Embarking on a cruise during hurricane season offers enticing deals from cruise lines, yet there are several factors to contemplate before making your reservation:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officially designates the Caribbean hurricane season as spanning from June 1 through November 30, with the most severe storms typically occurring in September and October. However, forecasting hurricanes has become increasingly challenging in recent times.

2. Storms frequently track along similar routes.

Predicting the exact timing of a hurricane's landfall is challenging, but forecasting its probable path is relatively more feasible. Hurricanes frequently track along the demarcation line between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Although no island in the Caribbean is entirely immune to hurricanes, the Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands often bear the brunt of these storms. Conversely, southern Caribbean ports such as the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) typically lie outside the trajectory of most major storms.

3. The port where you embark could be impacted.

If a hurricane is forecasted to affect the port where you're set to embark or disembark during your cruise, there's a possibility of encountering delays or cancellations. For instance, in 2017, Hurricane Harvey forced the closure of the Port of Galveston for a week, resulting in the cancellation of numerous cruises and leaving four ships and nearly 20,000 passengers "stranded" at sea.

Ports along the eastern seaboard of the US, as well as in Florida, New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast, are all susceptible to impacts from hurricanes and other tropical weather systems.

If you're cruising from these regions during hurricane season, it's advisable to stay in communication with your cruise line to stay informed about any potential disruptions to your itinerary. It's important to note that circumstances can change swiftly, and final decisions regarding port operations or itinerary adjustments may not be finalized until shortly before departure.

4. Itinerary adjustments and skipped ports are possible.

While the likelihood of encountering danger during a storm while cruising is low, an approaching storm may diminish the enjoyment of your vacation. However, thanks to highly advanced storm-tracking radar systems, ships are notified well in advance of encountering any adverse weather.

Cruise ships typically travel at about twice the speed of storms, allowing them to either outpace or navigate around storm cells effectively.

While the possibility of your cruise being canceled is remote, it's important to note that a change in itinerary could result in missed port stops. Additionally, the terms and conditions outlined in your cruise ticket typically stipulate that you won't receive a refund if rough waters prevent disembarkation altogether.

5. Travel insurance is a necessity.

Travel insurance can provide coverage for cancellations and delays, making it a valuable investment to consider immediately after booking your cruise. If you encounter missed flights or disruptions to your cruise due to inclement weather, your insurance policy should offer protection.

However, it's crucial to meticulously review the details of your agreement and understand the extent of coverage provided. It's important to note that travel insurance typically only applies to unforeseen circumstances, so it may not cover delays or itinerary adjustments related to hurricanes once a storm has been forecasted.

Join the discussion

Lykkers, will you book during hurricane season, or is it too much of a risk?