Hurricane season cruising

Do you get a refund for missed ports? Alas, no. The fine print in your cruise contract, also known as your ticket, gives lines the right to substitute ports if and when they feel like it.

Even Ships Outrunning a Storm Can Encounter Rough Waters
When the threat of a storm occurs cruise ships can "outrun" them -- storms tend to move at about 8 - 10 knots, while ships can attain speeds of up to 22 knots.

While ships, due to increasingly sophisticated technology and mechanics, can evade storms they can't avoid them entirely -- and may run into rougher-than-usual waters. You can even experience their remnants in far away places, such as on one of the seasonal north Atlantic repositioning cruises coming out of Europe. Ever wondered where hurricanes go to die? You guessed it, the north Atlantic. While they may be tropical storms or even lesser swirlings by the time they reach Iceland, the waters can still be rough. Be prepared -- even the stalwart should pack their favorite seasickness remedy.

Can't Get to the Ship?
Sometimes hurricane-related problems don't have anything to do with the ship -- and everything to do with conditions at the port of embarkation. As we said before, plan ahead. This is a good time of year to build a day or two into your vacation. Aim to arrive in port a couple of days early in case difficulties arise. Prepare for the possibility -- and it happens -- that you might actually arrive home a day or two late. And bottom line: if you're having trouble getting into your port of embarkation make sure you contact the cruise line (carry their toll-free emergency number in your wallet). Most will do everything possible, even if they are not obligated, to help you get to the ship but there's no guarantee.

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Cancellations
Rare, extremely rare. For the aforementioned reasons, cruise lines will simply deviate itineraries. If a cruise is actually canceled you will, obviously, get a refund. You might receive a discount on a future cruise.

West Coast Storms
Oft-overlooked because there simply are more people cruising the Caribbean than, say, the Mexican Riviera, the western coast of Mexico also is subject to hurricanes and is monitored in just the same manner by weather experts and cruise lines.

Bottom Line?
Start monitoring tropical storm conditions a week before you leave by watching The Weather Channel (or by clicking on to its website at www.weather.com). Be proactive if your cruise seems to be lying in the path of a storm by contacting your travel agent -- or the cruise line directly -- and get advice and updates.

Atlantic Hurricane Season 2005: NOAA's Official Prediction
Pacific Hurricane Season 2005: NOAA's Official Prediction

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