Hurricane on a Cruise Ship
6 Things to Know if you are caught in a hurricane on your cruise.
Hurricane and tropical storm season months are June through November. Cruising is fun and a great way to travel, but it is important to stay informed when cruising during storm season. Cruising during hurricane season can be a bit tricky. The good news is cruise ships are designed to handle rough seas and storms, and your crew members are trained to ensure the safety of all passengers.
Watching the weather and choosing not to book during the stormy season or purchasing travel insurance just in case you feel you will be caught in rough seas and don't want to chance it are great ways to prevent being caught in a hurricane on a cruise ship.
However, if you are caught in a hurricane or heavy tropical storm weather, here are 6 tips to help you stay safe and comfortable.
#1 - Stay Informed
Listen to the captain and crew announcements and pay attention to any updates about the storm's progress. This will help you to make informed decisions about what to do next. Listen for any changes in safety measures provided or any changes to the itinerary. If the seas are too rough, the captain might call to divert the ship to another port location or cancel port day altogether, giving you another sea day.
Remember that storms can disrupt schedules and cause delays. Be patient and trust the crew's expertise in safely navigating the storm.
If you booked an excursion through your cruise line, check with guest services for a refund for any excursions canceled due to weather-related issues.
#2 - Stay in Your Cabin
In the event of a hurricane or rough seas, it's best to stay in your cabin. The ship's interior is designed to withstand strong winds and waves, and you're safer there than on the deck. High winds and rough seas can be extremely dangerous. During high winds, cruise lines will usually rope off areas on the top decks or doors leading to outer areas for your safety.
Use handrails to maintain your balance if you need to move about the ship. Elevators may be temporarily unavailable due to the rough conditions, so be prepared to use stairs.
#3 - Secure Your Belongings
Make sure all loose items in your cabin are secured or stored away. This will help prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in the event of high winds. Close and lock balcony doors, windows, and curtains to prevent water and debris from entering your cabin.
#4 - Stay Hydrated
Hurricanes and rough seas can cause seasickness, so staying hydrated is important. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Crew members usually place vomit bags around the ship during rough seas, such as in stairwells and restrooms. If you need anything for your room, your steward can bring some.
#5 - Follow Crew Instructions
The crew is trained to handle emergencies, so following their instructions is important. They will tell you what to do in the event of an emergency. Keep your mobile phone charged and connect to the ship's communication channels for updates and instructions.
*Note- This is also why attending your muster station before sailing away is important and mandatory. Your crew members will give you a rundown of what to expect if an emergency situation were to occur.
#6 - Stay Calm
Most importantly, stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Remember that the captain and crew are doing everything possible to keep you safe.
Have you cruised in a tropical storm or hurricane?
I have cruised in a tropical storm and lost one of the ports on my itinerary as the captain diverted from the heavy waves. If this happens to you, you will get your port fees back and a chance to either gain a new port or an extra sea day.
Check out my YouTube channel for more cruising tips and fun.
