises Get Canceled In Case of Hurricanes?
No. You might have heard or read somewhere about cruises getting canceled in the wake of a hurricane, but it's an extremely rare case. Mostly, it's safe for cruise ships to depart from the home port while a hurricane is occurring somewhere in the Gulf of Mexico or the Caribbean as long as there is no issue at the embarkation port, aka homeport.
Even if the embarkation port does get impacted, it will majorly be delayed by a day or two rather than being canceled. However, route diversion and adjustment of itinerary is a common practice during hurricane season for cruises. Here are some of the examples:
Hurricane Beryl July 2024
This powerful category-four storm occurred in early July 2024, and at least ten cruise ships had to change their itinerary to avoid the storm. Here are a few liners who changed their cruise ship itinerary:
Cruise Liner: Royal Caribbean
Ships: Icon of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas
Diversion from the Eastern Caribbean
Diversion to Cozumel and Costa Maya
Hurricane Ernesto August 2024
This hurricane affected several cruise lines by mid-August 2024 and affected a number of cruise lines. Here are the details for your reference:
Cruise Liner: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Ships: Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Sky
These changes highlight the importance of active measures by cruise lines during the hurricane season. If you are planning to cruise during the same period, make sure to understand what we mentioned before and be flexible with your travel plans.
Final Say- Cruising Into The Hurricane Season
Keep an eye on the weather forecasts and cruise updates to avoid any commotions. You can also consider purchasing travel insurance. Many cruise lines require you to purchase travel insurance before heading on the cruise to keep everything in control. Also, be prepared for itinerary changes, especially if it is hurricane season. Remember to bring the necessary packing essentials to avoid any such situations. Book your next cruise vacation with Wizfair and with the information above and these quick tips, you will be ready to sail through the hurricane season without any hassles.
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