Hurricane Season Cruises

Hurricane season officially stretches from June 1 to November 30. Although storms can develop outside of these months, approximately 97 percent take place during this time period. Vacationers can find some spectacular cruise bargains during these months, but it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and consider your options wisely.

Peak hurricane periods for the Eastern Caribbean are mid-August through late September, although some major storms have formed later in the season. Hurricanes and tropical storms are more likely to develop in the Western Caribbean from mid-August through early November. Cruisers can minimize their hurricane risk by choosing a Southern Caribbean itinerary during these months – especially one focusing on Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. These islands are considered to be at the outer edge of the hurricane belt and are rarely affected by major tropical storms.

There are a number of good reasons to take a cruise during hurricane season. Cruise rates are usually discounted substantially, making this one of the cheapest times of the year to travel. In addition, those who prefer to avoid children find this to be an excellent time to cruise. Ships carry fewer children because school is in session and ports of call also tend to be less crowded.

While cruise prices during this period are enticing, there are other factors to consider. Hurricanes can result in radically changed itineraries, weather issues at embarkation ports, flight delays and rough seas. In addition, there's a higher possibility of rainy weather in ports of call.

If you’re thinking about taking a cruise during hurricane season, carefully consider the aspects of cruising that are most important to you. Those who choose cruises primarily on the basis of the ship’s itinerary should think twice about cruising from August through early November. If a hurricane develops, it is quite possible that the ship will remain at sea or be re-routed to alternate ports to avoid bad weather. It is possible that compensation for missed ports may not be offered by your cruise line. In addition, those who are prone to seasickness or have trouble being flexible might wish to avoid these months as well.

On the other hand, hurricane season is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers who view the ship as their primary vacation destination. Itineraries tend to be less important to these individuals, allowing them to enjoy their cruise vacation no matter where the ship sails. If the weather is hideous, you’ll still find these people having fun playing bingo, attending art auctions, or enjoying a luxurious spa treatment.

For this reason, it’s wise for cruise shoppers to carefully consider amenities when choosing a ship for a hurricane season cruise. Look for a ship that has an indoor pool and a wide variety of entertainment options to keep you amused if a storm arises. In addition, make sure to book flights that allow plenty of time for connections in case of weather delays.

It’s also a very smart idea to purchase trip insurance for cruises during hurricane season. A good cruise insurance package will protect against travel delays, travel interruption, or trip cancellation due to a hurricane. Make sure to research your policy carefully before purchasing it, however, to understand what’s included and what’s not. All travel insurance policies are not created equal.

Changes in cruise itinerary due to bad weather are not covered by travel insurance. It’s possible that the cruise line may provide some compensation, but it will likely be minimal at best. Remember, travel insurance only covers unpredicted events. Once the weather forecasters have indicated that a hurricane is possible, it’s too late to purchase trip insurance for coverage.

Also carefully consider shore excursion cancellation policies when booking during hurricane season. The cruise line, as well as many tour operators, will provide full refunds for excursions if the ship does not make it to the port. Smaller tour operators may have different refund policies, however, so make sure to inquire in writing before booking.

If you’ve planned a cruise during hurricane season, monitor the weather as your trip departure date gets closer. The National Hurricane Center’s website (www.nhc.noaa.gov) provides detailed information. If you’re driving to your embarkation port, make sure to park your car well above the high water mark in case of flooding.

In addition, plenty some rain gear for your cruise - along with a great attitude and a smile. They’re sure to come in handy if bad weather occurs. And who knows … the weather could always turn out to be spectacular for your hurricane season cruise.