Hurricane Season For Cruises: Everything You Need to Know

When does hurricane season start for cruise ships?

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak season is mid-August to early November.

The Eastern Caribbean typically sees more hurricanes at the beginning of the peak season, while the Western Caribbean islands experience the peak season throughout the entire hurricane season. Some East Coast cruises may be affected by North Atlantic hurricanes. Booking a Caribbean cruise before the peak season (such as in June, July, or late November) is one way to travel during hurricane season.

Hurricanes , or similar storms with different names, can also affect cruises in other parts of the world. For example, if you are traveling to Australia or other parts of the South Pacific, keep in mind that the peak hurricane season runs from January to March. Parts of Asia are vulnerable to hurricanes during the monsoon season (May to October).

Is Hurricane Season Dangerous?

Only a small percentage of cruises to the Caribbean are affected during hurricane season. While you may experience rougher seas during hurricane season, cruise lines have systems in place to monitor possible hurricane-related weather conditions on your itinerary, ensuring that the captain and crew can plan routes to avoid severe weather or adjust itineraries to keep you safe.

Can my cruise be rerouted in the event of a hurricane?

You may have heard or read about some cruise cancellations following Hurricane Irma in 2017, but cruise cancellations are actually extremely rare during hurricane season in the Caribbean.

Typically, cruises can safely depart from home ports during hurricanes in the Caribbean, as long as the departure port is not affected. If the departure port is affected, your cruise may be delayed by a day or two, but it will not be cancelled.

What happens if you sail on schedule, but a hurricane hits the area?

A hurricane may not affect your cruise, but your cruise may be rerouted if it passes through one of your ports of call.

With weather equipment on board, including weather maps and satellite imagery, as well as computer-generated storm models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) , the captain and crew always know the direction of the hurricane and have the experience and resources to avoid it.

One way the captain avoids the path of a hurricane is to alter the cruise itinerary temporarily. For example, if your Caribbean cruise includes a scheduled stop in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but the itinerary is affected by a hurricane, your cruise will be rerouted and you will not be able to stop at that port.

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This will allow you to enjoy an extra day at sea, during which you can continue to enjoy the many luxurious amenities on board. Take advantage of the extra day at sea by enjoying a herbal body wrap at the spa, spending time with the kids, or taking part in one of the many classes offered during the cruise. Depending on the distance and intensity of the storm, the captain may close the pool.

Additionally, on cruises affected by hurricanes, it may be necessary to change ports of call to skipped ports. This involves a variety of factors, such as weather conditions and sailing times to alternative ports, which the captain and crew will closely monitor.

You may be drawn to the opportunity to visit other Caribbean ports, recalling the fascinating stories you would tell about the times your cruise was diverted during a storm.

If you have a flexible schedule and are willing to change your itinerary, booking a cruise during hurricane season is less of a worry. If you choose to book a cruise during hurricane season, booking a cruise at a discounted price may make it easier for you to handle any itinerary changes.

Are there any special offers during hurricane season?

Now that you know that sailing during hurricane season is less likely to ruin your vacation, you can start planning your cruise strategy. Since many people don’t realize that hurricane season is safe, fewer people are booking cruises during the peak hurricane season. Since the Caribbean hurricane season begins shortly after the summer tourist season ends, cruise prices are generally lower during this time.

Where can I cruise to avoid hurricane season?

To avoid hurricane season, choose a destination outside the Caribbean or other storm-prone areas. Consider a cruise to Alaska from May to September, or a cruise to Europe from August to November.

If you're dreaming of a Caribbean cruise vacation but can only sail during peak hurricane season, consider booking a cruise that includes island ports of call outside of the hurricane zone. Statistically, the southern Caribbean islands are less affected by hurricanes. These islands, known as the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), are generally outside the path of most hurricanes.

Will your cruise be canceled due to a hurricane?

It's unlikely that your cruise will be canceled during hurricane season in the Caribbean, but it's not guaranteed. Therefore, it is wise to purchase travel insurance (for any cruise vacation), and it is necessary if you choose to cruise during hurricane season.

When searching for travel insurance, consider factors beyond the lowest price. Read the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing, as many travel insurance policies do not cover trip cancellation or delay due to hurricanes.

Look for a policy that includes trip interruption or cancellation coverage due to severe weather or hurricanes. Travel insurance policies should also provide coverage for both medical and non-medical evacuations. Some policies even cover flight delays and general travel delays. If your policy does not include hurricane coverage, you can add optional "cancel for any reason" coverage, but your best option is to purchase hurricane-specific coverage.

It is also important to purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your cruise. Most insurance companies have a time limit for purchasing policies that include hurricane coverage. Generally, you must purchase travel insurance before the hurricane to be covered. Some travel insurance policies require purchase within a certain time period (usually 14 to 21 days) after the initial cruise deposit is paid.

These requirements make it worthwhile to search for and purchase travel insurance, not in a hurry, but as soon as possible.

What if I encounter a storm during my cruise?

You may encounter a storm while sailing during hurricane season, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re at risk of a rocking ship. Designed by expert engineers and built by the world’s most experienced shipyards, Celebrity ships are built for exceptional strength and equipped with advanced onboard technology to maintain their stability, so you won’t usually feel any rocking.

The enduring stability, advanced onboard technology, and calm summer and fall Caribbean seas ensure that your Caribbean cruise will be smooth and worry-free even during hurricane season.

Passenger safety is paramount in bad (and good) weather conditions, so Celebrity’s parent company, Royal Caribbean International, has hired a Chief Meteorologist to manage the Fleet Operations Center, which monitors global weather conditions at the locations.

The Chief Meteorologist’s job is to closely monitor weather patterns and keep an eye out for any storms that could affect the ship’s route. If a storm occurs, the Chief Meteorologist and his team will do everything they can to protect the ship from danger.

One of the great advantages of sailing in bad weather is that, unlike destinations on land, ships are maneuverable. If you discover a hurricane or other severe weather is about to develop while you're sailing, rest assured that the Marine Operations team is assessing its arrival, severity, and how the captain can maneuver to avoid or change course.

How to Stay Safe During a Hurricane on a Cruise?

Now that you understand how cruises keep you safe with their professional engineers, meteorologists, and experienced captains and crew, you should know how to prepare for a hurricane while sailing to stay safe.

First, even the most experienced cruisers may need to take a stomach ache reliever during hurricane season, so be sure to bring over-the-counter medication to prevent seasickness, or prescription motion sickness patches if necessary.

It's also essential to remain calm and continue to enjoy all the cruise activities you wish. Keep an eye on your captain's daily weather forecast at sea, and always follow the instructions of your crew.