If the idea of cruising during hurricane season fills you with dread, think again! As a seasoned travel advisor for I Got a Guy Travel with a passion for cruising, I'm here to set the record straight.
In reality, taking a cruise during hurricane season can offer some of the best value for your money. Expertly managed by cruise lines, boasting state-of-the-art technology and equipment, cruising during this time can be an exhilarating experience. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 to November 30, with peak activity occurring from mid-August to mid-October. But is booking a cruise during this time tempting fate? Absolutely not. Here's why.
Modern cruise liners are no match for a storm; they're engineering marvels, equipped with the latest technology. Unlike small sailboats, they have access to advanced weather prediction and tracking systems, plus their own dedicated meteorologists. This ensures that they know precisely where a storm is, its trajectory, and how to steer clear of it. The captain's number one priority is securing the safety of the crew and guests. This isn’t just a mission statement; it's a legal and professional obligation. Given that a typical hurricane moves at about 10-15 mph while a cruise ship cruises at over 20 mph, this fleet-footedness, paired with real-time weather data, facilitates the cruise lines to adjust their routes well before a storm hits.
A hurricane's impact on your cruise is typically a change in your travel route, rather than a cancellation. A cruise slated to set sail for the Eastern Caribbean could be rerouted to the Western Caribbean to evade a looming storm. Your weeklong vacation isn't scrapped; you merely get to visit different ports. As a Certified Cruise Counselor, I encourage my clients to remain flexible during hurricane season cruises.
Embrace the unexpected! You may stumble upon a new preferred port that you ordinarily wouldn't have visited. Additionally, cruise lines often compensate guests for any missed ports with onboard credit or partial reimbursement for port taxes and charges.
Now let's talk about one of the biggest perks of cruising during hurricane season—the deals. Given that hurricane season is considered a shoulder season in the cruise world, the cruise lines often dish out their best deals to ensure occupancy during this time. You can snag substantial savings on fares and potentially score added bonuses like onboard credits, complimentary drink packages, or shore excursion credits. Plus, these sailings usually carry fewer passengers, meaning shorter lines for meals, more elbow room by the pool, and an overall more leisurely atmosphere. For those value and tranquility-oriented travelers, this is your ideal time to hit the seas.
Sailing during hurricane season can afford a value-packed, serene, and safe vacation, especially with the right preparation and an adaptable mindset.
To learn more or to book your next several holiday, don't hesitate to reach out to me at I Got a Guy Travel. Looking forward to helping you plan your next cruise voyage!
Frank Bellino, PhD, OPI
Email: igotaguytravel@gmail.com
Phone: 210-219-3663
