On June 1, the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season officially blew in—with a whimper rather than a roar. In fact, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has predicted a relatively storm-free summer ahead. This is fantastic news for cruisers looking forward to ocean vacations in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, or along the Atlantic seaboard this year.
Of course, whether meteorologists predict the summer stormy season to be a light one or an active one, vacationers should keep a few things in mind when planning a cruise this time of year.
Above all, it is important to remember that there isn’t anything to fear about cruising during hurricane season. In fact, even in active years, the odds are slim that a cruise will be affected at all. On those infrequent occasions when a hurricane does interfere with a cruise itinerary, ships go out of their way to keep their sailing as smooth and sunny as possible. To do this, they generally change course to avoid routes and ports of call in stormy regions. However, because hurricanes are hundreds of miles across, cloudy skies and some choppy seas might still affect a cruise. As long as passengers stay flexible and keep a positive outlook, they are still likely to enjoy a relaxing and unforgettable cruise.
So how does a well-informed cruiser prepare for a cruise during hurricane season?
Because rough seas are sometimes unavoidable, perhaps the best thing to pack is a favorite seasickness remedy. This helps even experienced cruisers avoid a few unnecessarily unpleasant days at sea.
A more important issue when dealing with hurricanes is scheduling. While cancellations are rare, delays are possible. When planning a cruise during this time of year, try to schedule in a couple of free days both before and after the cruise, in case of airport delays or altered cruise itineraries.
Some travel organizations recommend travel insurance to cover the possibility of cancellations or related mishaps. It is also important to understand the details of cruise and airplane tickets in the event that a passenger misses an embarkation or has another unlucky break due to poor weather. Most companies are happy to help in such an unfortunate event, but it’s good to know in advance how to deal with such a situation.
With a little forethought, a wise cruiser can relax and look forward to a carefree voyage—even when clouds gather on the horizon.
