cruise cancellation due to hurricane

Carnival Vista Cruise Canceled Due to Propulsion Issues

• August 29, 2024

Carnival Cruise Line is canceling a cruise onboard the Carnival Vista due to propulsion issues with the 2017-built ship.

According to a statement sent to booked guests, the vessel needs to undergo repairs and won’t be able to sail from Port Canaveral on Sep. 7, 2024.

The ship previously had propulsion issues in 2019 leading to a unique out-of-the-water repair.

“Our engineers have been working to address an issue that is limiting Carnival Vista’s cruising speed. We were hopeful that the issue had been resolved with some recent work, but we are not quite there and, unfortunately, we must remove the ship from service to complete some additional repairs,” Carnival said.

Sailing to the Southern Caribbean for eight nights, the canceled cruise was scheduled to make visits to Aruba, Curaçao, and Grand Turk.

“We apologize for this unanticipated disruption to your vacation plans and are disappointed that we will not be able to deliver the cruise we had planned,” the company added.

Affected guests will receive a full refund of the cruise fare, as well as any pre-purchased onboard services and shore excursions.

Carnival is also extending a 100 percent future cruise credit (FCC) for passengers to use in a new booking with the company.

The FCC must be redeemed by August 31, 2025 and can be used toward any departure currently open for sale.

Independent travelers who booked non-refundable air travel will also be eligible to receive reimbursement for their air change fees of up to $200 per person, with supporting documentation.

Carnival Cruise Line previously planned to make repairs onboard the Carnival Vista ahead of the ship’s Aug. 18, 2024 sailing.

At the time, the company sent a statement to booked guests to confirm their cruise , saying that the ship would undergo maintenance to fix its recent propulsion issues before setting sail from Port Canaveral.

To accommodate the repairs, the vessel departed from its homeport later than initially scheduled, at 3:30 AM.

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What Happens if There Is a Hurricane During My Cruise Dates?

Hurricane season is officially from June 1 through November 30 each year. During those times, hurricanes and tropical storms will sometimes change the itineraries for cruise ships in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.  

The NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has predicted an above normal hurricane season for 2024. They are predicting an 85% chance of an above normal season, 10% chance of a normal season, and 5% chance of a below normal hurricane season.

They are forecasting between 17 to 25 named storms with eight through 13 of them becoming hurricanes. Of these eight to 13 hurricanes, they predict four to seven will develop into major hurricanes.

So what happens if there is a hurricane or tropical storm during the same dates as your cruise?

First you need to know that cruise lines do everything in their power to make sure the “cruise goes on” .   Only in rare cases will the cruise actually be cancelled by the cruise line.  These ships can travel at speeds over 21 knots so they can usually outrun any hurricanes or tropical depressions and just go around any inclement weather.

You may face some choppy seas

The seas can be rough for anyone who gets sea sick easily , so make sure you carry some Dramamine with you.  The bigger ships will not rock as much, but when you are really close to a big storm you will feel movement.  This should not last long though, as the captain will try to get as far away from the storm as quickly as possible.

The seas will not always be rough when you are sailing around a hurricane, however, and it’s definitely not as bad as maybe you have seen in the movies.

If the weather gets too rough the shows will be cancelled, though, and the pools will be emptied.  It’s definitely an adventure cruising in choppy seas, but if you can just hold on you might even get an extra couple days out of your trip.

Your itinerary could change

If the hurricane is going to hit one of the ports you were going to be visiting, there may be a change in plans.  It is best just to have a good attitude about the situation since you really can’t do anything about it anyway.  You might visit a different port or even stay at a port for an extra day while the weather clears.

Do I get a refund?

With most cruise lines, you will likely only get a full refund if the entire cruise is cancelled.  This is a very rare thing because cruise lines do everything they can to keep out of harm’s way and sail around storms.

However, if you booked a 7 day cruise and there is a hurricane coming in during that same time you might get your trip shortened by a couple days (cruise lines will usually refund the amount of days that were canceled). 

At the same time, the people that are on the ship when a storm is coming in might get an extra 2 days on the ship (and they usually only have to pay for 2 days worth of tips).

Be prepared with travel insurance

A hurricane might not affect your trip at all or it might make your cruise miserable.  If you do lose a couple days of your vacation or have your flight cancelled because of the weather and therefore can’t make your cruise you will want to have travel insurance to be compensated.

With cruise travel insurance you can be reimbursed in case the weather or any other unforeseen event messes up your high seas getaway.  You can check out Travel Guard to see everything that is covered with your cruise.

Note: This article was updated on June 1, 2024.

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Cruising during hurricane season: What to know — and should you go?

Veteran cruisers know that fall is a great time to snag a deal on a cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas. But the deals come with a big caveat: Fall is hurricane season in these regions, and there's a chance a hurricane or tropical storm could disrupt your sailing.

During most years, at least a few fall cruises are affected by storms. In some years, dozens of voyages are affected.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Still, even during peak hurricane season weeks (more on that below), most sailings in the Caribbean and the Bahamas are completed without a hitch. Here's what you need to know before committing to cruising during hurricane season in these regions.

When is hurricane season for cruises?

In theory, a hurricane or tropical storm can develop in the Atlantic at any time. Still, the vast majority of such storms — about 97%, according to the National Hurricane Center — occur between June 1 and Nov. 30 of any given year. This is the period known as hurricane season in the Atlantic, and it typically brings about 14 named tropical storms, half of which become hurricanes.

Within this time frame, the peak period for tropical storms in the Atlantic, by far, is the weeks between mid-August and mid-October. This is the key "iffy zone," as I like to call it, for cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas , as well as sailings out of eastern U.S. ports to Bermuda and New England.

Still, even during peak weeks for hurricane formation, the odds of your cruise being affected by a hurricane are relatively small. A glance at any cruise booking site will show hundreds of sailings departing for the Caribbean and the Bahamas each year during cruise hurricane season. In most years, though, only a small portion of these are affected by tropical storms.

Even during the busiest of hurricane seasons, there will be many weeks without a single tropical storm in the Caribbean or Bahamas. When a large storm does swirl through the Caribbean or Bahamas, it'll likely only affect a small portion of the region and, thus, only a small number of cruise ships.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Caribbean is enormous in comparison to the size of a typical hurricane. The distance between Belize, on the western end of the Caribbean Sea, and the easternmost Leeward Islands is nearly 2,000 miles. The hurricane-force winds of a typical small hurricane, by contrast, extend just 25 miles out from its center. The hurricane-force winds from a large hurricane might extend as far as 150 miles from its center.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Even a giant hurricane that is bearing down on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands (a common port on Eastern Caribbean sailings), for instance, is likely to have little or no impact on a Western Caribbean or Southern Caribbean sailing happening at that time.

Trying to predict where tropical storms will hit in any given year is a fool's game. But if you're playing the odds, one area that is known for seeing fewer storms on average is the southern part of the Caribbean. The southerly islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao (common stops on Southern Caribbean itineraries), in particular, are far south of the typical hurricane track and experience few fall storms.

How many hurricanes are expected in 2024?

For the 2024 hurricane season specifically, the U.S. government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts an above-normal year with 17 to 25 named storms, of which eight to 13 would become hurricanes.

Of those, four to seven could become major hurricanes, according to the forecast.

The agency cited several factors that tend to favor tropical storm formation, including near-record warm ocean temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean, the development of La Nina conditions in the Pacific, and reduced Atlantic trade winds and less wind shear.

NOAA's prediction was released on May 23.

In April, another major hurricane forecasting group at Colorado State University also predicted a year with many hurricanes. Its forecast calls for an "extremely active" year with 23 named storms for the season as a whole, of which 11 would become hurricanes.

Of those, five could become major hurricanes with sustained winds of 111 mph or more, according to the Colorado State University forecast.

The Colorado State team also cited warm ocean temperatures as a factor for the elevated forecast.

Your hurricane season cruise itinerary could change

When a tropical storm does appear in one part of the Caribbean or Bahamas, the standard response from cruise lines is to reroute ships in that area to other parts of the Caribbean or Bahamas that are well clear of the storm. This can mean a last-minute change to your cruise itinerary.

Depending on the forecasted track of the storm, the change could be relatively minor — a port stop being pushed back by a day, for instance, or one port being swapped for another port. It could also be far more significant.

To avoid storms, cruise lines will sometimes completely rework an itinerary. A ship on an Eastern Caribbean sailing to such stops as St. Thomas and St. Kitts might reroute to such Western Caribbean ports as Cozumel, Mexico, and Falmouth, Jamaica.

In some cases, a storm will cause a port to be dropped from an itinerary with no new port added as a replacement. Occasionally, you'll see cruises shortened or extended by a day or two or even three.

The latter situation can occur when a storm is forecast to pass between a ship and its home port around the time the vessel is scheduled to be heading home. The ship either will return to the home port early to arrive before the storm or stay out at sea for extra days to wait for the storm to pass.

Related: 26 cruise secrets from a cruising expert that will blow your mind

In rare cases when a home port closes due to a storm, ships have been known to sail to an alternative port to drop off passengers. In such situations, the vessels sometimes will depart on their next cruise from the alternative port. Cruises are canceled occasionally when a home port experiences extended disruptions related to storms, but this is relatively rare.

You aren't entitled to compensation for itinerary changes

Cruise lines aren't obligated to offer you compensation if they change an itinerary due to weather. The fine print in cruise contracts allows them to make such changes when they see fit. However, that doesn't mean they never offer compensation.

In the case of a port swap — when one port is substituted for another — there typically isn't any compensation offered. When a port is missed without a substitute, though, there's a chance you might be offered an onboard credit as compensation. Just don't count on it. Lines will also refund the cost of any prepaid shore excursions scheduled for the missed port and the portion of port taxes and fees you paid in advance that are associated with that port.

In the case of a shortened voyage, lines will typically offer a prorated refund for the lost days. On the flip side, when cruises are extended, lines generally won't charge passengers anything more for the extra days — at least for room, board and entertainment. Passengers typically will still have to pay for onboard extras such as drinks and spa treatments.

When cruises are shortened or extended due to weather, cruise lines will often aid passengers who need to change post-cruise travel plans. They might offer free phone calls from the ship or free internet access to make it easier for passengers to contact airlines and hotels to make changes.

You won't get a refund if you cancel a cruise to avoid a storm

As a rule, cruise lines don't offer refunds to passengers who cancel a voyage on short notice, even if there's a big storm brewing in the area where the cruise is scheduled to take place.

If you see there's a hurricane churning toward the Caribbean a few days before your departure, you can't call your cruise line, cancel the trip and expect to get your money back.

From the cruise line's point of view, the cruise will go on — it just might be adjusted a bit. (Or not, depending on how the storm tracks over the coming days.) As far as the line sees it, you're still about to get what you paid for: a wonderful cruise vacation.

That said, there are exceptions to the rule. When a line knows in advance that a storm will cause a significant alteration to a voyage (for instance, lost days due to a delayed departure), it sometimes will allow passengers to cancel for a refund or credit toward a future cruise.

This happened in 2017 when some lines delayed departures out of Florida as Hurricane Irma approached. The lines that delayed departures allowed passengers to cancel for a refund in the form of a cruise credit. Alternatively, passengers could proceed with the shortened trips and receive a prorated refund for the missed days.

Related: The best time to cruise to the Bahamas

When a line cancels a departure outright, it's sometimes the case that it will offer passengers both a refund for the trip and a future cruise credit they can apply to their next sailing. This sort of response was on display in 2017 as Irma's approach prompted some lines to cancel itineraries altogether.

One problem that cruisers encounter in these (relatively rare) situations where a cruise line cancels a sailing due to a storm is that the cancellation usually comes at the last minute. That could leave you in limbo in the days leading up to your cruise, wondering whether your cruise is on or not. If a hurricane is headed for your departure port, you might have to decide whether to travel to the departure port (and possibly into a dangerous storm) or stay home and risk losing all the money you paid for the sailing.

Each line approaches compensation issues differently, and some are historically more generous than others in offering compensation when storm-related disruptions occur. The responses from lines can also vary depending on the circumstances surrounding any given storm.

To avoid remorse, my advice is to go into any hurricane-season booking assuming you will not be compensated for storm-caused itinerary changes and not be able to get a refund if you cancel the trip at the last minute.

The risk of the above is one reason you will generally get a cruise during hurricane season at a lower price than you would during other seasons.

Build wiggle room into your hurricane season travel schedule

If you're booking a cruise during hurricane season, keep in mind that tropical weather can affect not only cruise ships but airplanes, too.

If you're flying to your cruise departure point, build in plenty of wiggle room in case air travel is affected by a big storm and flights are delayed. Your flight could be delayed by a storm that is far away from the destination where you are flying. During hurricane season, tropical storms moving through the Caribbean and into the Gulf of Mexico and up the East Coast of the U.S. can sometimes snarl air traffic across a wide swath of North America.

At TPG , we always suggest that cruisers head to their departure ports at least a full day in advance of their sailings just to be safe, and this is doubly important during hurricane season. You don't want a delayed flight to be the reason you miss your cruise .

Travel insurance is key for fall cruises

It's always a good idea to book flights and cruises with a card that provides travel protections — and this is especially important during hurricane season.

Some cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , will reimburse you for at least some of the costs of trip delays, cancellations and interruptions related to severe weather if you have booked the trip on the card. The travel protection benefits provided by such cards may also reimburse you for expenses when your baggage is lost or delayed.

Just be warned that these benefits often come with a lot of fine print that can make it tough to collect in some circumstances.

You can also buy separate travel insurance just for the single trip that will provide reimbursement if you experience trip delays, cancellations or interruptions. These plans include a lot of fine print that limits the circumstances where they are valid, and they vary widely in what they offer.

While travel insurance policies often will cover the cost of changing a flight or pre-cruise hotel reservation if a storm delays your cruise departure, they generally don't offer compensation in the case that a cruise line changes the ports on your cruise due to a storm. Travel insurance policies also won't help if you cancel a cruise to avoid a storm — unless you've bought a pricey "cancel for any reason" policy.

Also note that to make any claim under a travel insurance policy related to a cruise marred by a hurricane or tropical storm, you have to have bought the policy before the storm formed and was officially named.

Related: The 5 best cruise travel insurance plans

You may experience rough seas

Cruise lines will reroute ships by hundreds of miles to avoid tropical storms and hurricanes. That doesn't mean you can always expect smooth sailing during hurricane season.

If a big storm is present in the Caribbean or Bahamas, there's a chance you'll feel some motion on your vessel, even if it's far from the center of the storm. Swells from big storms can travel thousands of miles.

If you're particularly prone to seasickness , hurricane season might not be the best time for you to cruise. But don't panic. Cruise ships are built with sophisticated stabilizers that tamp down the effects of waves. As ships have gotten bigger, on average, they've also become more stable. It takes a lot to move a giant vessel like Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas — at 236,857 tons, it's one of the world's largest cruise ships.

Any rough seas you may experience due to a nearby storm are likely to be temporary. Many cruise ships operating in the Caribbean can sail at speeds of up to 22 knots, or about 25 mph. That means they can move as much as 300 miles in one day. You can be somewhere stormy and rough one day only to find yourself in sunny and clear conditions a day later.

Just as airline pilots maneuver to avoid turbulence , cruise ship captains and their headquarters-based overseers are keenly aware of passenger safety and comfort. They aren't shy about making a call to reposition a vessel to calmer seas.

Be careful booking shore excursions during hurricane season

Not all cruisers book shore tours through their cruise line. Some book excursions through alternative tour companies such as Viator or PortSide Tours. If you go this route for a hurricane-season cruise, be sure to check cancellation policies before prepaying for excursions.

While cruise lines will automatically refund you for prepaid shore excursions you've booked directly with them in the case of a canceled port call, it isn't a given that an outside tour company will do the same. Some will, for sure, but others require a nonrefundable deposit that may be hard to get back, even in the case of a storm-caused itinerary change. (Note: Travel insurance policies sometimes cover the cost of lost nonrefundable deposits.)

Related: How to book a cruise using points and miles

Bottom line

Cruises that take place in the Caribbean and the Bahamas during the height of hurricane season can be an incredible deal, and many are completed with nary a problem. However, before booking one, you want to be sure you're OK with the idea that your itinerary could change on short notice or be disrupted in some other way. It doesn't happen often, but it does happen.

If you're booking a cruise to the Caribbean or Bahamas to see a specific destination — St. Kitts, for instance, or the British Virgin Islands — a hurricane-season cruise may not be for you. However, if you're flexible and want a fun and inexpensive getaway at sea, there's no reason to fear a fall sailing.

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Cruising During Hurricane Season: Everything You Need to Know

Last updated: June 4th, 2024

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If you think it’s best to avoid booking a cruise vacation during hurricane season, there are certain factors to consider that may change your mind. In fact, cruising during hurricane season may actually be an advantageous time to cruise.

When is hurricane season for cruises?

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. The peak of hurricane season occurs between mid-August and early November.

The Eastern Caribbean tends to see more hurricanes toward the beginning of the peak season, while peak season in the Western Caribbean islands stretches throughout the entire period. Some East Coast cruises might be affected by a hurricane in the Northern Atlantic.

Booking your Caribbean cruise vacation before peak time, say in June or July or at the end of November, is one way to cruise during hurricane season.

Hurricanes, or similar types of storms that go by different names, can affect cruises in other parts of the world, too. If cruising Australia or other areas of the South Pacific, for instance, be aware its peak cyclone season is from January to March. Parts of Asia are also susceptible to typhoons during monsoon season, lasting from May to October.

Is it dangerous to cruise during hurricane season?

Only a very small portion of cruises that sail to the Caribbean during a storm season are actually affected by these storms. Though you may encounter slightly rougher water on a cruise during hurricane season, there are many systems in place to detect any hurricane weather along your cruise route, ensuring your ship’s captain and crew will be able to chart a path around any bad weather or make modifications to the itinerary to keep you safe.

Can my cruise itinerary change if there’s a hurricane?

You may have heard or read that there were some cruises that were canceled in the wake of Hurricane Irma in 2017, but the fact is that it’s actually extremely rare for a cruise to be canceled during Caribbean hurricane season.

Typically, it’s still safe for cruise ships to depart the home port while a hurricane is occurring in the Caribbean, as long as the hurricane is not impacting the embarkation (home) port – and if the home port is impacted, a cruise departure may only be delayed by a day or two rather than being canceled.

So what happens when you do embark on time, but there’s a hurricane happening in the region? Most likely a hurricane will not impact your cruise, but you might incur an itinerary change if a hurricane is in the path of a port of call on your cruise itinerary.

Thanks to an incredible arsenal of weather equipment onboard the ship, including everything from weather maps and satellite images to computer-generated storm models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), your captain and crew are always on top of where a hurricane is headed and have the experience and means to stay out of its path.

One of the ways your captain might avoid a hurricane’s path is to make a last-minute schedule change to your cruise itinerary. If, for example, your Caribbean cruise itinerary had a scheduled stop in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but the route there is impacted by a hurricane, your cruise ship will reroute, and you’ll skip that port of call.

This will result in an additional day at sea, during which you’ll continue to enjoy your ship’s many luxurious amenities. With an extra sea day, you can treat yourself to that herbal body wrap at the spa, spend some quality time with the kids, or participate in one of the many onboard classes offered during your cruise. Depending on your ship’s proximity to the storm and its severity, the captain may find it necessary to order the pool to close.

Another hurricane cruise scenario might involve a substitution of one port of call for a skipped one. There are a number of factors at play here, including weather patterns and cruising time to the substitute port that captain and crew will be constantly monitoring.

You may find yourself completely charmed by the opportunity to visit a different Caribbean port and think of those captivating stories you’ll have to tell about the time your cruise ship was diverted during a storm.

If you’re flexible about timing and open to itinerary changes, you should have no worries when booking a cruise during hurricane season. If you choose to cruise during hurricane season, the fact that you likely booked a cruise at an excellent price should make any itinerary changes easier to handle.

Are there special offers during hurricane season?

Now that you know cruising during hurricane season is unlikely to ruin your vacation, you can begin to plan your cruise strategy. Since many people don’t realize it’s possible to cruise during hurricane season safely, fewer people book cruises during peak hurricane months. Cruise fares are often lower during this time as Caribbean hurricane season occurs just after the peak summer travel season ends.

Where can I cruise to avoid hurricane season?

To avoid cruising during hurricane season, choose a destination other than the Caribbean or other regions of the world that are prone to storms. Consider cruises to Alaska from May to September or European cruises from August to November.

Read: Best Places to Visit in September

If you’re dreaming of a Caribbean cruise vacation and can only cruise during peak hurricane season, think about booking a cruise itinerary with ports of call on islands that are considered outside the hurricane zone. Islands in the Southern Caribbean are statistically less affected by hurricanes. These islands, nicknamed the ABC Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), generally lie outside of the path for most hurricanes.

Will a cruise be canceled because of a hurricane?

It is unlikely that your cruise during Caribbean hurricane season will be canceled, but it is not guaranteed. That’s why it’s a smart move to purchase travel insurance (for any cruise vacation), and most necessary if you choose to cruise during hurricane season.

When you’re looking for travel insurance, don’t pick one based solely on the lowest price. Read a policy’s fine print carefully before you purchase, as many travel insurance policies won’t cover trip cancellations or delays due to hurricanes.

Look for policies that include coverage for trip interruptions or cancellations due to severe weather or a hurricane. Travel insurance policies should also offer medical coverage and non-medical evacuation. Some will even cover delayed flights and travel delays in general. If a policy doesn’t include hurricane coverage, you may be able to add optional “cancel for any reason” coverage, but your best option is to purchase a policy that has specific hurricane coverage.

Just as important, you should purchase your travel insurance immediately after booking your cruise. Most insurance companies set time limits on purchasing policies that include hurricane coverage. Generally, you must have purchased a travel insurance policy before the hurricane is named in order to be covered. There are also travel insurance policies that require you to purchase within a certain timeframe (usually 14 to 21 days) of making your initial trip deposit. These conditions make it well worth your time to research and purchase a travel insurance policy not hastily, but certainly with haste.

For complete peace of mind about flights to and from your cruise, book your airfare with Flights by Celebrity. Flights by Celebrity offers cruise travelers a wealth of benefits and protection for your airfare investment with its points, price, and protection platform. First, you can use any applicable airline points to book your flight. Next, you’re guaranteed the lowest available price for the flights you book. Dedicated specialists are available 24/7 to work on your behalf should you experience a flight delay or interruption. They will work to get you on the next available flight so you can still get to your cruise ship on time, or get back home as quickly as possible if your return flight is affected.

What happens if there’s a storm during my cruise?

When cruising during hurricane season, you might encounter stormy weather, but it doesn’t necessarily follow that you’ll have to contend with rocking and rolling onboard your ship. Celebrity Cruises’ ships are conceived by master engineers, built exceptionally strong by the world’s most expert shipbuilders, and are equipped with advanced onboard technology that keeps them stabilized so you won’t typically feel even light rolling.

That built-for-strength stability and advanced on-board technology, coupled with the fact that Caribbean waters are quite calm in the summer and fall months, are another reason why it’s most likely that your Caribbean sailing, even during hurricane season, will be smooth and worry free.

Passenger safety in adverse weather (and in fair weather, as well) is so important that Celebrity Cruises’ parent company, Royal Caribbean International, employs a Chief Meteorologist who mans a Fleet Operations Center that monitors weather around the globe, wherever Celebrity Cruises’ ships travel.

It is the Chief Meteorologist’s job to keep a close eye on weather patterns and monitor any brewing storms that may affect a ship’s route. If a storm develops, the Chief and his team do everything in their power to avoid a ship being in harm’s way.

One advantage that cruise ships have in severe weather is that, unlike land destinations, ships are mobile. If a hurricane or other severe weather appears to be developing while you’re enjoying your cruise vacation, you can be sure the marine operations team is at work assessing when it might arrive, how severe the weather event may be, and how the ship’s captain can maneuver around it or change course.

How do I keep safe if there’s a hurricane while I’m on a cruise?

Now that you know how Celebrity Cruises works to ensure your safety with expert engineers, meteorologists, and experienced captains and crews, you should know what you can do to be safe if a hurricane situation occurs during your cruise vacation.

First, even the most seasoned cruisers might find themselves in need of stomach-calming assistance when cruising during hurricane season, so be sure to pack over-the-counter medication to prevent seasickness or, if necessary, a prescription for a patch that will prevent motion sickness.

It’s equally important that you stay calm and continue to enjoy as much cruise activity as you would like. Be sure to pay attention to the captain’s daily messages about sea conditions, and always heed crew members directions.

Book your cruise

Now that you understand the ins and outs of cruising during hurricane season, browse our cruise itineraries online and find the perfect cruise for you, or call one of our vacation specialists at 1-800-852-8086.

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Multiple cruises rerouted, cancelled due to Hurricane Beryl

Ryan Mackey , Digital Journalist

MIAMI – A number of cruise lines have changed itineraries to avoid Hurricane Beryl.

After striking the small island of Carriacou at the entrance of the eastern Caribbean as a 150 mph Category 4 hurricane on Monday, Beryl continued to intensify through the overnight hours, becoming a 165 mph Category 5 hurricane by early Tuesday , according to Local 10 Hurricane Specialist and Storm Surge Expert Michael Lowry.

Multiple cruise companies announced Tuesday that they are making significant adjustments to their Caribbean sailings as Hurricane Beryl approaches, prioritizing the safety of guests and crew.

Royal Caribbean said its Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Harmony of the Seas ships have all changed itineraries due to the hurricane, according to their website. Read the full list of changes by clicking here.

A spokesperson for the cruise line released a statement to Local 10 News Tuesday, which you can read here:

“The safety of our guests, crew and communities we visit is our top priority. Along with our Chief Meteorologist, we are closely monitoring the progression of Hurricane Beryl, and are making adjustments to some of our Caribbean sailings for the comfort and safety of our guests and crew. Guests and travel advisors will be notified directly of any necessary changes.”

Norwegian Cruise Line also reported amendments to the routes for its Jade and Takeaway ships due to the hurricane.

The cruise line has significantly altered the itinerary for its week-long Norwegian Breakaway voyage that departed from Miami on Sunday.

According to a letter sent to guests, the cruise will no longer stop in Honduras, Harvest Caye in Belize, Costa Maya, and Cozumel in Mexico. Instead, the ship will visit Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

Norwegian released the following statement which was obtained by Local 10 News on Tuesday.

“The safety and security of our guests, crew and communities we visit is always a top priority. We are monitoring the projected path of Hurricane Beryl and have amended the itineraries for Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Breakaway’s current voyages. Please see the letters attached, which were provided to all guests on board, for full details,” a Norwegian spokesperson stated.

The Carnival Horizon has canceled its scheduled stop in the Cayman Islands, while the Carnival Liberty will visit Cozumel on Tuesday instead of on July 5.

Additionally, “Disney Fantasy, which is currently sailing a 7-night Western Caribbean itinerary, will no longer call on Falmouth, Jamaica on Wednesday. The ship will instead spend the day at sea,” according to a Disney spokesperson.

These changes come as part of the cruise lines’ efforts to navigate safely through the impending storm.

FOR THE LATEST UPDATES , visit the complete coverage of hurricanes page , visit the weather page for the hourly local forecast , sign up for the free e-mail Talking Tropics newsletter , and download the free tracker mobile app on the Apple Store or Google Play .

Local 10 viewers can find the itinerary changes for Norwegian’s Jade and Breakaway cruise ships in the documents provided below.

More Stories Like This In Our Email Newsletter

Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Ryan mackey.

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born in Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.

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Everything You Need to Know If You Go on a Cruise During Hurricane Season

By Madison Owens Leave a Comment

It’s still hurricane season on the East Coast of the U.S., and those storms can definitely affect your Disney vacation.

Disney Wish

We’ve seen hurricanes impact things in Disney World before , and they’ve even been so bad as to shut down the parks for a day or two . While Disney World is super prepared for these kinds of events , there’s another type vacation you might be worried about — Disney cruises or cruising in general . So, let’s talk about how cruises can be impacted by hurricanes .

Cruising During Hurricane Season

You might think it’s unsafe to cruise during hurricane season, but that’s not necessarily true . Hurricanes are very well tracked and researched, so they don’t just pop up out of the blue while you’re on a cruise. Meteorologists know about them well in advance and can usually predict the general path of a storm.

Disney Magic

The good news is it’s pretty simple for cruise ships to avoid a hurricane since they know where they’re going to be. They can reroute the ship to go around the storm, wait a few days for the storm to pass, or take a completely different route that doesn’t go near the storm.

Disney Cruise Line

In fact, you might even notice that rates are lower for cruises during the peak of hurricane season (around mid-August to mid-October). This is probably partially due to summer vacation being over, but less people could also be choosing to cruise during this time due to the potential of hurricanes.

Castaway Cay (Disney’s Private Island)

Cruising during hurricane season is generally safe, because your captains aren’t just going to sail you right into the eye of the storm. They have the technology and info that allows them to take any actions they need to in order to avoid a hurricane.

An Overview of EVERY Disney Cruise Line Restaurant

Will your cruise get canceled.

It’s very rare for a cruise to be canceled due to a hurricane, and that’s for a number of reasons that we’ve already mentioned a bit. Cruise lines can simply change the itinerary, route, or departure port in order to avoid a storm instead of canceling a cruise. They can also just delay your trip so that it won’t be impacted by the hurricane in question.

Disney Dream

So, while your trip might not be canceled, it can definitely be changed . You might have to travel to a different port in order to leave or leave a few days later in order to still go on your cruise. So, if this does happen, you will want to look at the cancelation or rescheduling policies for your airline, hotel, rental car, or any other plan you have that isn’t covered by the cruise line.

However, in rare situations, cruises can be canceled , so know that there is a small possibility that it could happen. In this situation, cruises will usually offer guests a full refund and sometimes even offer a discount on your next cruise. Disney Cruise Line will give you a refund if your cruise is canceled .

But remember, if this does happen, you will also need to check out the cancelation policies for your airfare, hotel, rental car, etc. because they can all be different. Make sure you look at these ahead of time! This is also a reason you might want to get some travel insurance for your trip.

What It Costs to Take a Disney Cruise

Cancelation policies.

If Disney Cruise Line cancels your cruise or delays your cruise for more than three calendar days (and you do not accept an alternative cruise or choose not to travel on a delayed cruise), you can request a refund or a cruise credit by emailing Disney Cruise Line at  [email protected] .

These requests must be made within 90 days of the original scheduled sail date and must include a copy of the cruise confirmation, proof and amount of payment, and cancellation or delay notice.

Castaway Cay

If YOU decide to cancel your cruise because you’re worried about a hurricane (meaning you do this before anything has actually changed with the cruise), the normal cancelation policies for that cruise line should apply.

You can cancel your reservation online by signing into your account and going to My Reservations , then select “ Modify Reservation .” From there, you can change your sail date, edit your travel party, modify your stateroom, or cancel your reservation.

Cancellation fees can apply in certain situations . If you have already paid for your cruise in full, booked it with a Future Cruise Credit, or booked it under a restricted rate or concierge category, it’s recommended that you call the Disney Cruise Line Contact Center at  (800) 951-3532 for assistance.

If you booked your cruise through a travel agency, contact your travel agent. And, if you’ve booked it through Disney Vacation Club, contact Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to make modifications.

Here’s a closer look at the cancelation policy :

So, there you have it! That’s what you need to know about cruising during hurricane season. We’d suggest keeping an eye on the weather around the are where you’ll be cruising before your cruise just to stay in the loop. And remember, your cruise itinerary can be changed or the dates could be delayed , so keep that in mind when you’re booking during hurricane season.

Want more about Disney cruises? Check out more about Disney cruises sailing to Australia and New Zealand for the first time , the name and theme for the NEW Disney Cruise Line ship , and  how the COVID-19 testing policy has changed for Disney Cruise Line .

Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney Cruise Line news, info, and updates.

The Best Times to Book Your Disney Cruise

What you need to know about disney cruise line, learn all about disney cruise line and its various ships, explore disney’s mega cruise ship – the wish, a full list of what you can’t bring on a disney cruise, these are the best times to book your disney cruise, the best ways to save space in your tiny cruise cabin, 10 things you need on your next cruise (that you won’t think to pack), what it’s like to live on a cruise ship for 6 months, join the dfb newsletter to get all the latest disney news delivered right to your inbox click here to subscribe.

Have you ever had your Disney cruise canceled? Tell us about it in the comments.

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Cruise lines cancel voyages as Hurricane Ian hits Florida

By Kate Gibson

Edited By Irina Ivanova

Updated on: September 28, 2022 / 3:36 PM EDT / MoneyWatch

Cruise operators canceled trips and rerouted ships as Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida, where those in the storm's path readied on Wednesday for storm surges and potentially deadly winds . 

Carnival Cruise Line canceled a planned Thursday cruise on its Carnival Paradise ship leaving from Tampa, where the port is currently closed to maritime traffic, along with a sailing the same day from Jacksonville. Passengers will receive a full refund and a 25% credit for future cruises, Miami-based Carnival said in a  post  on its website. 

Hurricane Ian's "extremely dangerous" eyewall was moving onshore in southwest Florida late Wednesday morning, just hours after it grew into a  Category 4  storm. It was packing sustained winds of 155 mph — making it just shy of a Category 5 hurricane, which is the most powerful storm possible.

• Live Updates: Hurricane Ian's "extremely dangerous" eyewall moves onshore in southwest Florida

Carnival Elation, which departed the now-shuttered Jacksonville port on Saturday, is changing its itinerary around the Bahamas to avoid Hurricane Ian and will stay at sea until Jacksonville's JaxPort reopens. Carnival Paradise, which left the Port of Tampa Bay on Saturday and was in Cozumel on Wednesday, said it will extend its current trip until the storm has passed and the port in Tampa reopens, possibly on Saturday. 

A planned cruise by the Carnival Liberty leaving from Port Canaveral was also canceled, with the port closed and not expected to reopen until Friday. Carnival cruises that left from Mobile, Alabama; Miami; and New Orleans are rerouting their ports of call.

🚩Sept 30 Sailing of the Disney Wish is CANCELED. Guests of that sailing will automatically receive a full refund back to your original form of payment.  DCL is also providing each guest with a 20% future cruise discount. #disneycruiseline #HurricaneIan #Ian pic.twitter.com/JazFEwcNTH — MickeyBlog.com (@MickeyBlog_) September 28, 2022

Disney Cruise Line late Tuesday canceled its Friday sailing of the Disney Wish due to forecasted weather conditions for Port Canaveral and Central Florida. It said customers would be fully reimbursed and offered a 20% discount on future cruises. 

Royal Caribbean postponed Thursday's Mariner of the Seas departure from Port Canaveral until Friday, but that plan is subject to change. 

Norwegian Cruise Line rerouted its Norwegian Sky to Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands from a planned itinerary that had included Grand Cayman, Honduras, Belize and Mexico. The line also canceled a 10-day Caribbean sailing on Norwegian Getaway that was to depart Thursday from Orlando, it stated on its site.

The high seas and winds also prompted the Big M Casino to cancel all of its cruises Thursday, Friday and Saturday, tweeted the company, which operates gambling vessels from Little River, South Carolina. 

Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg were among the cities bracing for the worst of the storm, but the  latest forecasts suggested  Ian would make landfall slightly further south, with the Ft. Myers region at risk of a possible direct hit. Given the size and strength of the hurricane and the storm surge it's expected to drive into coastal areas, officials were clear that much of Florida remained at risk. Life-threatening impacts are expected and power outages are occurring.

• Cruise Ship

Kate Gibson is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch in New York, where she covers business and consumer finance.

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• Norwegian Cruise Line

Need to cancel cruise due to hurricane

By rosyjen22 , September 5, 2017 in Norwegian Cruise Line

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My husband and I are booked for this weekend's Bahamas cruise on the Sky. We live in South Florida and category 4 Irma is a major problem for us. I am hoping NCL cancels the cruise. But if they do not, there is no way we can leave our children behind in this storm. We DO have trip insurance through Expedia but it doesn't cover for any and all cancellations, and I'm not sure it will cover for this.

Does anyone have any advice on addressing the issue with NCL? Have you experienced anything like this? I am wondering if they will issue a voucher or something to apply the cost of this cruise to a future one?

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BirdTravels

Why another thread. You have already posted on the other thread that you are going to stay home with your kids.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=53978744&posted=1#post53978744

As far as NCL, they operate every cruise. Some have to leave late (like last year when the Port of Miami closed for a day). Or some of the POA cruises last year departing early last year to avoid hurricanes.

Why another thread. You have already posted on the other thread that you are going to stay home with your kids. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=53978744&posted=1#post53978744     So that my question can reach everyone and not only those who are reading the second thread. Thanks.

No advice needed. You don't address the issue with NCL when you use a Travel Agent...the TA owns the booking, so you have to address any and all issues with them. Between your TA and your travel insurance provider, you should be able to come to a result that most satisfies everyone.

You have to remember, since you did schedule a cruise during hurricane season, and since you apparently do not have cancel-for-any-reason insurance, that this may result in a loss for you. That has to be expected. However, you can't simply push that loss off on NCL.

Exactly. The net is that without Cancel-Any insurance, any call to cancel the cruise prior to the cruise line making the call will be considered a voluntary cancel for insurance purposes and is not covered by the vast majority of such policies.

Your best bet is to wait until the cruise line makes any announcement as to options and choose the one with least impact.

wordsjustfly

My husband and I are booked for this weekend's Bahamas cruise on the Sky. We live in South Florida and category 4 Irma is a major problem for us. I am hoping NCL cancels the cruise. But if they do not, there is no way we can leave our children behind in this storm. We DO have trip insurance through Expedia but it doesn't cover for any and all cancellations, and I'm not sure it will cover for this.   Does anyone have any advice on addressing the issue with NCL? Have you experienced anything like this? I am wondering if they will issue a voucher or something to apply the cost of this cruise to a future one?

Hi there - How stressful. I'm super sorry. I would wait it out and see what the cruise line has to say – giving you the best options that have a least impact to you. And just ignore those that are snarky – I get it. Your mom and you're worried about your kids and you want to make sure that this post gets the most coverage. Hang in there.

You have to deal with the insurance company.

I don't think the mis-named "cancel for any reason" will let you cancel because you are afraid of a hurricane, possible hurricane, or feel it is ethically right to stay home rather than leave in the event your house gets damaged. Every policy is different, but usually they are insuring your TRIP and the DESTINATION, not your HOME. From Steve's TripInsuranceStore.com :

Trip Cancellation – you have to completely cancel your trip. Some plans require a 12 hour while others require a 24 hour shut down of common carrier service. TravelSafe Classic and Plus allow you to cancel your trip within 36 hours of your Scheduled Departure Date and time if your Trip destination is under a Hurricane warning issued by the NOAA National Hurricane Center, provided the cancellation of your Trip occurs more than 15 days following the effective date of coverage for your plan. Travel Insured Worldwide Trip Protector and Plus allow you to cancel your trip within 48 hours of your Scheduled Departure Date and time if your Trip destination is under a Hurricane warning issued by the NOAA National Hurricane Center, provided the cancellation of your Trip occurs more than 15 days following the effective date of coverage for your plan.

So, for the OP, don't worry about having the "right kind of insurance". It is unlikely you could find a policy that would cover you for this. Bad weather is one of the events with a lot of exclusions. You will most likely lose what you've paid, but get a refund on the portion you have paid that is port fees and taxes. There is no harm in asking your insurance company first, then NCL, but I suspect you won't get any satisfaction from them.

It's painful, but family is more important than money.

So, for the OP, don't worry about having the "right kind of insurance". It is unlikely you could find a policy that would cover you for this. Bad weather is one of the .

Lots of "cancel for any reason" Policies. Even NCL will give you 75% back as credit for any reason.

newmexicoNita

OP what a situation you are facing. I too would not want to leave my kids. Family is more important than a few $$S or even a few thousand. There is never any guarantees something will not go wrong, especially when it comes to weather conditions. All you can do now is wait and see what happens. Living in Florida you certainly know threats are one thing, actual hurricanes hitting are something totally different. You are at the mercy of mother nature. NCL will make a decision in another few days, nothing you can do til then. To be honest, chances are you will lose your money with the exception of taxes and port charges but maybe NCL will offer a voucher for a future cruise or something. Good luck, we are all watching to see what Irma does.

[email protected]

Why not take the kids with you?

It's true that NCL will not talk to you if you've booked through a TA, which we always do. The other day I had a most general question about a future cruise we booked. Nothing specific, no changes. I emailed NCL. I got a phone call back the next day. That's the good news. Bad news, very nice customer service lady said I must ask even my simple question through my TA who could then research it through NCL.

Too late to do that. Cruise is this weekend.

From NCL Facebook page:

9/5, 9:30 ET:

At Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance. The company is continually closely monitoring weather systems, including the tropics, and all Norwegian Cruise Line ships offer state-of-the-art radar and weather equipment. In the event of inclement weather, our ships will sail a route around the affected area, to have the least impact to our guests and crew. At this time, all of our ships are sailing as scheduled but please stay tuned for specific details regarding Norwegian Sky 9/8 sailing & Norwegian Escape 9/9 sailing. Should there be any updates, guests will be advised and updated information will be posted on www.ncl.com.

I don't think the mis-named "cancel for any reason" will let you cancel because you are afraid of a hurricane, possible hurricane, or feel it is ethically right to stay home rather than leave in the event your house gets damaged. Every policy is different, but usually they are insuring your TRIP and the DESTINATION, not your HOME. From Steve's TripInsuranceStore.com :       So, for the OP, don't worry about having the "right kind of insurance". It is unlikely you could find a policy that would cover you for this. Bad weather is one of the events with a lot of exclusions. You will most likely lose what you've paid, but get a refund on the portion you have paid that is port fees and taxes. There is no harm in asking your insurance company first, then NCL, but I suspect you won't get any satisfaction from them.   It's painful, but family is more important than money.

It's really up to the individual policy - you need to read the entire thing to see what is covered. The policies I have bought include both issues at the destination AND issues at home. I'd read the policy bought and read it very carefully to see what may or may not be covered.

Cancel for any reason truly allows you to cancel whenever you want - the caveat is that you may only get 50-75% of it covered if the cancellation is not due to one of the major hazards specifically written in the policy. In which case, wanting to stay home with kids definitely qualifies under "for any reason," but you may only get a portion back rather than the full cruise amount.

Ok this is ridiculous. NCL will not place their ships and employees and passengers in the line of a hurricane. If Florida will be affected, they will cancel the cruise. They will have all their ships far away anywhere near the hurricane. You need to relax and wait this out.

Yes, I have been on a cruise that was cancelled due to a hurricane. They will not have their ships anywhere near a hurricane. Obviously.

Ok this is ridiculous. NCL will not place their ships and employees and passengers in the line of a hurricane. If Florida will be affected, they will cancel the cruise. They will have all their ships far away anywhere near the hurricane. You need to relax and wait this out.   Yes, I have been on a cruise that was cancelled due to a hurricane. They will not have their ships anywhere near a hurricane. Obviously.

But the hurricane might hit Florida after the ship departs, and the OP is worried about leaving kids during a hurricane.

You may still be able to take your children on the sailing if there has been a cancellation by another passenger.

NCL may send your sailing up to Canada, shorten it or just cancel. No way of knowing but definitely keep on top of it with your TA who will probably know before you. I would just hang in there until you find out what NCL decides to do about your sailing. Otherwise you may lose out on a future cruise credit and getting money back on your current sailing.

Don't give up yet.:)

johnnypiano

You're in luck:

• Norwegian Sky, September 8 from Miami: The ship’s three-day Bahamas cruise has been cancelled. We will be providing a full refund to all guests, plus a 50% future cruise credit.

You're in luck:     • Norwegian Sky, September 8 from Miami: The ship’s three-day Bahamas cruise has been cancelled. We will be providing a full refund to all guests, plus a 50% future cruise credit.

Man, I'd take that. 50% future credit. Heck yeah.

Obviously having probably looked forward to the cruise FOREVER like most of us that book a year out or more, that part would stink.

That's a first. But I guess they can't get to any other ports after bringknthe ship home a day early from Cuba

What a relief!! NCL made the right call. Now I can focus on my home and my kids. Thanks all for the advice!! Be safe.

Thanks for the empathy!! We had looked forward to my "birthday cruise" for quite some time. So relieved we won't lose the money and can rebook.

You're thread topic is misleading. You WANT to cancel, not NEED to cancel.   However: • Norwegian Sky, September 8 from Miami: The ship’s three-day Bahamas cruise has been cancelled. We will be providing a full refund to all guests, plus a 50% future cruise credit.

No, "need" is the correct word. But thanks for the input.

From NCL Facebook page:   9/5, 9:30 ET: At Norwegian Cruise Line, the safety and security of our guests and crew is of the utmost importance. The company is continually closely monitoring weather systems, including the tropics, and all Norwegian Cruise Line ships offer state-of-the-art radar and weather equipment. In the event of inclement weather, our ships will sail a route around the affected area, to have the least impact to our guests and crew. At this time, all of our ships are sailing as scheduled but please stay tuned for specific details regarding Norwegian Sky 9/8 sailing & Norwegian Escape 9/9 sailing. Should there be any updates, guests will be advised and updated information will be posted on www.ncl.com.

I think OPs concern is with leaving her kids behind, in case of the hurricane hits, not anything else particularly; certainly not the route the ship takes. As for yesterday it looked pretty bad for Florida and the gulf coast, but the op can pretty well be assured by this time tomorrow we will all know what to expect. At least have a good idea.

Now I see my post doesn't apply as we know what NCL is doing.

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Cruise lines cancel Florida ship departures due to Hurricane Ian

Major cruise shipping companies canceled voyages and/or adjusted itineraries due to the Caribbean's Hurricane Ian heading toward Florida.

JaxPort Jacksonville  and Port Tampa are closed to maritime traffic, causing cruise lines to reschedule and make itinerary changes.

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line announced on Tuesday, September 27, that it was canceling the September 29 voyage on Carnival Paradise from Tampa, as well as the September 29 voyage from Jacksonville. Passengers receive a full refund as well as a 25% future cruise credit.

In the early hours of Thursday, September 29, Hurricane Ian is expected to make landfall in west-central Florida. Many lines in the Caribbean shifted their itineraries west to avoid Caribbean islands that are getting hit by the storm.

Carnival said that the current voyage on Carnival Paradise, which left on September 24 from Tampa will be extended until the port reopens after the hurricane has passed. The Carnival Elation ship , which left Jaxport on September 24, is changing her itinerary around the Bahamas in order to avoid the storm and will stay at sea until JaxPort's reopening.

Carnival voyages that left from PortMiami FL , Mobile AL , and Port NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) are rerouting call ports to avoid the storm.

DCL-Disney Cruise Line said on Monday, September 26, that there was a possibility that one of its ships, Disney Wish , would have to extend her time at sea due to the storm. Disney Wish is currently due to return to homeport Port Canaveral (Orlando FL) on Friday, September 30.

RCI-Royal Caribbean is adjusting a number of its Caribbean routes currently underway. Mariner of the Seas , which skipped a scheduled call in Labadee (Haiti) , is expected to return to Port Canaveral FL on Thursday, September 29, when it might be closed due to the storm.

NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line had to adjust one itinerary on Norwegian Sky , which will now sail to Puerto Rico and the BVI-British Virgin Islands, instead of Honduras, Grand Cayman, Belize, and Mexico. Norwegian Getaway 's September 29th departure (9-day Eastern Caribbean roundtrip from Port Canaveral) is canceled. Impacted bookings will receive a 100% refund plus 25% in FCC/future cruise credit.

What to Expect When Cruising During Hurricane Season

Richard Simms

• June 2, 2024

Cruising during hurricane season can be risky but also cheaper and less crowded. It’s important to take precautions for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Cruising during hurricane season requires careful consideration of geographical factors. Since areas like the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico are more prone to hurricanes, it’s important to research your destination and choose a flexible cruise line for unexpected weather events.

What is Hurricane Season for Cruises?

Hurricane season is the time of the year when tropical storms and hurricanes are most likely to occur because of mild weather.

The North Atlantic Hurricane Season

In the Atlantic, hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the season’s peak occurring in August and September.

During this period, the Atlantic Ocean is warm enough to fuel the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes. In the peak of hurricane season, the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico water can be as warm as 90 degrees.

The Atlantic hurricane season typically produces 12 named storms, six of which become hurricanes and three of which become major hurricanes. Recently, it was reported that NOAA expects the hurricane season to be more active than normal.

The number and intensity of storms can vary yearly, depending on factors such as ocean temperatures, wind patterns, and atmospheric conditions.

When planning a cruise during hurricane season, it is essential to keep an eye on the weather and to be prepared for the possibility of itinerary changes or cancellations. Cruise lines have contingency plans for dealing with storms, but it is always a good idea to have travel insurance and be flexible with your plans.

Cruising During Hurricane Season

If you plan to cruise during hurricane season, it’s essential to monitor the weather forecasts before and during your trip. Cruise lines have established procedures for dealing with adverse weather conditions, and they typically monitor the weather closely to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew.

When booking a cruise during hurricane season, purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations and interruptions due to weather-related issues is also a good idea. Some cruise lines may also offer its own insurance policies that provide additional coverage.

If a hurricane is forecasted to affect your itinerary, the cruise line will typically make necessary changes to the route to avoid the storm. This may include changing ports of call, altering the duration of the trip, or canceling the cruise altogether. 

Suppose a hurricane is expected to impact your vacation directly. In that case, the cruise line directly will likely email you before embarkation day with details about the trip or ports of call changes.

Cruising during hurricane season can be an exciting adventure, but being well-prepared and aware of the risks is essential. By keeping an eye on the weather forecasts, purchasing travel insurance, and understanding the procedures of the cruise line, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise vacation.

Geographical Considerations

The Caribbean is a popular destination for cruises, but it is also one of the areas most impacted by hurricanes. The hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November, with the peak season being from August to October.

When planning a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season, choose your itinerary carefully. Some areas of the Caribbean are more prone to hurricanes than others, and it is important to avoid these areas during hurricane season.

Western Caribbean cruises , which typically include destinations such as Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, are more likely to be affected by hurricanes than Eastern Caribbean cruises, which usually include destinations such as St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico.

It is also important to note that storms can impact the Southern Caribbean , such as the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

Safety Measures and Precautions

When cruising during hurricane season, safety is always the top priority. Fortunately, cruise ships are equipped with advanced technology and highly trained crews to ensure the safety of all onboard. 

One of the most critical safety measures is the captain’s decision-making process. Captains are trained to monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions about the ship’s route and itinerary. For example, if a hurricane is predicted to be in the ship’s path, the captain may alter the course or cancel the trip.

Cruise ships also have advanced safety technology, including radar, sonar, and satellite communication systems. These tools enable the crew to monitor weather conditions and communicate with other ships and emergency services if necessary.

Cruise ships have extensive emergency procedures in place in the event of an emergency. All passengers must participate in a safety drill at the beginning of the trip, which includes instructions on evacuating the ship in an emergency. Crew members are also trained to handle various emergencies, from medical emergencies to fires and floods.

Passengers can take additional precautions to ensure their safety during hurricane season. It is recommended that they pack a basic emergency kit, including a flashlight, batteries, and a first aid kit. They should also stay informed about weather conditions and follow the captain’s instructions.

The Benefits of Cruising During Hurricane Season

Before we go one step further, it’s important to note that planning a cruise during hurricane season can be a gamble. It also comes with several risks, which we’ll discuss in the next section. But definite pluses make this a time of year worth considering.

For one thing, the latter part of the hurricane season falls when most kids are back in school. You still have the tail-end of summer, meaning cruising out of ports like New York City in still-gorgeous weather but with fewer families.

Given that many clans try to fit four or five people into a stateroom, the fewer families on any sailing, the lower the overall number of people aboard. And that means more room for you.

Impact on Itineraries

Cruising during hurricane season can significantly impact itineraries, causing port stops, missed ports, and ship rerouting changes. It is essential for passengers to understand the potential itinerary changes that may occur due to hurricanes and to be prepared for such changes.

Possible Itinerary Changes

Cruise lines have established procedures to monitor weather conditions and make necessary itinerary changes to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. If a hurricane is forecasted to impact a port of call, the cruise line may cancel the port stop and replace it with an alternative port.

In some cases, the ship may need to reroute to avoid the hurricane entirely, resulting in a change of itinerary. These changes may occur before embarkation day or while sailing on your cruise.

Missed Ports and Rerouting

Cruise lines typically offer compensation in the form of onboard credit or a refund of the port fees in case of a missed port. Passengers may also participate in an alternative activity onboard the ship. If the ship needs to reroute, the cruise line will typically provide updates and keep passengers informed of any changes to the itinerary.

Passengers must understand that itinerary changes can occur anytime during the cruise, even after the ship departs from its home port. Passengers should remain flexible and be prepared for potential changes to their itinerary due to hurricanes.

How to Deal with Delays and Cancellations

When cruising during hurricane season, it’s essential to know that delays and cancellations are possible. The safety of passengers and crew is the top priority, and cruise lines will take necessary precautions to avoid any potential danger.

If a storm or hurricane is approaching, the cruise line may alter the itinerary or even cancel the cruise altogether. In this case, passengers will typically be notified as soon as possible and given the option to reschedule or receive a refund.

It’s important to note that cruise lines are not responsible for any additional costs incurred due to delayed or canceled cruises, such as flights or hotels. Passengers should always purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected expenses.

In the event of a missed port due to weather conditions, the cruise line will typically offer compensation. This may include a refund of port fees or a credit towards a future cruise.

It’s important to review the cruise contract and reservation details carefully to understand the policies and procedures in case of delays or cancellations. By being prepared and informed, passengers can confidently navigate any unexpected situations.

It’s a good idea to print out the Ticket Contract before you accept the terms and conditions for your cruise.

Travel Insurance and Compensation

Cruising during hurricane season can be risky, and travelers are often concerned about what will happen if their cruise is canceled or delayed due to weather conditions. Fortunately, many cruise lines offer insurance and compensation options to protect travelers from unexpected events.

Travel insurance is one of the most important things to consider when booking a cruise during hurricane season. 

Travel insurance can cover various issues, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen luggage. In case of a cruise cancellation due to weather or other reasons, most cruise lines offer a full refund or rescheduling option.

However, outside costs of the cruise, such as non-refundable hotel rooms or airfare with hefty change fees and booked tours or shore excursions outside of the cruise line, are not covered.

Buying insurance during hurricane season is important, and it should be done promptly. 

Why? Two reasons. 

First , if you want a policy with a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) clause (which we highly recommend), it must be purchased within two weeks of the initial deposit. 

Secondly , to make any hurricane-related claim, the policy has to have been purchased before the storm is named. 

In other words , you cannot wait until the last minute to learn about the hurricane, buy an insurance policy, and attempt to file a claim.

It’s essential to carefully read the cruise line’s ticket contract and the travel insurance policy’s explanation of benefits before agreeing to the terms and conditions.

Some cruise lines may also offer compensation for inconveniences caused by weather-related delays or cancellations, such as additional hotel stays or transportation costs. It’s important to check with the cruise line to see what compensation options are available.

Port taxes and fees are another consideration when booking a cruise during hurricane season. If a port is closed due to weather conditions, cruise lines may be required to refund these fees to travelers.

Travelers should also watch for special offers and lower prices for cruising during hurricane season. While booking a cruise at a lower price may be tempting, it’s important to consider the potential risks and understand the cruise line’s cancellation policy.

Tips for Cruising During Hurricane Season

Cruising during hurricane season can be daunting, but it can still be a great vacation with the proper preparation and attitude.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the potential challenges of cruising during hurricane season:

1. Choose Your Destination Wisely

When planning a cruise during hurricane season, choosing your destination wisely is important. Some areas are more prone to hurricanes than others, so do your research and select a destination that is less likely to be affected.

For example, cruises to Alaska or Europe are less likely to be impacted by hurricanes than cruises to the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico.

2. Be Prepared for Seasickness

The seas can be rough during hurricane season, so preparing for seasickness on a cruise is important. Bring any necessary medication or remedies, such as ginger or motion sickness bands, and consider booking a cabin in the middle of the ship, where the motion is less noticeable.

3. Have the Right Attitude

When cruising during hurricane season, having the right attitude is essential. Understand that the weather is out of your control and that the ship’s crew is doing everything possible to keep you safe. Stay positive and enjoy the other aspects of your cruise, such as the onboard activities and entertainment.

4. Have a Backup Plan for Travel

Be flexible. If a hurricane does impact your cruise, it’s essential to have a backup plan for travel. 

Purchase travel insurance covering weather-related cancellations and delays, and have a plan for alternate travel arrangements, such as flights or hotels.

Following these tips and being prepared, you can still enjoy a fantastic cruise during hurricane season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the atlantic hurricane season for cruises.

Hurricane season for cruises typically runs from June 1 to November 30. During this time, tropical storms and hurricanes are more likely to occur in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean.

Can cruise ships go around hurricanes?

Cruise ships can change their itinerary and route to avoid hurricanes. They can also speed up or slow down to stay ahead of or behind a storm. However, it’s important to note that rerouting a ship can cause changes in the ports of call and itinerary.

What happens on a cruise if a hurricane is coming?

If a hurricane is approaching, the captain and crew will closely monitor the storm’s path and adjust the ship’s route as necessary. Passengers may experience changes in the itinerary, such as skipping ports of call or spending more time at sea. The ship may also encounter rough seas and high winds, causing some discomfort for passengers.

Is it safe to cruise during hurricane season?

Cruising during hurricane season can be safe, but knowing the risks and potential changes to the itinerary is important. Cruise lines have extensive safety protocols in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew during storms.

How often do cruise ships get caught in storms?

While cruise ships do their best to avoid storms, they can get caught in bad weather. However, this is relatively rare; cruise lines have protocols to keep passengers safe during these situations.

This article was original published in 2019 and updated in 2024.

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