Concerned about Hurricane season?

Question

We have a Carnival cruise booked for the end of June for the Bahamas. I read last night that this is supposed to be a super bad season. Just curious, if there is a storm coming, will we be refunded for the trip? I did read that they would do everything to keep the passengers safe. I have never been through one before as Im from the midwest, but I sure as heck don't want to fair one on a boat. I can't imagine they would still sail. Anyone been through one or had their trip cancelled?

Answer 1

Cruise ships do an excellent job of avoiding hurricanes and other storms.  They are not going to risk billion-dollar ships [not to mention passengers!].  You may miss ports or be delayed getting to them if there is a storm in the area.  

And you may even get some free cruise days, if there is a storm.  We were on a cruise when Frances came through and had to stay out at sea for two extra days.  We cruised in the Gulf off of Havana [you could see it in the distance] until she passed.  Our relatives at home were worried, but we wouldn't even have known there was a hurricane!  Well, until we returned to FLL - that night was rather rough.

If the cruiseline cancels or delays the trip, they will compensate you in some way.  If your departure date is near and you want to cancel, your trip insurance policy may cover that - be sure and check before you buy it.

Answer 2

If a hurricane is forecast that might interfere with the cruise, Carnival will post information on its website.  

However, ships have an advantage over land based hotels.  Ships can (and will) move away from the storm.  Have you ever seen a land based hotel do this?

If the hurricane prevents the ship from docking on the day you are scheduled to board, Carnival will either send the ship to another port and bus you over to it, or Carnival will put you up on a hotel.  

If the hurricane prevents the ship from going to one of its scheduled ports, then the ship will either go to another port or it will just stay out at sea.

If the hurricane prevents the ship from docking on the day you are scheduled to disembark, Carnival will either send the ship to another port and bus you back to the original port, or the ship will stay out at sea until it is safe to return.  

Hurricanes are just one of several reasons to purchase trip insurance.  There are several good companies out there.  One site you can try is ...

http://www.insuremytrip.com/

which allows you to compare several policies at once.

From the Carnival website ...

http://www.carnival.com/CMS/FAQs/Hurrica...

What about hurricanes?

Hurricane season encompasses the months of June through November. Due to the unpredictable nature of hurricanes it may not be possible to give information about itinerary changes in advance of the sailing. Carnival's main priority is the safety of our guests and crew, as well as the vessel. It is rare for a cancellation to occur due to an impending hurricane. In some instances an itinerary deviation is implemented to avoid a storm. Hurricanes have been known to change their course drastically at the last minute. Guests that have any questions should contact our Reservations department the day prior to sailing, as that is when we will have definitive information. We will always make decisions that assure the cruise experience will be a great one and that all on board are totally safe.

Answer 3

I have been on several cruises through hurricane season and have never had a problem. Like the others have said, ships have a way of moving around it, and you may not stop at a particular port if it is that close. The closest we came to a hurricane is when our cruise stopped in Belize. That morning we went snorkelling (which by the way has some awesome snorkelling), and by the time our excursion was finishing, the winds starting picking up and it was getting cloudy. We heard they cancelled the afternoon snorkelling, but we didn't leave port early. I really didn't think much of it at the time. The next morning as we were on our way to our next port, we heard that a hurricane struck Belize the night before after we left. Wow, that was a close one. Have a good time and try not to worry about it. Ships have all kinds of equipment to keep an eye on this stuff, and believe me they will.

Answer 4

i was on a cruise just march gone,we flew from Manchester in England to montego bay in the Caribbean.we sat sail at 8 at night. all was well,we woke in the morn to the most beautiful hot day,we had gone for breakfast then decided to do a spot of sunny-bathing as i call it,the captain announced that we were to experience a nice hot day, we were heading for progresso in Mexico,about an hour passed then before anyone got a chance the heavens opened  the rain was that heavy it hurt, everybody just jumped up and ran for cover,we hit a storm that none of us expected,we were in the middle of the Caribbean with nowhere to go,it was sheer h**l,virtually the whole ship was ill even the bars and shops were empty,we were told it had been the worst storm our cruise ship had ever been in,so you see we had to ride it out we had no choice,i don't ever want to expense it again,it wouldn't stop me cruising,it the chance you take,our weather systems are like we've never known,

Answer 5

i've been on a ship in a hurricane before.

don't worry.

they'll sail the other way.

Answer 6

Have you ever heard of a cruise ship in a hurricane?

They would go to other ports, or not go at all.

Hurricanes give you enough warning.

Answer 7

I sailed during a hurricane. At its closest.. it was about 500 miles northwest of us. We got some extra waves and such but other than that nothing changed on our trip. We never got any rain and the sun was still shining. They will not put you anywhere near the hurricane.. funny tho I am up at 4am because I had a nightmare about being on the ship during a hurricane. I woke up when the captain was deciding on what outfits to go down with the ship in.