This hurricane season hundreds of thousands of cruise travellers are holidaying in hurricane hotspots, despite the threat of storms and rough seas. These travellers are not intrepid storm chasers, but cruisers looking to enjoy a leisurely break in the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera taking advantage of the low cost and smaller crowds…
This hurricane season hundreds of thousands of cruise travellers are holidaying in hurricane hotspots, despite the threat of storms and rough seas. These travellers are not intrepid storm chasers, but cruisers looking to enjoy a leisurely break in the Caribbean or Mexican Riviera taking advantage of the low cost and smaller crowds.
During the six-month Atlantic Hurricane Season – which runs from June 1 through November 30 – September 10 is the apex, the statistical “busiest” day of the season storm-wise.
According to cruise news and reviews website Cruise Critic, cruisers are aware of the threat of storms but thanks to the expertise of the cruise lines in rerouting their ships away from rough weather, know that they’ll never actually sail in one. The worst case scenario: a few itinerary changes, which most cruisers are happy to endure if the price is right.
“Cruise lines don’t take any chances when it comes to severe weather and use state-of-the-art meteorological equipment to track storms, enabling them to make itinerary changes in order to avoid problems,” explains Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of Cruise Critic. “There are many enticing cruise deals available, including heavy discounts, upgrades and onboard credits, to attract travellers during this season. You just have to remain open-minded about your itinerary – and keep an eye on the weather so you leave enough time to get to your cruise.”
The site has re-launched its Hurricane Zone to provide round-the-clock updates for cruise travellers, as well as essential information on purchasing travel insurance, hurricane season deals and related topics. Cruise Critic’s news team will cover storms and severe weather warnings, plus affected ports and itineraries.
For those planning to take a cruise during hurricane season, Cruise Critic offers this advice:
1. Find a good deal – the cruise lines are offering some excellent discounts at this time of year.
2. Watch the weather – about a week before you go, find out whether there are any storms forecasted in the region you will be visiting, and check out Cruise Critic’s Hurricane Zone.
3. Plan to arrive early – it may not be your ship, but the port of embarkation, that is affected. Plan to arrive a couple of days early in case your flight is delayed.
4. Buy insurance – choose a reputable company, and make sure the policy covers disruption in case of weather-related events.
5. It’s cheap for a reason – during hurricane season, cruise lines offer deep discounts on many trips, but accept that your itinerary may change – and look forward to the mystery tour.
6. Pack a seasickness remedy – should the winds pick up, the water can be rougher than usual, so it is good to be prepared.
7. Read the small print – research what your cruise line does/does not offer in terms of compensation before you go.
8. Don’t make big plans – with everything so unpredictable at this time of year, avoid planning an important family reunion onboard or a wedding in Barbados. Your guests may have problems getting to the ship, or you may not stop at your dream port of call.
9. Contact your cruise line – if you think your itinerary will be impacted by a storm, find out ahead of time if contingency plans are in effect.
10. Don’t panic – cruise lines have perfected avoiding bad weather, via state-of-the-art onboard equipment and dedicated personnel. Plus, while a typical storm moves at about 8 to 10 knots, ships can attain speeds of up to 22 knots and beyond and could easily outrun a storm.
Further information regarding all aspects of cruise travel during the hurricane season – including storm updates and cruise deals – can be found in the Cruise Critic Hurricane Zone at www.cruisecritic.co.uk.
Tatiana is the news co-ordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes to monitor the hundrends of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skim the most important according to our strategy. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
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