What Cruise Ships Do To Stay Safe During Hurricane Season

Great vacations are made up of adventures, memorable moments and ideal weather. However, we all know the weather can be unpredictable. What if I told you there’s a vacation you could take and have zero worries about the forecast literally raining on your parade? That vacation is a cruise — yes, really.

Wondering what cruise ships do during a hurricane? Read on for five reasons why it’s still safe to cruise during hurricane season, according to Chief Meteorologist Van Fleet.

Key Takeaways

● Cruise ships can reroute to avoid storms, guided by onboard meteorologists and real-time weather data.

● Hurricane season doesn’t mean rougher seas — it actually often calmer thanks to high-pressure systems that help settle the water.

● Ships are built to handle choppy conditions, using features like stabilizers to reduce the sensation of movement.

● Advanced technology, satellite systems and constant updates from agencies ensure crews track storms 24/7.

● Guests receive frequent updates and clear communication directly from the captain and meteorologists so passengers always know what’s going on.

● Whatever the forecast, your vacation’s in good hands — cruise to more than 240 destinations with Royal Caribbean.

1. Cruise Ships Can Safely Reroute

One of the best parts about taking a cruise vacation is that you can easily head to better weather — think sun, sand and a cocktail in hand. And as you’re headed toward clearer skies, there are plenty of ways you and the whole family can enjoy yourselves, like watching jaw-dropping shows across air, water, ice and stage to roller skating, laser tag and bumper cars. Royal Caribbean itineraries can be altered to try to avoid any interaction with storms or affected areas, helping you enjoy your vacation without stress.

Van Fleet: A common misconception is that the open water is the most dangerous place to be in inclement weather. It’s actually the total opposite: If a storm is coming your way on land, you have fewer options: Your home is a potential target that can’t be moved. On a cruise ship, captains can sail out of the way quickly. Having a dedicated meteorologist working with the teams on board to look at weather patterns and make real-time decisions makes all the difference, too, because we’re able to get in front of what’s developing and immediately communicate that to our crew and guests.

2. Is It Safe To Cruise During Hurricane Season?

Yes, it’s safer than you’d expect. When asked if the seas are rougher during hurricane season, Van Fleet said there’s no need to worry.

Van Fleet: That’s actually a myth. In fact, the high-pressure and humid temperatures associated with hurricane season settle the seas. The Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico are all much calmer in the summer than they are in the winter. So, it’s actually still a good time to take a cruise.

3. Do Cruise Ships Sail Through Hurricanes?

Yes. Even if the conditions do happen to get choppy, every Royal Caribbean ship has features and capabilities to help things go as smoothly as possible so that you’ll hardly notice. And if the conditions look unsafe, ships can be easily rerouted. 

Van Fleet: All Royal Caribbean cruise ships have stabilizers that act like airplane wings. When you think about it, air is water vapor, so these stabilizers essentially lift the ship over waves the same way a wing lifts a plane over rough air. This keeps the “rise and fall” from being too noticeable.

4. There’s Round-the-Clock Weather Tracking

Royal Caribbean uses sophisticated technology, from computers and satellites to radars and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), to track and monitor weather around the world. Van Fleet even keeps portable tracking devices with him at all times.

Van Fleet: What’s more, there are officers on board always monitoring information provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). They’re stationed throughout the ship to make sure everyone is safe should inclement weather arise.

5. You’ll Get Frequent Updates During Cruise Hurricane Season

Van Fleet and the crew make it a point to keep everyone in the loop as much as possible so guests know what to expect with updates and possible rerouting.

Van Fleet: The captain will make weather announcements, and I will record forecast videos that play in every stateroom. I also rely on social media to give updates — it’s one of the fastest ways to connect with everyone. If you follow me on Twitter, you’ll get the latest and greatest directly from me, too.