Although hurricanes are naturally unpredictable, they have been observed to be more common at certain times of the year. For the Caribbean, the hurricane season usually starts in June and lasts until November. This season is further divided between the specific areas of the region. For instance, the Eastern Caribbean, as well as the U.S. East Coast, experiences more hurricanes between August and September, while the Western Caribbean has more hurricanes from September until early November.
Furthermore, the hurricanes on the Eastern Caribbean tend to be stronger compared to the ones that happen in the south.
People can expect a typical hurricane season to have an average of eight to eleven tropical storms, but only five to seven of these would be considered as full-fledged hurricanes. It’s also important to note that hurricanes don’t always reach land. CDC information for travelers. Hours/availability may have changed.
1.Why You Should Care About Hurricane Season in the Caribbean
When it comes to cruising, nothing beats the Caribbean. Thanks to its potential to offer a diverse itinerary, multiple cruise lines, and great overall experience, it’s easily the best choice for anyone who wants to experience a unique tropical vacation.
Interestingly enough, despite the fact that the Caribbean is prone to hurricanes at certain times of the year, this has never dampened its popularity. While people prefer to go in seasons that are drier and offer more sun, hurricane season for the Caribbean has become sought after for the competitively low prices.
Like most weather conditions, hurricanes can impact travel itineraries and schedules, and cruise schedules and routes will be different from those in drier and sunnier seasons.
2.Is it Even Safe to Go on a Cruise during This Season
Most people, especially those who have already gone on cruises in such seasons, would answer yes. In fact, cruise lines have been doing these for some time now, and they are able to work around the weather thanks to engineering and satellite technology that allow them to monitor the paths of these hurricanes.
Statistically, very few cruise trips are affected by hurricanes. Even in the Eastern Caribbean, the chances of actually experiencing a hurricane are 8%, and in the slim chance that they do get affected, you’d only notice it when your itinerary has been changed. When a hurricane happens during the voyage, cruise ships tend to avoid them by either changing course or outrunning them. Yes, you read that right. Most storms move at an approximate speed of 10 knots. Cruise ships, on the other hand, can comfortably sail at 22 knots.
During these times, passengers may experience a bumpy voyage due to the rough waters and the speed of the ship, meaning it’s a good idea to bring seasickness medication if you or your fellow passengers are prone to it.
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3.General Advice for Cruise Passengers
While the hurricane season shouldn’t stop you from going on a cruise in the Caribbean, do keep an open mind about how the weather might affect your original plans. Avoid a travel plan that’s too strict so that you and your fellow travelers can easily adjust to any changes to the itinerary or even cancellations. Flexibility is key to enjoying a cruise during this season. Most experienced travelers will anticipate delays and allow an extra day or two on their travel schedule as a margin for error.
Because the hurricanes are tougher in the east, you might want to plan a route that heads into the south of the Caribbean as much as possible.
Keep in mind that cancellation of ports doesn’t entitle you to compensation; this is part of the fine print on most cruise tickets. You will, however, be entitled to refunds on prepaid port taxes and similar fees. This, of course, is different from when the cruise itself is cancelled. Although it rarely happens, cruise liners will have to cancel a voyage when the weather affects the actual port of embarkation.
Also, don’t forget to ask your hotels what their hurricane plans are. Hotels are already well experienced in dealing with hurricane situations, but knowing what exactly they will do to help you get through these unlikely situations will help keep your mind at ease.
Finally, always keep yourself updated with the latest information on the weather for the locations that you’re visiting. Whether it’s hurricane season or not, being prepared for a trip always helps ensure that you enjoy your vacation no matter what.
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When is Hurricane Season in the Caribbean?
- Why You Should Care About Hurricane Season in the Caribbean, Photo: drew/stock.adobe.com
- Is it Even Safe to Go on a Cruise during This Season, Photo: Elena Zarubina/stock.adobe.com
- General Advice for Cruise Passengers, Photo: cascoly2/stock.adobe.com
- Cover Photo: Courtesy of drew - Fotolia.com
Hurricane Safety Tips
Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, are huge storms that can be highly destructive. They originate over warm ocean waters and many simply stay out over the sea, but some move inland and history is littered with examples of major hurricanes that have caused a whole lot of damage to towns and cities around the US and elsewhere in the world.
The Atlantic hurricane season starts on June 1, while the Pacific season begins on May 15. Both seasons end on November 30. During this part of the year, Hurricanes can occur along any part of the Atlantic or Pacific coasts and are fully capable of heading more than 100 miles inland. The worst month for hurricanes is September, but it's important to be prepared at all times, so be sure to follow the following hurricane safety tips to keep yourself and your family as safe as possible.
Safety Tips to Follow Before a Hurricane
Arguably the most important part of hurricane safety is before the hurricane even arrives. Often, in life, it’s much easier to prepare and prevent issues from occurring that actually having to deal with them later on, and this is true of hurricanes too. Follow these hurricane safety tips before a hurricane hits your area:
- Stay stocked up on emergency supplies like food, bottled water, first-aid, flashlights, gas, and more.
- Learn as much as you can about your home and local area. What is the elevation level of your property? Are there any dams or levees nearby? Is flooding likely? Does the community have an established evacuation plan?
- Be sure to keep trees and large shrubs trimmed down to cut the risk of them blowing into your property, and bring any large outdoor furniture indoors too.
- Have a plan for your pets as well. Stock up on food for any animals in your home and speak to a vet for an advice on keeping them safe.
- Board up windows and reinforce garage doors.
- Invest in a battery-powered radio. When disaster strikes, the power can go out, meaning that more modern technology like computers and smartphones will simply die. A radio will help you stay up to date with warnings and news.
- If you have the budget, consider building a shelter or safe room.
- Use radios and internet to stay up to date with warnings and alerts in the buildup to the storm’s arrival.
Safety Tips to Follow During a Hurricane
When the hurricane arrives, it can be a very scary experience, but it can be vital to stay as calm as you can in order to keep thinking clearly and not make any dangerous decisions. Follow these hurricane safety tips during a hurricane to stay safe.
- Stay indoors at all times, unless otherwise instructed by the authorities or emergency service workers. Avoid approaching any windows, and if possible, find a room or hallway in your house that doesn't have any risk of flooding.
- If flooding does occur, ascend the floors of your home or the building in which you are situated, without trapping yourself in a closed space that could flood and leave you with no way out.
- If you're in a low-lying, flood-prone area or a structurally weak property or building like a mobile home, try to get to a shelter as quickly and safely as possible. However, do not attempt to drive around any barriers or through any water; just a small amount of fast-moving water can be enough to send you and your vehicle off course.
Safety Tips to Follow After a Hurricane
After the hurricane has subsided, danger still exists. With the possibility of flooding and landslides in your area, it’s vital to ensure that you and your family continue to follow all hurricane safety tips to avoid any unwanted incidents.
- If you're in a safe indoor space, stay there until it's totally safe to step outside. In the meantime, try to keep up to date with alerts and announcements, or listen to authorities in your area for any instructions.
- Be aware of floods. Only a small amount of water is strong enough to knock you off balance and cause injuries or worse, so avoid attempting to swim or wade in the waters. Downed power lines may also cause electrical charges in pools or standing water, so avoid these areas at all costs.
- Stay away from electrical equipment in general and avoid using the phone if possible. Make use of social media and internet messaging services to contact friends and family.
- Take photos of any damage to your property for insurance purposes.
- Stay safe during clean-up by using protective gear.
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