how do cruise lines handle hurricanes

How Cruises Navigate the Rough Seas of Hurricane Season

After devastating hurricanes struck the caribbean and florida this fall, travelers may wonder what to expect in terms of sailing conditions and itinerary changes when cruise lines encounter serious storms..

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When it comes to monitoring weather and hurricane season, this is not the cruise industry’s first rodeo.

Photo by Shutterstock

As hurricanes Fiona and Ian devastated the Caribbean and Florida last month, heading as far up the eastern Atlantic coast as Newfoundland, Canada, and leaving a trail of destruction behind, cruise ships were left unscathed. How did they avoid calamity?

Today’s modern cruise ships are built to withstand storms, avoid them, and even outrun them. Cruise companies follow the weather very carefully, changing itineraries, canceling sailings, and working hard to keep passengers and crew out of harm’s way.

Millions of cruisers are in the Caribbean on dozens of ships during the hurricane season, which roughly runs from the start of June until the end of November. In addition to the Caribbean, storms can impact the Atlantic coast of the United States and Canada and along the Mexican Riviera on cruises out of California that sail to such ports as Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas.

The largest storms tend to hit the eastern Caribbean in August through October and the western Caribbean from September through November. These late summer and fall periods are also when you are likely to find some of the best cruise deals of the year.

For those temped by the savings, it’s worth noting that most cruises are not physically impacted by hurricanes. But if you book a cruise that takes place during hurricane season, be prepared for possible last-minute itinerary changes and cancellations should there be storms. If you have your heart set on your cruise visiting a particular island, you may be better off avoiding hurricane season sailings—no matter how good the deals are.

How cruise ships monitor for hurricanes and severe weather

Major cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean , Celebrity Cruises , Carnival Cruise Line , and Princess Cruises , continuously monitor weather patterns around the world.

The captain and officers on each ship have access to weather maps and satellite images and storm models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). And they get updates from teams on the ground monitoring storms.

Royal Caribbean Group , which includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and luxury line Silversea , hired its own meteorologist, James Van Fleet , in 2017; during hurricane season, he is based in Miami in a storm monitoring center with a 25-foot wall of weather screens. The rest of the year he trains cruise ship crew on how to deal with weather conditions.

He provides public reports on forecasts and conditions on his Instagram account . It’s fascinating reading for weather enthusiasts and includes very practical information for those who have a cruise coming up.

Carnival similarly monitors weather conditions from its fleet operations center, which opened in 2018 at the company’s Miami headquarters and runs 24/7. The center keeps in touch with ship captains as weather systems develop.

Thankfully, when storms and hurricanes do develop, cruise lines often have time to plan. Most storms appear on weather radars 7 to 10 days before they hit. And when it comes to cruise ships and storms, cruise lines leave nothing to chance.

How cruise lines handle rerouting ships during a hurricane

Hurricanes may cause ships to miss ports as they seek calmer seas, and in some cases, itineraries are changed more drastically. You may find your eastern Caribbean cruise to the Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten is changed to a western Caribbean cruise to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, or the opposite.

Hurricanes can have an impact on a wide range of itineraries across numerous destinations. During Hurricane Fiona in September, for instance, some ships were rerouted away from Puerto Rico, others away from Bermuda, and still others away from Canada.

Passengers on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Getaway out of New York thought they were heading to Bermuda, but ended up instead visiting Newport, Rhode Island; Portland, Maine; and St. John in New Brunswick, Canada, due to Hurricane Fiona.

That ship was hardly alone. Hurricane Fiona and Hurricane Ian resulted in hundreds of itinerary changes, and some cancellations as well.

Leading up to Hurricane Ian, the Florida ports of Key West, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Port Canaveral were shut down, leaving some ships at sea.

Passengers on Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship Disney Wish had their four-night sailing out of Port Canaveral extended by a day when the ship could not return to port and instead found calmer seas to hang out in. A video was posted on Twitter of passengers cheering when they learned they would have more time on the ship. Passengers on the next sailing weren’t as lucky. Their cruise was canceled due to the late arrival of the incoming sailing.

Staying at sea is often a safer bet for ships during a hurricane, as they are not in danger of hitting any structures or rocks as they might be in port.

How rough do cruise ship sailings get during hurricanes?

While your ship can avoid the brunt of a storm, you shouldn’t assume you won’t feel some rocking and rolling. If you are cruising in hurricane season, it’s best to be prepared with a seasickness remedy .

You’ll know rough seas are expected not only based on the captain’s daily briefings but also by actions by the crew—such as dampening tablecloths so that dishes don’t fall off. If the ship’s pools and water park close, time to take some seasickness medication if you’re prone.

Should you set sail during a hurricane?

Whether or not to sail on a cruise during hurricane season is a very personal decision. But note that having your cruise impacted by a hurricane is rare, even at the height of the season. You may actually find little to no impact on your cruise vacation.

Whatever you decide, you are certainly not going to find yourself sailing right into a major storm, so deciding whether to cruise or not is a matter of comfort and convenience—not safety. At worst, you may experience some rough seas. And you should be prepared to be flexible in terms of any possible itinerary changes.

It’s a good idea to purchase travel insurance that covers trip disruption for weather-related changes, so that you are covered for any flight changes or hotel stays should your cruise be changed or delayed.

If ports are missed, the cruise line may compensate passengers with onboard spending credit to use for drinks and Wi-Fi and other purchases, but that’s totally at its discretion. If the cruise is canceled due to a hurricane you can expect a full refund, and some lines will also provide a discount on a future sailing in addition to the refund, the cruise line’s effort to sweeten the pot so you will rebook.

If you are cruising in hurricane season, it makes sense to keep track of the weather prior to your cruise so you aren’t blindsided should changes occur. Check with your cruise line if you have concerns and to stay up to date on any announcements made by the company.

A METEOROLOGIST SHARES

Why cruising is safe during hurricane season, james van fleet, the first chief meteorologist in the cruise industry, gives us five reasons why it's still a good time to cruise during hurricane season..

Wave Season is the time to plan an escape to warmer weather or anywhere with Royal Caribbean—and for a great deal.

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Great vacations are made up of adventures, memorable moments and ideal weather. However, we all know the weather can be unpredictable. What if we told you there’s a vacation you could take and have zero worries about the forecast literally raining on your parade? That vacation is a cruise —yes, really.

No matter the weather that’s brewing, you can count on catching perfect waves on the FlowRider surf simulator and braving the tallest slide at sea when you’re on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Cruise ships easily travel from one place to the next, meaning they can conveniently ditch bad weather at a moment’s notice. Take it from James Van Fleet, Royal Caribbean’s chief meteorologist and the first in the cruise industry . He keeps an eye on our 25-plus ships and two private destinations around the clock, so that you can keep the good times rolling.

Read on for five reasons why it’s safe to cruise during hurricane season, according to Chief Meteorologist Van Fleet:

Royal Caribbean Chief Meteorologist Van Fleet records frequent weather updates during hurricane season.

1.  Cruise Ships Are a Safe Place to Be

One of the best parts about taking a cruise vacation is that you can easily head to better weather—think sun, sand and a cocktail in hand. And as you’re headed toward clearer skies, there are plenty of ways you and the whole family can enjoy yourselves—like watching jaw-dropping shows across air, water, ice and stage to roller skating, laser tag and bumper cars.

Van Fleet: A common misconception is that the open water is the most dangerous place to be in inclement weather. It’s actually the total opposite: If a storm is coming your way on land, you have fewer options. Your home is a potential target that can’t be moved. On a cruise ship, captains can sail out of the way—and quickly. Having a dedicated meteorologist working with the teams on board to look at weather patterns and make real-time decisions makes all the difference, too, because we’re able to get in front of what’s developing and immediately communicate that to our crew and guests.

2.  The Ocean Is Actually Calmer During Hurricane Season

When asked if the seas are rougher during  hurricane season , Van Fleet said there’s no need to worry.

Van Fleet: That’s actually a myth. In fact, the high-pressure and humid temperatures associated with hurricane season settle the seas. The Atlantic Ocean, the  Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico are all much calmer in the summer than they are in the winter. So, it’s actually still a good time to take a cruise.

3.  Ships Have Stabilizers For Smooth Sailing

Even if the conditions do happen to get choppy, every Royal Caribbean ship has features and capabilities to help things go as smoothly as possible so that you’ll hardly notice .

Van Fleet: For example, all Royal Caribbean cruise ships have stabilizers that act like airplane wings. When you think about it, air is water vapor, so these stabilizers essentially lift the ship over waves the same way a wing lifts a plane over rough air. This keeps the “rise and fall” from being too noticeable.

Van Fleet normally monitors the weather from Royal Caribbean’s Miami headquarters.

Credit: Royal Caribbean Press Center

4.  There’s ‘Round the Clock Weather Tracking

Royal Caribbean uses sophisticated technology , from computers and satellites to radars and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), to track and monitor weather around the world. Van Fleet even keeps portable tracking devices with him at all times.

Van Fleet: What’s more, there are  officers on board always monitoring information provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They’re stationed throughout the ship to make sure everyone is safe should inclement weather arise.

5.  You’ll Get Frequent Updates

Van Fleet and the crew make it a point to keep everyone in the loop as much as possible so that guests know what to expect when it comes to updates and possible rerouting.

Van Fleet: The captain will make weather announcements, and I record forecast videos that play in every stateroom. I also rely on social media to give updates—it’s one of the fastest ways to connect with everyone. If you follow me on Twitter , you’ll get the latest and greatest directly from me, too.

On a Royal Caribbean cruise, the forecast is always smooth sailing. Whether you’re looking to kick back by the pool with a cocktail and live music, take on thrills like the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator or get a taste of the world of flavors on board, the weather will be an afterthought.

Ready to experience all the adventure, entertainment, dining, nightlife and more on your next vacation (rain or shine)? Head here to find your cruise.

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How Do Cruise Ships Handle Hurricane Season Cruises?

Many view a ship as a floating paradise on the sea — a way to see the world from a new perspective, visit many tropical ports and truly escape the everyday. However, the weather has to be on board as well. A hurricane season cruise comes with risks. Storms can be terrifying, and the average person may feel inclined to reschedule or cancel their vacation instead.

Thankfully, modern cruise ships can handle a hurricane season cruise. Due to past experiences and new advancements, crews prove these boats operate well no matter the weather.

The Risks Hurricanes Pose

Hurricane season lasts from June to November, but cruises occur year-round. According to the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, people have an 8% chance of experiencing a hurricane in Puerto Rico if they stay there for a whole month. Considering this is the worst-case scenario during that time frame, it’s doubtful to come across a hurricane when vacationing.

That’s not to say the cruise industry is complacent about these low chances. If anything, even a sliver of a possibility pushes ships to adhere to design regulations and create disaster response plans. These moves ensure safety against hurricanes.

Cruise Ship Safety Design Features

The cruise ship has various features that help mitigate the risks a hurricane can bring to the crew and its passengers. Each is subject to maintenance to ensure its functionality.

A ship hull helps improve the buoyant force of the vessel and keep it afloat. This feature is critical, as a hurricane can affect the waters a cruise ship is navigating. Powerful winds and rain can affect the ocean beneath and stir up currents a boat would not be prepared for.

Ideally, the hull is clear of any holes the water could enter through. Most cruise ships are fitted with two hulls. That way, even if the outer hull is breached with water, the inner one can prevent internal flooding in the boat.

Ship Stabilizers

Hurricanes also pose a general threat to the cruise ship’s stability. Luckily, there are also stabilizers for coping with tougher sea conditions when they turn up. Cruise ship stabilizers will either be passive or active in motion.

Passive stabilizers work during the usual currents of the ocean and can help prevent seasickness in regular situations. Active stabilizers counteract the stronger waves of a hurricane.

Fast Propulsion Systems

Cruise ships come with a propulsion system that helps the vessel move fast. This makes it possible to travel to many destinations quickly, while older variations took ages to get to even one. The average cruise ship can travel around 20 to 25 knots at the height of its performance.

A cruise ship’s speed fluctuates depending on its weight, design and performance. Weather conditions can be unpredictable during hurricane season. A speedy propulsion system can allow the captain and crew to navigate the vessel away from dangerous waters before reaching those areas.

Passenger Fall Prevention

Passengers fall from a cruise ship from intoxication or foul play. In a hurricane, an uncovered deck can get slippery and dangerous. There’s also the matter of strong currents and surges, causing a person to lose balance. Having fundamental design choices is essential to prevent people from going overboard.

For instance, windows are made of solid tempered glass that can hold a person’s weight without breaking. Ship balconies can offer beautiful skyline sights, but the railing and barriers must be around 42 inches in height to prevent sudden falls.

Technology for Mitigating Hurricanes

The construction of a cruise ship can withstand a hurricane, but it is not enough to guarantee safety. Many technological advancements can help with securing the journey against hurricanes.

Weather Monitors

Weather monitors are essential technology providing real-time updates regarding outside conditions. Authorities provide severe weather warnings to everyone. The cruise line will delegate bridge officers on deck and in the captain’s quarters to keep tabs on this.

Passengers can also rely on ship tracking apps. These programs are helpful tools that showcase their location and amenities on the vessel. They can also distribute weather condition updates while at sea, delivering transparency to patrons.

Satellite Communications

Communication is vital when mitigating hurricanes. While weather monitors can provide information, it takes time to disseminate those crucial updates. The Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship in the world — it’s 1,198 feet long with 20 decks. It can be nearly impossible to deliver pertinent information quickly. 

Satellite communication enables the crew to speak to one another. This allows a quick delivery of commands to manage the ship during a hurricane. In a more extreme crisis, it allows the captain and crew to correspond with ports, stations and other boats for assistance and updates.

Route Planning Software

Most people may believe a cruise ship can manage hurricane season since its design is created with those conditions in mind. However, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The captain and crew access route planning software that helps them pinpoint the safest route.

Captains will avoid bad weather and pick a route where the vessel and passengers will be much safer. Route planning software allows the boat to optimize its course. It can also help reduce mileage and conserve fuel, which is key in dire situations.

Surveillance System

Passengers will be given information regarding the unavailability of specific amenities or areas on a cruise ship. However, some may be unaware, while others directly defy directions given to them by the crew. 

Surveillance cameras on cruise ships can help keep track of every single passenger. These are placed in common areas such as the decks, hallways and elevators. That way, the crew can verify that no one is heading into a restricted area and compromising their safety. 

Hurricane Season Cruise Preparedness Plans

State-of-the-art design and technology can prepare cruise ships for a hurricane in theory, but it can be different in practice. A hurricane season cruise must employ other response plans to ensure the safety of every person on board.

Schedule Flexibility

Thousands of people book trips during hurricane season. As a result, cruise ships rarely cancel their journeys. At most, a cruise may delay its departure time to ensure safer conditions. 

Some ships may also change the port from which they embark and arrive. During these gaps and changes, passengers may be able to cancel their booking at their discretion. Cancellation policies may differ among cruise lines.

Emergency Muster Drills

Cruise lines should have mandatory briefings so passengers understand safety procedures. While they’re there to have a vacation, they should be familiar with danger zones and gathering areas in case of emergencies.

Cruise ship passengers should also know where emergency life vests and boats are located. Rafts are present on the vessel to prioritize the life and safety of those on board. The ideal drill should showcase how to operate this equipment in a disaster.

Crew Response Training

A hurricane season cruise can cause panic among passengers, and crew members should be trained in keeping calm and managing the hordes of people. Each employee should be responsible for about three to four passengers , but it can vary depending on the size of the staff on board.

Crew response training should also include ship maintenance during hurricane season. The ship stabilizers’ control system and other parts need manual adjustments to stay stable throughout the rocky weather and waves.

Hurricane Response

Most cruise ships can foresee a hurricane with their weather monitors and satellite communication. There is a chance they may lose visibility due to the rain. In those events, the captains and crew will utilize their route optimization program to develop a new course as soon as possible.

From there, personnel will steer the boat away to ensure they are not navigating tricky waters and sparking more concerns. The main goal is to avoid the storm. This can cause sudden stopovers or skipped destinations due to an impromptu itinerary change. 

Aftermath Impact on Cruise Ships

While cruise ships will not come into contact with hurricanes, there may still be a lasting impact in various forms. 

Itinerary Changes

Some people book a cruise to see certain islands, so skipping them due to the hurricane can be upsetting. Cruise lines may refund port fees and other related expenses to the spot. They may offer this compensation through coupons or consumables on the ship.

Arrival Changes

Some cruises will have extensions or early exits during hurricane season. There may be times when the arrival ports are closed due to the weather or the path toward it being too dangerous for travel. In those cases, the boat will have to wait or reroute.

Medical Aid and Facilities

Despite the safety equipment and precautions in place, people can slip on a wet deck or otherwise be injured during a hurricane. Cruise ships have medical kits and facilities on board. Specialists can ensure the injury doesn’t get worse.

Psychological Support

Some passengers or crew members can feel shaken up after experiencing a hurricane at sea. It can be upsetting, even for people without a prior fear of cruise ships or hurricanes. It’s crucial to offer psychological support from a specialist on board to cope with the situation. 

Cruise Ships Can Handle Hurricanes

Hurricanes are a fact of life, but they don’t have to ruin someone’s holiday at sea. Cruise ships are well-prepared to deal with these storms and ensure passengers get the most out of their journey, wherever it ends up taking them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How likely will cruise ships get into a hurricane.

It is improbable for cruise ships to get into a hurricane. Even if a storm impacts a vessel, safety measures and technology are in place to help steer it to safer waters. Thus, a hurricane season cruise is safe to go on.

Can a Cruise Ship Get Canceled Because of a Hurricane?

The chances of a cancellation are slim to zero. The most a passenger may expect from their cruise line are announcements of changes in embarkation details.

Are Cruise Ships Sturdy Enough for Hurricanes?

Cruise ships can withstand wind and water damage that hurricanes may inflict. They also have a high speed, allowing them to outrun and evade slower-moving storms.

What Technology Is on Cruise Ships for Hurricanes?

Cruise ships have route planning software, satellite communications, weather monitors and surveillance systems for safety during hurricane season. These are used throughout the cruise’s journey.

What Happens When a Cruise Ship Comes Across a Hurricane?

A cruise ship that detects a hurricane will redirect its course to avoid harsh conditions and venture into safer waters. Itinerary changes or extensions may occur until the boat concludes its journey.

About the author

Jack is a freelance writer and lover of the ocean. He seeks to see as much of the world as he can and shares descriptions of his knowledge and experiences through his writing. His works can be found on Modded, Fish’n Canada, Outdoor Hacker, and more.

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What Happens To Cruise Ships During Hurricanes

Published: December 14, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Tatiania Quintero

Introduction

Cruise vacations are designed to whisk travelers away to stunning destinations where they can relax and indulge in luxury. However, one factor that can disrupt the serenity of a cruise is the occurrence of hurricanes. These powerful and unpredictable storms have the potential to impact cruise ships and their itineraries, causing inconvenience and potential safety concerns for both passengers and crew.

Understanding how cruise ships navigate through hurricanes and the measures taken to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board is crucial. In this article, we will explore what happens to cruise ships during hurricanes and how the industry prepares for these natural disasters.

First, let’s take a brief look at what hurricanes are and how they form. Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, are massive rotating storms that develop over warm ocean waters. They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential storm surges, posing significant risks to coastal areas and maritime activities.

When a hurricane threatens an area where cruise ships operate, cruise lines must take swift action to mitigate any potential dangers. This often involves closely monitoring the storm’s progress and making timely decisions regarding itinerary changes, delaying departures, or even canceling trips altogether.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, making it vital for cruise lines to stay in constant communication with meteorological agencies and utilize advanced weather forecasting technology. These tools help in predicting the path and intensity of hurricanes, providing valuable data that allows cruise lines to make informed decisions for the safety of their passengers and crew.

Understanding Hurricanes

Hurricanes are powerful tropical cyclones that form over warm ocean waters. They are characterized by a low-pressure center, strong winds rotating in a counterclockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere, and heavy rainfall. These dangerous storms can cause widespread destruction and have a significant impact on maritime activities, including cruises.

Several factors contribute to the formation and intensification of hurricanes. Warm ocean waters provide the energy needed for a hurricane to develop and strengthen. Typically, the sea surface temperature needs to be around 80°F (27°C) or higher to fuel the storm. As warm, moist air rises from the ocean’s surface, it creates an area of low pressure. As more warm air is drawn into this low-pressure area, it begins to rotate due to the Coriolis effect, a result of the Earth’s rotation.

The rotation of the storm causes wind speeds to increase, creating a distinct eye in the center of the hurricane. The eye is a calm region with clear skies, surrounded by the eyewall, which is the most intense part of the storm. The eyewall contains the hurricane’s strongest winds and heaviest rainfall, which can cause devastating damage to coastal areas and structures.

The intensity of a hurricane is measured using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which classifies hurricanes into five categories based on their sustained wind speeds. Category 1 hurricanes have wind speeds between 74 and 95 mph (119-153 km/h), while Category 5 hurricanes have wind speeds exceeding 156 mph (251 km/h).

Hurricanes are typically tracked using sophisticated technology, including satellites, weather buoys, and radar systems. Meteorological agencies closely monitor these storms and provide regular updates on their position, intensity, and predicted paths.

It’s important to note that hurricanes can be highly unpredictable. Even with advanced forecasting techniques, their precise path and strength can vary. This uncertainty presents a challenge for cruise operators, who must make decisions based on the best available information to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers and crew.

Preparation Measures for Cruise Ships

When a hurricane is approaching, cruise lines take several precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of their ships, passengers, and crew. These preparations begin well in advance to minimize the potential impact of the storm.

One crucial step is to stay informed about the latest weather updates and forecasted path of the hurricane. Cruise lines maintain close communication with meteorological agencies and utilize advanced weather tracking systems to monitor the storm’s progress. This allows them to make informed decisions and take necessary actions in a timely manner.

One of the first steps taken by cruise lines is to modify the ship’s itinerary. This may involve altering the route to avoid the hurricane-affected areas or changing the scheduled port calls. Cruise lines prioritize the safety of their passengers and crew, and it’s not uncommon for destinations to be replaced with alternative ports that are considered safer during the storm.

In addition to itinerary changes, cruise ships are designed to withstand rough weather conditions, including hurricanes. These floating resorts are equipped with state-of-the-art stabilization systems that help minimize the impact of rough seas and high winds. Stabilizers are retractable fins located beneath the waterline, which help counteract the ship’s movement and reduce the rolling and pitching motion.

Cruise lines also conduct thorough inspections of the ship’s equipment to ensure it is in optimal working condition. This includes checking the integrity of the hull, navigation systems, and emergency equipment, such as lifeboats and life rafts. Any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks are carried out to ensure the ship is seaworthy and ready to handle any potential challenges.

Another crucial aspect of hurricane preparedness is stocking up on essential supplies. Cruise ships have a vast inventory of food, water, and medical provisions to sustain passengers and crew for an extended period if needed. This ensures that everyone on board has access to necessary resources, even in the event of prolonged disruption caused by the hurricane.

Furthermore, cruise lines have comprehensive emergency response plans in place to handle various scenarios that may arise during a hurricane. These plans include protocols for communication, passenger and crew safety, evacuation procedures, and coordination with local authorities and emergency services.

Overall, cruise ship operators place a high priority on the safety and well-being of their passengers and crew during hurricanes. Through meticulous planning, advanced technology, and proactive measures, they strive to minimize the impact of these powerful storms and provide a secure environment for everyone on board.

Ship Evacuation Plans

While cruise lines take extensive precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew during hurricanes, there may be rare situations where evacuation becomes necessary. Ship evacuation plans are carefully crafted to handle such scenarios, ensuring a swift and organized process to get everyone to safety.

Ship captains and crew receive specialized training to effectively manage emergency situations and facilitate evacuation if required. These plans include clear protocols and procedures that outline evacuation routes, assembly areas, and the allocation of life-saving equipment.

Evacuation plans prioritize the needs of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities. Crew members are assigned specific roles and responsibilities to assist passengers during the evacuation process, aiding those who may require additional support or assistance.

Lifeboats and life rafts, which are regularly inspected and maintained, play a key role in the evacuation process. These vessels are designed to provide a safe means of transport for passengers and crew if they need to abandon the ship. They are equipped with essential supplies, such as water, food, and emergency equipment, to sustain those on board until rescue operations can be conducted.

In the event of an evacuation, passengers and crew are typically instructed to gather at designated assembly areas or embarkation stations. From there, they are directed to the assigned lifeboats or life rafts in an organized and orderly manner. Crew members provide guidance and assistance, ensuring that everyone understands the evacuation procedures and remains calm throughout the process.

Communication is a vital aspect of ship evacuation plans. Public address systems, onboard emergency alerts, and crew announcements are used to inform passengers about the situation and provide clear instructions. It’s important for passengers to listen to these instructions carefully and comply with crew members’ directions to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation.

It’s worth noting that ship evacuations are rare events and are typically reserved for extreme circumstances where remaining on board becomes unsafe. Cruise lines prioritize keeping passengers and crew on the ship whenever possible, as it is the safest place during a hurricane due to the ship’s size, stability, and resources.

Ship evacuation plans are comprehensive and designed to handle a range of potential scenarios. By implementing thorough training, clear protocols, and effective communication, cruise lines strive to ensure the well-being and safety of everyone on board, even in the most challenging situations.

Sheltering in Port

During hurricanes, when it may not be safe to sail or continue with the original itinerary, cruise ships often seek refuge in nearby ports. This is known as “sheltering in port” and is done to protect passengers, crew, and the vessel itself from the dangerous conditions associated with the storm.

Before deciding to shelter in port, cruise lines closely monitor the storm’s progress and work closely with port authorities to assess the safety of the chosen port. Ports that have adequate facilities, such as deep-water berths and proper infrastructure, are preferred for sheltering. These ports should be located at a safe distance from the hurricane’s projected path to minimize the risk of heavy winds, storm surges, and other potential dangers.

While in port, cruise ships utilize various measures to secure the vessel and protect it from the effects of the storm. This includes dropping anchor and utilizing tug boats to provide additional stability and prevent any drifting or movement of the ship due to strong winds and currents.

Furthermore, cruise lines take steps to ensure the comfort and well-being of passengers and crew during the sheltering period. Facilities and amenities on board remain operational, including food service, entertainment, and access to medical facilities. This helps maintain a sense of normalcy and provides essential services to those on board.

Passengers may be allowed to disembark in the port for a period of time, depending on the circumstances and local regulations. However, this is at the discretion of the cruise line and port authorities, as ensuring the safety of individuals remains a top priority. When passengers are permitted to disembark, they may have the option to explore the port or participate in organized activities ashore until it is safe to resume sailing.

Sheltering in port allows cruise ships to wait out the storm in a secure location, keeping everyone on board away from the potentially hazardous conditions at sea. Once the storm passes and it is deemed safe, the cruise line will reassess the situation and make decisions regarding the continuation of the voyage, potential itinerary changes, or a delayed departure.

It is worth noting that while sheltering in port provides a safer alternative to sailing through a hurricane, conditions within the port may still be affected by the storm. Passengers should follow the instructions of the cruise line and local authorities, remaining in designated safe areas until the all-clear is given.

Overall, sheltering in port allows cruise ships to protect passengers, crew, and the vessel itself from the dangers of hurricanes. By carefully selecting ports and implementing safety measures, cruise lines prioritize the well-being of everyone on board, ensuring their safety during these turbulent weather events.

Changing Itineraries

When faced with the threat of a hurricane, one of the most common measures taken by cruise lines is to change the ship’s itinerary. This decision is made to avoid the storm’s path and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew.

Cruise lines closely monitor the storm’s progress and work in coordination with meteorological agencies to assess its projected path and intensity. Based on this information, they make informed decisions regarding itinerary changes, seeking alternative routes that steer clear of the hurricane-affected areas.

Changing itineraries allows cruise lines to provide passengers with a safe and enjoyable experience, even in the face of adverse weather conditions. Instead of visiting the original ports of call, the ship may divert to alternate destinations that are outside the storm’s path or offer a safer environment.

While itinerary changes can be disappointing for passengers who were looking forward to specific destinations, cruise lines strive to provide alternative options that are equally appealing. This may involve visiting nearby ports, extending stays in other ports, or exploring new and exciting destinations that were not part of the original itinerary.

Communication is key during these situations, and cruise lines make efforts to keep passengers informed about the changes and the reasons behind them. Timely announcements, updates via shipboard communication systems, and informational sessions with the ship’s staff help keep passengers aware of any modifications to their planned schedule.

It’s important to remember that itinerary changes are made with the safety and well-being of passengers at the forefront. While adjusting plans can be inconvenient, it is necessary to avoid potential risks associated with hurricanes, such as rough seas, high winds, and unsafe port conditions. By altering itineraries, cruise lines aim to minimize disruptions and maintain a safe and enjoyable experience for all on board.

In some cases, itinerary changes may result in missed ports or a shortened duration in certain destinations. In such instances, cruise lines often provide compensation or alternative arrangements to ensure passenger satisfaction. This may include refunds, onboard credits, future cruise discounts, or additional onboard activities and entertainment options to enhance the guest experience during the modified voyage.

It is important for passengers to approach itinerary changes with flexibility and understanding. While the situation may not be ideal, the priority is always to prioritize safety and provide the best possible experience given the circumstances. By adapting to the changes and maintaining a positive outlook, passengers can still create cherished memories and enjoy their cruise vacation, even with a modified itinerary.

Communication with Passengers

Effective communication with passengers during hurricanes is paramount for cruise lines. Clear and timely information helps to keep passengers informed, alleviate concerns, and ensure their safety and well-being. Cruise lines employ various channels to communicate with passengers and provide updates regarding the status of the storm and any necessary changes to the itinerary.

One of the primary means of communication is through onboard announcements. Cruise lines use the ship’s public address system to relay important information to passengers. These announcements may occur at scheduled times, such as during mealtimes or before daily activities, to ensure maximum visibility among guests. Crew members also provide verbal updates and instructions during muster drills, ensuring that passengers are aware of emergency procedures in the event of a hurricane.

In addition to verbal updates, cruise lines leverage technology to keep passengers informed. Ships are equipped with various communication systems, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) channels and in-room televisions, where important messages and advisories can be broadcasted. Some cruise lines also offer mobile apps or online portals that provide real-time updates, itinerary changes, and emergency contact information.

Passenger communication also extends to written sources, such as daily newsletters or bulletins. These publications are distributed to each cabin and provide passengers with important announcements, activities, and updates on the ship’s operations, including any relevant information regarding the hurricane or changes to the itinerary.

Cruise lines recognize the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with passengers and encourage them to ask questions or seek clarification from crew members at any time. The ship’s staff, including guest services personnel, are trained to address passenger concerns and provide assistance, ensuring that passengers feel supported and informed throughout the journey.

During a hurricane, the cruise line’s shore-side team also plays a crucial role in communication. The team monitors the storm’s progress and works closely with the ship’s captain and crew to make decisions regarding itinerary changes or other necessary measures. As the situation evolves, updates are relayed to the ship for dissemination to passengers, ensuring that they receive the most up-to-date information.

Furthermore, cruise lines often provide access to external communication channels, including internet services and satellite phones. This allows passengers to stay in touch with family and friends ashore and receive updates from their loved ones, providing an additional layer of reassurance during uncertain times.

Overall, effective communication with passengers is paramount during hurricanes. Cruise lines employ various channels, such as onboard announcements, technology-enabled platforms, written publications, and supportive crew members, to keep passengers informed, address concerns, and maintain a sense of trust and safety throughout the journey.

Impact on the Cruise Industry

Hurricanes can have a significant impact on the cruise industry, affecting both individual cruise lines and the industry as a whole. The effects can be seen in various aspects, ranging from financial impacts to operational adjustments.

From a financial perspective, hurricanes can result in substantial losses for cruise lines. Itineraries may need to be altered or canceled, leading to potential revenue loss from missed port fees, excursion bookings, and onboard spending. Moreover, emergency measures, such as evacuations or sheltering in port, can incur additional costs for cruise lines, including expenses for fuel, provisions, and logistical arrangements.

Customer behavior is another area impacted by hurricanes. Some passengers may choose to cancel or delay their trips due to safety concerns or unpredictable weather conditions. This can lead to lower occupancy rates and potentially result in decreased revenues for cruise lines. Additionally, negative media coverage surrounding hurricanes can influence public perception and deter potential travelers from booking cruises, causing a more long-term impact on the industry.

Operational adjustments are necessary during and after a hurricane. Cruise lines may need to rearrange crew schedules, reposition ships, and reallocate resources to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew. These adjustments often require additional planning, coordination, and resources, which can impact the overall operational efficiency of the cruise line.

Furthermore, the reputation of a cruise line can be affected by how it handles and communicates during a hurricane. Strong and transparent communication with passengers is crucial to maintain trust and ensure customer satisfaction. Cruise lines that effectively manage the situation and prioritize passenger safety are more likely to maintain a positive reputation even amidst the challenges posed by hurricanes.

Government regulations and authorities also play a role in the impact of hurricanes on the cruise industry. Ports of call may close or limit operations during a storm, affecting port revenues and restricting cruise itineraries. Government agencies may impose restrictions or issue travel advisories, impacting the planning and logistics of cruise lines. Navigating through these regulations and restrictions is a necessary consideration for cruise lines during hurricane events.

However, it’s important to note that the cruise industry has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in dealing with the impact of hurricanes. Cruise lines have robust contingency plans and emergency protocols in place to navigate these challenges. They work closely with local authorities, meteorological agencies, and industry associations to monitor the situation and make informed decisions. Cruise lines have also invested in advanced technology and weather forecasting systems to enhance preparedness and safety measures.

The cruise industry recognizes the importance of passenger safety and satisfaction, and continues to improve upon its response to hurricanes and other natural disasters. By assessing and addressing the impact of hurricanes, cruise lines strive to minimize disruption, enhance guest experiences, and maintain the industry’s overall stability and resilience.

Hurricanes can pose significant challenges for the cruise industry, but cruise lines are well-prepared to navigate through these powerful storms. With a focus on safety, communication, and adaptability, cruise lines take proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure the well-being of passengers and crew.

From closely monitoring weather updates to modifying itineraries and implementing ship evacuation plans when necessary, cruise lines prioritize the safety of everyone on board. They invest in advanced technology and weather forecasting systems to make informed decisions and keep passengers informed about any changes or disruptions caused by hurricanes.

Sheltering in port and changing itineraries are common strategies employed by cruise lines to avoid the path of the storm and provide passengers with a safe and enjoyable experience. Additionally, effective communication plays a vital role in keeping passengers informed and addressing their concerns, while contingency plans and emergency protocols are in place to ensure a swift response to hurricanes.

While hurricanes can have financial implications and impact customer behavior, the cruise industry remains resilient. Cruise lines adapt to operational adjustments, maintain positive reputations through transparent communication, and work in collaboration with government authorities to navigate any restrictions or regulations.

It is essential to recognize that the cruise industry demonstrates a commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction, constantly improving its preparedness and response to hurricanes and other natural disasters. With ongoing advancements in technology and a focus on guest experiences, the industry aims to minimize disruptions and provide memorable vacations even in the face of challenging weather events.

In conclusion, hurricanes are a formidable force of nature, but cruise lines are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and procedures to navigate through these storms. Through their dedication to passenger safety, effective communication, and operational adaptability, cruise lines continue to provide travelers with unforgettable vacation experiences while ensuring their well-being in the face of hurricanes and other challenges.

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Cruising During Hurricane Season: Everything You Need to Know

Last updated: August 5th, 2021

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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 luxury 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 luxury 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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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, Colorado State University's tropical weather and climate team is predicting 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 forecast.

The Colorado State team cited record warm tropical and eastern subtropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures as a primary factor for the elevated forecast.

The Colorado State forecast was released on April 4.

The U.S. government's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to release its official forecast for the number of named storms and hurricanes in 2024 in May.

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.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
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• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
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• Cruise Advice

Cruising During Hurricane Season: What You Need To Know

Richard Simms

• August 28, 2023

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?

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

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 water in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico can be as warm as 90 degrees.

The Atlantic hurricane season typically produces 12 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes and three becoming major hurricanes. However, the number of storms and their intensity can vary yearly, depending on factors like ocean temperatures, wind patterns, and atmospheric conditions.

During the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season , 16 tropical cyclones formed, Out of those, 14 intensified and were given names.

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.

Understanding hurricane season and the risks associated with cruising during this time can help you make informed decisions and stay safe while enjoying your vacation.

Cruising During Hurricane Season

If you plan to cruise during hurricane season, keeping an eye on the weather forecasts before and during your trip is essential. Cruise lines have established procedures to deal with adverse weather conditions, and they will 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 their 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 affect other areas of the 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. 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.

RELATED : Are Cruise Ships Safe?

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 you’re 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 cancelled 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. 

RELATED: What You Need to Know About Travel Insurance

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.

It is important to buy insurance during hurricane season, 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 usually needs to 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 2023.

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What You Need to Know About Cruising in Hurricane Season

18th September 2018

With Hurricane Florence sweeping through the US East Coast bringing with it heavy rains, strong wind and catastrophic floods, it brings the possibility of hurricanes during cruises back to the forefront of our minds.

Having seen or heard about the devastation caused by the hurricane, cruisers are asking whether it’s worth it to book a cruise to the Caribbean , Bermuda, Bahamas, Mexican Riviera or the rest of the US in hurricane season.

Our answer to this question is that yes, it is statistically worth it, if you are willing to take a small risk. You will be paying less for your cruise if you’re willing to take the gamble and the odds are very much in your favour of it not happening.  As long as you bear in mind that there is a very tiny chance of ruining your plans and have an alternative available, you will be fine.

Why a Hurricane is Unlikely to Ruin Your Cruise

The comforting truth is that encounters between cruise ships and hurricanes tend to be rare – and that even when one meets the other, the cruise ship can deal with the storm without too much worry.  Because of modern technology and current weather forecasting tools, cruise ships are able to navigate around storms with ease.  Big cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and others even created situation rooms, where staff members always monitor storms in peak season.

When Is Hurricane Season?

The season in the Atlantic runs between July and October every year although the official dates is from 1 June to 30 November.  If you’re thinking of going to the US East Coast or the Eastern Caribbean, the most affected times are between August and September.  If you are, however, thinking of going to the Western Caribbean islands, watch out any time between September and November.  This does not mean that hurricanes can’t strike outside of these times.  Each average hurricane season has between five to seven hurricanes, although some of these only take place over the ocean, far away from land or cruise itineraries, unless you’re on a transatlantic cruise .

Tips for Choosing a Cruise During Hurricane Season

• Try to save money: Cruise lines offer discount cruises during hurricane season and if you’re willing to risk cruising during this time, you may as well save some money. While it’s fine to book a holiday during this time, try not to organise specific events such as weddings, birthdays or family reunions during this time. This way you can enjoy your holiday even if your cruise veers slightly off track.
• Always be flexible: Have an alternative in mind and ensure that you will be able to make your flight to the cruise if a hurricane does strike. For instance, hurricane Florence is currently disrupting flights from North and South Carolina as well as surrounding areas.
• Always buy insurance: We prefer booking independent insurance which offers year-round protection but no matter where you buy it, make sure that it covers weather-related incidents if you want to book a cruise during hurricane season.

How Do Cruise Ships Avoid Hurricanes?

Cruise lines will always prefer to avoid a storm rather than to confront it.  Remember that most of them have been covering the Caribbean and surrounds for decades, which includes sailing during the hurricane season.  Therefore, they have developed tactics to prevent hurricanes from ruining people’s cruise holidays.  Newer cruise ships are even safer as they are often bigger than their predecessors and have newer, more advanced ways of dealing with storms.

What’s most likely to happen is that your cruise will change its itinerary.  For instance, those on their way to the Eastern Caribbean will move to the west and vice versa.  If the cruise line struggles to get a new port to dock at you may spend a few more days at sea, where the waters will be smooth.

Will You be Compensated for a Missed Port or Cruise?

No, cruises departing in hurricane season will have fine print stating that your cruise itinerary may change in the event of a large storm.  You will be able to claim some refunds and taxes though but make sure to read the fine print ahead of booking a cruise during hurricane season.

It is really rare for a cruise to be cancelled because, as stated above, its quite easy to simply change the itinerary.  It will however be cancelled if the hurricane is striking the port that the cruise ship is starting off from for longer than a couple of days.  Even if the storm does strike the port of embarkation, for instance Fort Lauderdale , the cruise is often simply postponed by a few days.

How Cruise Lines Handle Storms, Fog, Bomb Cyclones, and More

By Fran Golden

Water sloshing across the deck, waves lapping at cabin windows, furniture flying, dishes smashing. We’ve all seen terrifying videos of what happens when a cruise ship gets caught in a major storm. But the toughest reality might be this: generally, it looks worse than it is. Though we can’t control Mother Nature, when bad weather strikes, cruise lines are prepared. Want to know their strategies—how they handle it, and what that means for when you cruise? We talked to the cruise lines directly to find out.

Ships are made for moving

When in the throes of a storm—whether in a plane, a car, or a ship—it’s easy to get nervous about the turbulence and forget that today’s methods of transportation are fairly capable of enduring bouts of bad weather. “Ships can go through rough seas,” says captain Ben Lyons, who helmed small ships for Lindblad Expeditions for years, and is now CEO of Expedition Voyage Consultants, which advises cruise lines on best practices for planning and executing expedition sailings. “It’s more uncomfortable for the guests, but ships can take it.”

Cruise ships are made of heavy steel that’s even heavier with a full load of passengers and crew onboard. With all that weight, they can roll with the waves. In the roughest seas a ship may list, or tilt to one side, but even that’s unlikely—shipbuilders test things such as buoyancy and center of gravity during construction, which includes putting scale models of ships through all sorts of storm simulations. In short, those ships are built to handle storms, even in hurricane season.

Monitoring the weather

Take heed, budding armchair meteorologists: Modern cruise ships have the latest and greatest weather forecasting equipment—far beyond what you can look up on your phone. The bridge (the command center where the captain works) has an entire arsenal of weather maps, satellite images of storms, even computer models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and third-party meteorologists. The crew and officers monitor it all constantly.

Safety is a priority for all cruise lines, and even with these on-ship set-ups, many companies add additional layers of precaution. In January 2017, Royal Caribbean hired James Van Fleet as the first-in-the-industry dedicated cruise line meteorologist; he previously worked as a TV meteorologist for more than 20 years. During the hurricane and typhoon season, which is June to November, he’s in the Miami headquarters monitoring a 25-foot wall of weather screens and sharing information with the company’s 26 ships and the executive team.

In most cases, he says, he can see storms seven to 10 days out, and advise ships on avoidance strategies. “I know what the models are suggesting, and they [the crews] are getting the word sooner so they don’t have to scramble,” Van Fleet says. “If there is a typhoon in the western Pacific and we may need to reroute a couple of ships, I can be talking to them two or three times a day.”

Carnival Cruise Line , meanwhile, monitors weather from a multi-million-dollar command center that it opened last year. “One of the many ways that we keep our guests, crew, and vessels safe is through our new state-of-the-art Fleet Operations Center (FOC) at our Miami headquarters,” says Lars Ljoen, executive vice president of marine operations for Carnival Cruise Line.

The first facility of its kind in Southern Florida, the 35,000-square-foot operations center is staffed 24/7 and has a 74-foot-long video wall with 57 LED screens that shows the status of all the line’s 27 ships, including weather, itinerary, and safety updates—some captured by a software called Argos, a management tool developed in-house.

“During hurricane season, our Fleet Operations Center is an invaluable tool as it provides a comprehensive, at-a-glance look at the exact locations of our ships, allowing us to closely monitor their position in relation to the path of the storm and ultimately deploy vessels elsewhere,” says its director, John Rowley.

When to reroute a ship

Cruise ships tend to stick to destinations where they can avoid bad weather, such as the Caribbean in winter and Alaska’s inside passage and the Mediterranean in summer, but there are exceptions: cruising in the Caribbean in summer when the kids are out of school has become popular for families, for example, even though it’s during hurricane season. At any time of year, too, the weather can be unpredictable.

Jessica Puckett

Hannah Towey

When seas get rough, modern cruise ships have onboard technology that helps stabilize them. But if it looks like a more serious storm is in their path, cruise ships generally try to outrun or avoid them.

“We’ve steered our ships around typhoons, hurricanes, fog, massive storms with rapid intensification—which gets the term ‘bomb cyclones,’” Van Fleet says. “But we’ve moved. If you are on our ship and there’s a hurricane out there, I can move you. I can get you to better weather,” he adds, noting that land-based hotels and resorts don’t have that option.

There are situations where a ship may have no choice other than encountering some weather, such as during a North Atlantic crossing in the fall. But even in these cases ships try to find the calmest patch of sea. If adverse weather is unavoidable, the cruise line may change your itinerary , possibly switching your Bermuda cruise with one along the coast of New England and Canada, or shortening or lengthening your cruise by a day or two.

Those decisions are made collaboratively with captains, with guest comfort in mind, Van Fleet says. For instance, to avoid heavy rain, he might suggest a ship stay at sea and arrive at a port a few hours later than planned. By contrast, a port may be skipped altogether if seas are too rough—especially if the port doesn’t have a deep-water dock, meaning passengers have to board tenders, or small boats to get to shore, which is a difficult and dangerous operation in windy conditions.

In those cases, the ship may dock at an alternative port, possibly one you didn’t expect to visit; change the order of the ports that are on the itinerary; or seek a sunny spot at sea. Cruise lines are adept at handling these situations and outline this possibility for guests, along with their policies for how they handle them. If this happens to you, talk to the cruise line directly about refunds or other means of recompense—especially if your ship’s return to its homeport needs to be delayed and affects your flights home.

What to expect if your ship hits bad weather

If you’re already on a ship and meet rough conditions, listen to the instructions of the captain and crew. It’s common for the crew to put down non-slip mats and add signage reminding you to exercise caution when walking. Van Fleet says part of his job is communicating with the crew when such procedures may be necessary.

Every day, listen to the captain’s report from the bridge, which includes a description of sea conditions, to decide what preparations you may need to make for the day. If you get seasick , be prepared with over-the-counter motion sickness medications, homeopathic remedies, or a prescription patch from your doctor.

Note that attractions such as the pool and waterslides may shut down, or the outdoor decks may be closed altogether. In very rare situations, the Captain may require all passengers stay in their cabins. In general, you’ll likely feel some rolling—but that goes for the entirety of your trip, too. “You’re on a ship on the ocean; you’re signing on for some movement,” Van Fleet says. “But my job is to make sure it’s an acceptable, safe amount that you can enjoy your vacation with.”

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Is it actually safe to be on a cruise ship during hurricane season?

by Ned S. Levi | Sep 25, 2023 | *Travel Advice , Cruise

With a more active hurricane season than normal, many travelers want to know if cruising during the hurricane season in hurricane belts across the globe is safe. I’ve got the answers for you here.

Ophelia brought a phone call from a friend asking if it was safe for him and his wife to go on their upcoming Caribbean cruise. He was thinking about cancelling. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting an above normal Atlantic/Caribbean hurricane season that generally peaks about now, it’s a question that many are asking.

The short answer is yes, it’s safe to go on a cruise during hurricane season. Let’s understand why cruises during the hurricane season are safe, and how to plan for cruising during the season.

When does hurricane season occur in the Atlantic, Caribbean and the Pacific and is it likely your cruise will be affected by one?

Is it likely that your cruise will be affected by a hurricane during the season? NOAA has predicted an above-normal Atlantic/Caribbean hurricane season, having from 14–21 named storms. So far there have been 16 named storms in 2023. Even with 21 named storms in the five-month hurricane season, normally few cruise ships would be affected by them.

Ships can out-run hurricanes in an emergency and don’t ever try to ride them out.

How do ships generally handle cruises during a hurricane? Unlike land locations which have no choice but to endure hurricanes, cruise ships can and do move away from hurricanes, rather than fight their way through them.

Can a hurricane capsize a cruise ship? Theoretically, a hurricane with sustained winds of at least 74 mph, with high seas, could capsize a cruise ship, but cruise ships neither wait for or steer toward hurricanes to find out if they can stay afloat in them.

Can a cruise ship actually out-run a hurricane? According to NOAA, a hurricane’s average forward speed is about 11–12 mph (9.5–10.4 knots). The average speed of a modern cruise ship is about 20 knots (23 mph). So, yes, typically a cruise ship can out-run a hurricane, but cruise ships normally never try to out-race hurricanes. By constantly monitoring weather conditions they adjust their route to steer clear of them.

Won’t cruise ships encounter rough seas while running from hurricanes? Yes, cruise ships may encounter rough seas while avoiding hurricanes; however, modern cruise ships are fully capable of handling rough seas and have highly efficient stabilizers to prevent ships from rolling.

During hurricane season, ships continually monitor weather along their route and alter their itinerary if necessary.

How do cruise ships know about potential hurricanes? Modern cruise ships have many tools and monitoring equipment to stay on top of every weather situation during cruises, including radar, access to satellite imaging, etc. Many have similar or the same weather tracking equipment as in the U.S. National Hurricane Center. Cruise lines and their ships monitor impactful weather around the clock.

The ship’s crew has access to weather computer modeling. Royal Caribbean Group employs its dedicated meteorologist to guide its entire fleet concerning weather conditions. In addition, during hurricane events, cruise lines and their ships in the area and the path of hurricanes obtain details about them from the U.S. National Hurricane Center.

Cruise lines and their ships have hurricane and tropical storm emergency plans in place in case of emergency.

What happens when a hurricane lies in the path of a cruise ship itinerary? Cruise lines and captains have various options according to the hurricane’s parameters. Ports of call may change, skipping some and adding others. Days at sea may be added. At times, returning to the port of disembarkation may be delayed. That would, of course, delay the next sailing.

Cruise lines rarely cancel cruises due to hurricanes. The exception is if a ship can’t get into the port of embarkation, and a cruise must be delayed beyond when it makes sense to start it. Usually, they can get into the port for a somewhat shortened cruise.

Cruise lines and their ships have hurricane and tropical storm emergency response plans. The plans include gear for monitoring named storms, designating an officer team under the captain to handle weather emergencies, and many specific response scenarios. Both cruise lines and ships’ personnel are fully trained to handle weather emergencies and regularly rehearse to prepare for them.

The cruise lines are prepared to keep their ships, passengers, and crew safe if a hurricane confronts the ship’s path. Nevertheless, cruise passengers should be as prepared as your ship and crew.

While the cruise lines, their ships, and crews are prepared for hurricanes, savvy cruisers will also prepare for them.

Add flexibility to your travel plans: Hurricanes and other bad weather can affect your ability to reach your port of embarkation in time. I highly recommend adding at least one extra day from your home to your port of embarkation. You can also consider avoiding taking a cruise that departs from frequent hurricane targets, such as the ports of southern Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Buy travel insurance that includes hurricane season coverage: If you’re cruising during hurricane season in any hurricane belt, ensure you have travel insurance that includes hurricane coverage. If your cruise ends late, for example, requiring you to purchase new plane tickets home, the cost is yours without insurance.

Remember that you will not get compensation if your ship has to change its itinerary due to a hurricane. Your cruise contract spells that out clearly. It allows your cruise ship to substitute and/or eliminate ports if and when the cruise line considers necessary. You may be entitled to a refund on prepaid port taxes and fees if a port is missed, but that’s it.

Consider not booking independent, third-party excursions: Third-party excursions at a cruise ship’s ports of call can be attractive alternatives to the cruise line’s generally more expensive excursions, but during hurricane season, the cruise line’s excursions are likely financially safer. If the cruise line skips a port and cancels the excursions there, you’ll get a refund for them. If you’ve booked a third-party excursion for a canceled port, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to obtain a refund.

Don’t forget that seasick medication, just in case during hurricane season.

Bring seasick medication: If your ship has to change plans due to a hurricane, you may encounter rougher water than normally expected. Bring your own seasick medication from home to help you if that happens. Your ship likely carries some seasickness medication, but probably not nearly enough if a hurricane causes a run to buy it.

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After many years working in corporate America as a chemical engineer, executive and eventually CFO of a multinational manufacturer, Ned founded a tech consulting company and later restarted NSL Photography, his photography business. Before entering the corporate world, Ned worked as a Public Health Engineer for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. As a well known corporate, travel and wildlife photographer, Ned travels the world writing about travel and photography, as well as running photography workshops, seminars and photowalks. Visit Ned’s Photography Blog and Galleries .

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These accomplishments have been achieved by working closely with our members, national media, the travel industry, the Department of Transportation (DOT), Congress and many other agencies.

• – Removal of restaurant fees from DC area eateries — this is an ongoing project
• – Creation of DOT Dashboard to outline consumer rights after cancellation of a flight
• – Bi-partisan bill to eliminate hotel resort fees introduced into House of Representatives
• – Creation of the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections
• – Advertised airfares now include airfare plus, mandatory taxes and fees
• – Lost/damaged/delayed luggage compensation limit increased to $3,800
• – Passengers have 24 hours to change or cancel their nonrefundable tickets without penalty
• – Once an airfare is purchased, that airfare and ancillary fees cannot be increased
• – Families flying together act passed by Congress that requires family members 13 years of age and younger to sit with other family members at no additional cost.

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How the Cruise Industry Handles Hurricane Season

Experts say the storms don’t significantly affect itineraries.

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Terry Thorton has been following Hurricane Dorian since before it was a gust of wind out in the Caribbean. As the vice president of nautical and port operations for Carnival Cruise Line , Thorton and his team in Miami, Fla., prepare for Dorian like they do every hurricane season, ensuring that the Carnival fleet is out of harm’s way.

Aiming for the eastern coast of Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency, Dorian is expected to make landfall as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained wind speeds up to 130-156 mph. By then, Carnival and other cruise lines will have already seen it coming, dispersing their fleet and changing itineraries to avoid the storm.

While the Atlantic hurricane season officially kicks off June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30, the peak for storms and hurricanes occurs between August and October. Even during hurricane season, storms will disrupt the itineraries of less than 10% of Carnival’s 1,700 cruises.

According to Thorton, the general rule for captains is to stay about 200-250 nautical miles away from a storm. Cruise ships travel 22 knots per hour, which is about twice the speed of the average hurricane, making avoiding tropical systems possible.

“We’d never get close enough where we’d have to outrun it, but we could outrun it if we had to,” said Thorton.

Thorton’s team receives real-time data both nationally, from organizations like the National Hurricane Center, which releases an update every three hours, or locally from Carnival’s own cruises out at sea. He’s looking at the forecast, tracking where the hurricane or storm may be headed and the intensity of the winds. He’s focusing specifically on the destinations and ports that could be in the storm’s path.

Once a port is closed, a cruise ship can’t dock and must find safe haven elsewhere.

There’s a sweet spot to tracking a hurricane. Because a storm can be unpredictable, and every hurricane is unique, a decision to move a ship can prove either a waste of resources, or worse, send a ship into a storm.

“Make decisions as late as you can because things have a tendency to change,” said Thorton. “We’ve seen many times that if we took the forecast of where [a storm] is going … I can bet you that it won’t do what it’s projecting.”

If a cruise line believes that a port may be affected, it’ll start booking alternative ports. A contingency plan is often made a week before a cruise sets sail, depending on storm activity, and alternative port booking begins shortly after that, in case a storm proves serious.

In a statement, the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s trade group, said that “w hile cruise ships are designed for safety and able to withstand extreme weather conditions at sea, cruise lines seek to avoid bad weather when possible for the comfort of all onboard. T he expertise of our mariners is reflected in how they operate ships throughout the range of conditions experienced at sea.”

Carnival , as well as other large cruise lines like Royal Caribbean , owns and operates several private destinations and ports. That’s like if an airline operated its own airport.

When storms kick up, cruises almost always have a safe parking spot on the other end of the Caribbean.

“When you have your own destinations, that helps to provide opportunities,” said Thorton.

The Caribbean Sea is also quite large. If a storm blows through the eastern Caribbean, a ship can head west.

Instead of an itinerary consisting of St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico, a cruise will be redirected to the Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico, where Carnival owns and maintains a port. The vacation will carry on, far from the path of the hurricane.

The Carnival Victory ship, which can carry 2,764 guests, was originally slated to make a stop in Nassau, Bahamas, on Saturday but, because of Hurricane Dorian, will now be stopping in Key West, Fla., instead.

Of course, for customers who have already visited these destinations, it’s a bit of a bummer and cruise lines don’t have to provide reimbursements for itinerary changes.

“We want to give the guests as close to what they bought as possible,” said Thorton. “If they book a seven-day itinerary that includes three ports, we want to make sure they get three good ports to replace them; that’s always in our planning.”

If there’s an instance where a storm closes a cruise’s home port, the ship can be brought outside the port until the storm passes. Carnival’s currently facing that decision in Florida, where the Carnival Liberty and the Carnival Elation may not be able to return to Port Canaveral when Dorian makes landfall.

That can become costly.

If a cruise is extended for an extra day, that means that the next scheduled cruise will be forced to shorten its schedule. Instead of a seven-day cruise, it’ll become five days, with guests getting a prorated refund.

An ocean-view room aboard the Carnival Magic, which can carry 3,690 guests, is listed as $564 per person for a seven-day cruise through the western Caribbean. That’s $2,256 for a family of four, without fees or taxes. If a hurricane shortened the trip by two days, Carnival would be on the hook for a pro-rated refund of $161 per customer. That adds up to $594,617, without taking into consideration the lost onboard revenue, as guests are given two fewer days to drink and gamble.

“The cruise industry has managed this for decades; it isn’t new,” said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst. “The challenge becomes that while they may have playbooks, each hurricane is unique.”

Scientists are predicting an increase in the intensity of hurricanes and tropical storms in the future, but according to Tom Stieghorst, a journalist who covers the cruise industry, that may not change a cruise line’s current strategy.

“They are more interested in the 72-hour forecast of where a storm like Dorian is going and how intense it’s going to be,” said Stieghorst. “Their basic strategy is to harden the ports and keep the ships out of the way of the storm; that may not be any different if the storms are stronger.”

In 2017, Hurricane Irma and Maria closed ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Tampa. Sixteen of Carnival’s ships were impacted, a figure that Thorton hadn’t seen in his 33 years at Carnival. Still, everyone made it back to port.

“If we have one overriding principle, it’s that safety is the number one concern,” said Thorton. “Our ships are faster than a hurricane; it’ll never happen.”

Ryan Barwick

• @RyanBarwick
• [email protected]

Ryan is a brand reporter covering travel, mobility and sports marketing.

We make money helping people book cruises, and from advertisers / affiliate partners. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Can Cruise Ships Survive A Hurricane?

This is a question than I hear many first time cruisers ask but luckily we've never had to find out. However, in theory though, while it would be an unpleasant and dangerous experience - yes a cruise ship could probably withstand all but the worst areas of the strongest hurricanes. That isn't the complete answer though since it is almost impossible that this scenario would ever be tested with major cruise ships that we see sailing from lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, or Norwegian Cruise Lines.

This Assumes A Fully Operational Cruise Ship

Like any simple question, simple answers don't fully answer them completely. For instance, the statement that yes it is likely that a cruise ship passing through a hurricane can avoid sinking - that statement assumes that the ship engines, navigation, and other key functions continue to work properly.

For instance, a wave that hits broadside on a ship will be much more damaging than a wave that the ship hits head on. Additionally, if navigation systems continue to operate properly then a captain can avoid the worst parts of a storm. Finally, a ship that continues to move forward has the ability to move through (or out of) a storm more quickly compared to one that is adrift and at the whim of the waves and wind.

For the sake of this discussion, we're only looking at large vessels from major cruise lines and not including small ship luxury vessels. This is because there is an order of magnitude difference between how big of a wave that a 100,000 gt ship can handle vs a 25,000 gt vessel.

Since the theoretical cruise ship in this hurricane survival scenario has operational engines and navigation, we're going to also assume that while it may be forced to sail through the hurricane area, that it will be able to avoid the relatively small eye-wall area that contains both the most intense winds and highest waves.

Additionally, while it is likely that a cruise ship will survive - and not sink - there's a very high likelihood that the vessel will experience major damage and there will also be human casualties and potentially even deaths occurring during the experience.

That's why all of the cruise lines have very active teams of experts such as Royal Caribbean's Chief Meteorologist James Van Fleet who are monitoring inclement weather of all types, all year round, but especially during hurricane season. These teams look at computer models and storm simulations in the hurricane zone to help the captain cruise smarter and more informed. While each captain has a person monitoring weather maps, the corporate command center has more resources and maintains communication with the fleet to ensure additional layers of data that keep cruises going smoothly.

How Big Of A Storm Can A Cruise Ship Handle?

Generally speaking though, a large cruise ship is designed to withstand waves that measure as high as 15-meters or nearly 50 foot waves. While Caribbean storms continue to increase in intensity and our measuring gets more accurate, this is enough to withstand up to the worst parts of the worst category 5 hurricanes.

Wave height during a storm are a function of wind speed, wind direction, and wind duration. Different storms can have significantly different numbers for those variables. For example, here are a couple recent storms with extreme waves:

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2004 Category 5 Caribbean Hurricane Ivan: 168 mph winds and 90+ foot waves

2018 Category 4 Atlantic Coast Hurricane Florence: 140 mph winds and 80+ foot waves

By studying storms like this at sea through wave buoys and satellite images, scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory and NOAA have determined that waves of 90 foot tall are not just rogue waves created by large storms but are actually more common than previously thought .

The good news though is that outside of the eye wall, both the wind and wave height will decrease significantly and this means that while the hurricane force winds may extend hundreds of miles from the eye area, the intensity drops off quickly.

Hurricane Category Winds:

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes winds based on the hurricane's maximum sustained winds. Gusts may be much higher.

• Category 1 winds are 74-95 mph
• Category 2 winds are 96-110 mph
• Category 3 winds are 111-129 mph
• Category 4 winds are 130-156 mph
• Category 5 winds are 157 mph or higher

One good thing about cruise ships encountering storms like this at sea is that there will be enough time to secure any objects that could become airborne and unlike when hurricanes hit land, these cruise ships will also not have to worry about flying objects from other places that may be traveling at high speed carried by 100 mph winds.

You might not think that is a huge factor but it isn't uncommon for a building timber to smash through a brick wall in winds like that!

Finally, another factor to consider isn't just what happens when cruise ships hit tall waves but also how far it can roll without turning over. The answer to this is that most cruise ships can roll to nearly 60 degrees before running the risk of capsizing.

The biggest reason for this that while they look top-heavy with as many as 20 decks above the waterline, the most heavy equipment such as engines, fuel, and supplies are located at the very bottom of the ship while the upper decks are mostly open and contain only people and furniture. Plus, the heavy steel from the hull weighs a ton and that too will help keep the ship upright.

The means that even smaller vessels like Viking Sky survived when essentially adrift in 26-foot rough seas following an engine failure in heavy weather.

Cruise Ships Are Very Unlikely To Get Stuck In A Hurricane!

While I think we've established that cruise ships can survive all but the worst parts of a the most massive storms, the reality is that the cruise lines will almost certainly change you cruise itinerary before a major storm even becomes an issue.

Sailing during hurricane season is a risky time of year when it comes to tropical storms and bad weather - especially in the Caribbean. For most guests though, it will will only be a minor inconvenience that may include your shore excursions being canceled and alternative ports may be added. While going to a different port or having your favorite port skipped all together can be a bummer, it's a lot better than putting the ship in danger.

For instance, several years ago, Heather and I were cruising in the Caribbean and a hurricane season was headed our way. The cruise line did their job and re-routed our itinerary to take us out of harms way but offered us future cruise credit due to the missed ports and even opened the phones for us to call friends and family to let them know we were ok and in no danger.

While there were many disappointed guests on that cruise, most passengers understand that the crew and executive team at the cruise lines wants to make sure the cruises go smoothly and that rough sea conditions can be avoided.

Hurricanes Happen On The West Coast Too!

While most of the discussions involve conversation around hurricane season on the east coast and specifically how ships survive hurricanes during Caribbean, New England, or a Bermuda cruise, this isn't the full story. West coast cruises to Baja Mexico and Hawaii can also be subject to hurricanes too.

While it is only in rare cases when Baja California and Jalisco / Puerto Vallarta are affected by major storms during hurricane season this is in large part because the peak seasons for Pacific Mexico hurricanes are August, September, and October. Of the most recenly 107 hurricanes, 54 storms happened in September before the end of Alaska cruise season.

It is only recently that we have had multiple options for year-round Mexico cruises from Southern California. As a result, Baja hurricanes haven't been an issue before. Since most west coast cruise ships are still in Alaska until late September and the ones that do sail to Mexico year-round focus on shorter cruises to Ensenada, hurricane season has been something largely ignored by cruisers on this side of the United States. 

What that means for the future is unknown. It is very possible that as there is more activity in the area at that time of year that we will start to hear more about bad weather affecting Baja California cruises. As we start to see year-round cruises to Cabo and Puerto Vallarta, cruisers will be placed directly in the line of potential Baja hurricanes. Luckily, the same teams that work hard to protect folks in the Caribbean will be able to help support us too and ensure an amazing Mexican Riviera cruise experience regardless of weather.

Your Travel Advisor Is A Great Resource To Help Handle Storm Related Cruise Planning

While a travel agent isn't a magician who can magically make storms go away, they can help by making sure you have the right travel insurance and most will closely monitor the weather updates provided by the cruise lines as they work to find the calmest patch of seas for your cruise.

Just remember that you are on vacation and no matter the weather, you are almost 100% guaranteed to have a safe and fun experience even if your favorite port is skipped altogether because of a storm. If you happen to go to alternative ports, don't worry about your shore excursion money either - you will always get a full refund if purchased through the cruise line.

Just remember to maintain a good attitude and don't worry about the weather. There's nothing you can do about it and you have the knowledge now that yes a cruise ship can survive hurricane season!

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MIAMI BEACH — The COVID pandemic drove the cruise industry to a standstill, but numbers released Tuesday signal the years of comeback are officially over with more expansion on tap.

More than 31.7 million passengers took cruises worldwide in 2023, said Kelly Craighead, Cruise Line International Association president and CEO, speaking at the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conference at Miami Beach Convention Center.

CLIA is the lobbying group for member cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC and most other major brands.

The pandemic shut down sailing from March 2020 with only a small number of ships coming back online 18 months later in summer 2021. Cruise lines didn’t return to full strength until partially through 2022, so it wasn’t until a full year of sailing in 2023 that the industry could get a real handle on just what the demand had grown to as people returned to vacation travel.

“We are an industry that’s resilient and thriving all around the world, breaking records in ways we might never have imagined,” she said.

The 2023 total is 2 million more than the industry had in 2019. CLIA projects 34.1 million in 2024 growing to 34.6 million in 2025. It’s still a miniscule chunk of the overall travel pie of more than 1.3 billion, but cruise’s share is growing.

She noted that surveys of travelers who would consider a cruise for a vacation are at an all-time high, noting that 82% who had previously cruised said they would cruise again, but more importantly, among those who had never sailed, 71% would consider it.

The youngest generations — Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z — are the biggest drivers.

The fleet for the growing demand continues as well, including the introduction this year of the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas.

She said CLIA member lines had more than 300 ships sailing globally for the first time in 2023, with 14 new ships that began sailing in 2023 and another eight expected before the end of the year. They have 88 new ships on order through 2028.

Already this year, both Royal Caribbean Group and Carnival Corp. announced major new ship construction deals, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings added to that this week with its order of eight more vessels across its three brands.

The heads of those groups were on stage to discuss where the industry is headed and enjoy their recent success.

Carnival Corp.’s president and CEO Josh Weinstein put it in a way that gained plaudits from fellow panelists and others at the conference.

“The concept of pent-up demand for cruising is gone,” he said. “We have been cruising for three years, right? It’s over. This is natural demand because we all provide amazing experiences. We delivered happiness to literally 31 million guests last year. And people see it, they feel it.”

A big part of what cruising missed during the pandemic he said was that word-of-mouth promotion that is needed to convince people to try their product.

“We now have 31 million people getting off our ships and going home and telling their friends and family who have never cruised before, ‘You don’t know what you’re missing.’ ‘This is amazing.'”

All of the leaders echoed the industry line that they offer a much better value than land-based vacations, but that the experience gap between the two has now shifted in their favor coming out of the pandemic.

“The appreciation for building memories with your friends and family coming out of COVID is at extraordinarily high levels,” said Jason Liberty, president & CEO at Royal Caribbean Group. “Also wealth transfer, right? Grandparents wanting to see that wealth transfer live, watching their kids and their grandkids experience that is also at an all-time high. … We have the secular trends of people buying less stuff, they want experiences. We’re in the experience business.”

Another bright aspect to the industry has been the spillover effect of all of the new ships since the pandemic, said Harry Sommer, president & CEO at Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

“Their new products are so extraordinary, and so much better than what was delivered back in ’15, ’16 and ’17, that it’s driving additional excitement for the entire industry,” Somer said. “When any new ship is delivered, no matter whether it’s part of our portfolio or the other portfolios, demand improves for all of us because it adds excitement to the industry.”

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