We’re just over three weeks into the Atlantic hurricane season, and we’ve only seen one tropical cyclone, now intensified into Tropical Storm Alberto. But the NOAA National Weather Service predicts an 85% chance of an above-normal season. NOAA anticipates roughly one dozen hurricanes to form, with as many as seven expected as “major,” meaning a category three, four, or five storm.
Travelers must prepare for a major hurricane season this year.
Hurricane season runs annually from June 1 through November 30. High winds and heavy rain threaten significant damage to anything in the storm’s path. NOAA’s outlook shows “near-record warm ocean temperatures,” so we should expect stronger and more frequent storms for 2024.
When meteorologists forecast a hurricane, travelers must stay alert for any potential changes to their itineraries.
Severe weather causes headaches for those traveling any time of the year, but hurricane season increases the risk of cancellations for airlines and cruise ships. Cruisers enjoy the Atlantic Ocean for its tropical destinations. However, this forecast means significantly higher odds of crossing paths with a hurricane in the summer and fall seasons.
Forecasting a hurricane proves challenging with enough warning to modify vacation plans. Cruisers must stay alert during hurricane season for the chance of cancelations and remain prepared if the weather impacts their trip in any way.
Experts share their best tips on how to take extra precautions when booking a cruise during hurricane season.
Travel Insurance
In worst-case scenarios, hurricanes halt cruise ships and cancel trips altogether. As travel journalist Megan duBois emphasizes, “The cruise line’s top priority is the safety of guests and crew, and sailing to a tropical destination when a hurricane is on the horizon is simply not safe.” A canceled cruise can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars lost if passengers forgo travel insurance.
Cruise package travel insurance protects travelers from financial loss due to a canceled trip. With hurricane season’s unpredictability, travel insurance makes sense when sailing on the high seas in the summer and fall.
Experts urge cruisers to add travel insurance to their reservations. Sarah Gilliland, founder of On the Road with Sarah, stresses this necessity. She shares, “There is no way to predict what weather patterns will do, and travel insurance is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your cruise vacation.”
Major cruise lines conveniently offer insurance add-ons, but experts find they only cover the bare minimum. Opting for third-party insurance includes more coverage, albeit at a higher cost. Most insurance policies cover trip cancellations and other non-weather-related interruptions, such as lost luggage or medical emergencies. Experts urge families to shop around before selecting the best insurance policy.
Even if travel insurance winds up unused, it provides passengers with peace of mind and protects funds in the event of cancellation. Tourists can review the cruise line’s cancellation policy prior to booking to understand their rights should delays or cancellations occur.
Expect Itinerary Changes
Rough weather can interfere with cruises and change passengers’ itineraries. Passengers understand ship captains can delay port of call arrival for everyone’s safety, but the disappointment remains. In worst-case scenarios, a ship will skip islands and routes, or the cruise line will cancel altogether.
The choice to travel on the high seas during hurricane season requires anticipating potential changes to the itinerary. While sharing her cruising experience, duBois points out how itineraries “can change almost daily if your ship has already set sail and a hurricane forms. You need to be willing to go with the flow.”
To ensure a smooth travel experience, duBois recommends monitoring the weather on the days surrounding the cruise. “Even if the weather is nice during the actual sailing, the days around a cruise may not be great,” duBois explains. “Monitor local weather stations for pre- or post-night stays at your embarkation or disembarkation ports.”
The right mindset helps alleviate any disappointment amid itinerary changes. Mikkel Woodruff, Editor of Sometimes Sailing, notes, “Hurricane season, unfortunately, takes up a huge chunk of the year when it’s ideal for many people to vacation on the high seas. If you’re prepared for your expectations, you’ll be happy no matter what the cruise ends up being!”
Preparedness starts with monitoring storm activity, which often shows the chance for a hurricane to form several days out from landfall. From there, travelers know if an increased risk of a storm impacting their travels exists and possess the ability to act accordingly.
