Watch Out! There’s A Twister About!

Were at that time of year folks, when hurricanes/twisters call them whatever, are prevalent around the Caribbean and eastern seaboard of the States.  Some people have mentioned why do the ships go to those areas at this time but of course if you thought the weather was going to be rubbish we would have little cruises to go on.  I have travelled and cruised around the Caribbean and the southern States quite a few times, not once have I encountered really bad weather but I do say to my clients – just be aware.

Traditionally the hurricane season is from May to October however, I am pretty certain is usually at it’s worst in October. If you are travelling to these particular areas, I would say be mindful that things can change in a matter of days/hours.  Cruise lines of course do a wonderful job, after all this must be their worst nightmare.  So what do the cruise lines have to do? Well of course your safety is the most important thing so they will map out a new itinerary for you, then they will have to check to see if any of the major ports such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are closed, if they are they will have to find an alternative. They may have to completely change every one of the ports of call therefore do not be surprised if for example your going to Eastern Caribbean, you may end up in the Western part.  If a cruise line can not change anything because of the storm, they will cancel your cruise. For example, just recently Carnival cruises had to cancel the 6th October cruise but did offer a full refund and a further discount on a 2 or 3 night future cruise.  Royal Caribbean had to cancel the Majesty Of The Seas from Port Canaveral, what they did was offer a full refund or a future cruise credit for a forthcoming cruise – hats off to them!

There are I’m afraid some people out there who do like to have a moan about itineraries changing or a cruise cancelling. I know this can be a real upset however, please do bear in mind it is not done on a whim, the cruise lines really may have to simply because they do not have any alternative.

On a final note, you do of course all have travel insurance. I would recommend you to check yours if you are travelling in this season, as some insurances do exclude coverage for hurricanes.

I do hope none of us ever get caught in one of these storms, better be safe then sorry and know what could happen though!