Hurricane season cruises

[Judy]

If you're planning a Caribbean cruise from June through November you should know that you will be cruising during hurricane season. Why would you choose to cruise during hurricane season? Price is one reason. Typically your best deals are during the fall months from late August to mid December.

Statistically speaking the chances that your particular cruise is going to be affected by a hurricane are slim. However, it does happen. Cruising during these months requires you to be flexible. Itineraries can be disrupted by even the mere threat of a storm. Usually the cruise lines whose Eastern Caribbean itinerary appears to be in the path of the storm will simply switch over to the Western Caribbean schedule and vice versa. If the cruise line can't find a port then the ship spends those days at sea. You will not get a refund for the missed ports of call as the cruise lines reserve the right to change the itinerary. The cruise lines strategy has always been to avoid a storm and they have specific hurricane storm emergency response plans to help them do this.

Best thing to do if your cruising during this time is to plan ahead. Arrive at the port of embarkation at least one day prior to departure in case difficulties arise, especially if your cruising out of Florida. Also prepare for the possibility that you might arrive home a day or two late. The ship will wait out at sea if the hurricane is threatening Florida.

Buy insurance, whether through the cruise line or an independent provider and make sure the policy covers disruption in case of weather-related events.
If the cruise is actually canceled you will get a refund. However, it's very rare for the cruise lines to cancel a cruise.

[Jenn]

Thanks for the information. I'm planning a cruise in Sep on Royal Caribbean. Will keep this in mind.

[Terri]

I'm looking at caribbean cruises for Oct. The 2 cruise lines I'm interested in are Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean. Not sure if I want the eastern or western cruise. This will be our first cruise. Any recommendations? Are hurricanes more prone to hit one area of the Caribbean than another?

[Marie]

I prefer the eastern caribbean. I have cruised on Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess and Disney Cruise Line. Loved them all! I don't think it matters which itinerary you choose during the fall months. Anywhere in the caribbean hurricanes are a threat. Odds are in your favor that you won't have to worry about it. Once you cruise you will be addicted!

[Judy]

The ABC islands which are Aruba , Bonaire and Curaçao are typically considered out of the traditional hurricane belt.

[Danafl]

I think insurance is a must during the hurricane season. It's worth it to be able to sleep at night!

[travel2]

I always purchase insurance if my trip is over $1000.00. You never know what will happen.

[shawnmike82]

yeah, its true i also try this cruise line for my last summer vacation. What i feel royal cruise has some edge. What you say?

[Hank Freid]

Hi,
I am also planning a cruise in August on Royal Caribbean. So This will be our first cruise. Any recommendations?