Can I cruise the Caribbean during hurricane season?
Hurricane season in the Caribbean means more affordable cruises and fewer crowds – but do the rewards outweigh the risks? Here’s what to know before booking.
When is hurricane season in the Caribbean?
The hurricane belt is a swathe of the Atlantic Ocean that, as you’d expect, is prone to more than its fair share of extreme weather. It includes much of the Caribbean, where hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November.
It typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October, but hurricanes are unpredictable. It's difficult to know precisely when or where a storm will form and how severe it will be.
Are Caribbean cruises safe during hurricane season?
In a word: yes. Caribbean cruises are generally considered safe, even during hurricane season. The Caribbean spans a vast area – more than 10 times the size of the UK – so there’s plenty of room for ships to steer clear of trouble. If a tropical storm or hurricane is brewing, ships can change course, outrunning the worst of the weather altogether.
After all, cruise lines have the advantage of advanced satellite tracking and computer-generated storm models. These mean crews can monitor and predict weather patterns, allowing them to adjust itineraries proactively. Royal Caribbean International even employs a dedicated meteorologist to guide such decisions.
Onboard teams are also extensively trained and regularly rehearse for a variety of emergency scenarios. As long as you follow crew instructions, you’ll be in capable hands.
Will my cruise itinerary change?
For passenger and crew safety, cruise lines sometimes change itineraries to evade tropical storms or hurricanes. If you’ve got your heart set on visiting a particular port, a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season might not be the right fit for you. But these itinerary changes remain rare occurrences. Plus, there are plenty of benefits that come with sailing the Caribbean in the off-season.
If an itinerary does need adjusting, it’s hard to predict how much it will change. You might skip a single port, or you could end up exploring an entirely different part of the Caribbean.
Either way, cruise lines are upfront: changes due to weather typically don’t come with compensation. Make sure you read the small print before you book so you know where you stand.
Another thing to keep in mind is that if your cruise ship does need to avoid a tropical storm, you may have an extra sea day or two as the ship reroutes. This isn’t necessarily a downside depending on your perspective – longer stretches at sea can be a highlight, especially if you’re aboard a ship with abundant amenities.
Several of the world’s biggest ships, including ones from Royal Caribbean International and MSC Cruises, sail the Caribbean during the summer months. Aboard these mega-ships, there are enough restaurants and bars to try a new one every day for a fortnight and still have more to explore, not to mention amenities like roller-skating rinks and water parks.
Could my Caribbean cruise be cancelled altogether?
While it’s possible that a cruise line may cancel a Caribbean cruise due to severe weather during hurricane season, this is unlikely. Cruise lines typically update the itinerary or delay departure by a day or two to avoid extreme weather rather than cancel the trip outright.
In the rare event that the cruise is cancelled at the last minute, you will receive compensation. Reading the fine print of your particular cruise is the best way to be sure of what you’re entitled to in such a scenario.
Is a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season more affordable?
Caribbean cruises between June and November are frequently more competitively priced. That’s partly because many travellers mistakenly assume that the entire region is off-limits during hurricane season.
The result? Cruise lines entice passengers with extra perks, like special drinks packages, complimentary excursions or time-limited discounts that you won’t see in peak season.
Opting for a Caribbean holiday during the summer months is also a smart move because that's when other bucket-list cruise destinations, like the Mediterranean and Alaska, tend to be at their priciest.
Is the Caribbean less busy during hurricane season?
The Caribbean’s high season runs between December and April, peaking around Christmas and New Year’s. As a result, ships sailing between June and November are less busy. Cruisers can enjoy more space in the communal areas, greater availability on shore excursions and a more relaxed experience overall.
Even so, that doesn’t mean things go disconcertingly quiet. The Caribbean is a year-round destination, with bustling ports full of locals and intrepid passengers throughout the summer and autumn.
For those who do choose to visit during hurricane season, some of the Caribbean's most arresting natural spectacles await. May to September are the best months to explore the bioluminescent bays of the Cayman Islands, while from March to August, you can spot leatherback turtles hatching in Trinidad and Tobago.
Are some parts of the Caribbean less storm-prone than others?
Nowhere in the Caribbean is entirely storm-proof during hurricane season, but some regions sit outside of the hurricane belt and have historically seen fewer hurricanes.
The Southern Caribbean in particular tends to be less impacted. This includes the ABC islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. The latter, known for its salt flats and free-roaming flamingos, hasn’t had a direct hurricane hit since 1877.
Other Southern Caribbean islands like Trinidad and Tobago, celebrated for calypso and soca music, have also been relatively safe from past storms.
Cruise lines such as Windstar Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line have curated itineraries that focus on the Southern Caribbean, appealing to passengers seeking a sunnier, steadier sailing route during hurricane season.
Of course, hurricanes are inherently unpredictable. While historical trends give us some guidance, weather patterns shift – so flexibility remains essential.
Will it rain for my whole cruise?
It’s not likely. While storms can bring longer stretches of wet weather, Caribbean rain tends to come in sharp, short bursts. Think sudden downpours that give way to sunshine as quickly as they arrive. It’s a far cry from the all-day drizzle you might be used to in the UK. Likely, you'll still fly home with a suntan.
Crucially, in the Caribbean, rain does not equal cold weather. The region stays reliably warm throughout the year, with temperatures typically in the high 20s and low 30s °C.
September is often one of the hottest and wettest months. November is a slightly cooler alternative – though still warm enough to ward off the winter blues back home. Humidity can be high, especially in early autumn, making the heat feel more intense.
If you’re evading a storm, you also might encounter some rough, rollicking waves. That’s because, during hurricane season in the Caribbean, waves can be more pronounced even if you’re a considerable distance from a storm’s path.
While modern ships are engineered to maximise stability, you may want to book a cabin on a lower deck, close to the centre of the ship, if you’re concerned about seasickness in rough waters.
Should I pack anything specific for my summertime Caribbean cruise?
If you’re sailing the Caribbean during hurricane season, the following will come in handy:
1. Lightweight, breathable clothing: Cotton and moisture-wicking fabrics can help you stay comfortable in high heat and humidity.
2. Compact waterproofs: A lightweight poncho (you can get reusable ones for under £15 on Amazon) will keep you dry during sudden showers on shore excursions.
3. Sun protection: Don’t be fooled by the threat of clouds. You’ll still need high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
4. Seasickness remedies: Seasickness bands, ginger tea or candies, and medications can help steady you if the sea gets choppy.
Will my travel insurance cover me?
It can – but only if you choose the right policy. Not all travel insurance provides the same level of protection, and that’s especially true when it comes to cruising the Caribbean during hurricane season.
You’ll want a policy that specifically covers weather-related disruptions, including delays and cancellations caused by tropical storms or hurricanes.
Timing is also important. Purchasing travel insurance promptly after you book your cruise can maximise your coverage in the face of unforeseen events. Don't leave it for the last minute.
Additionally, bear in mind that many cruise lines require a minimum level of insurance, such as medical coverage. Check if that applies to the cruise you’re booking.
As always, read the terms and conditions of your policy carefully so you know exactly what is – and isn’t – included.
Is there anything else I should consider before booking?
Hurricanes don't just impact cruise ships. Air travel can also face disruptions. If you’re flying to your port of departure and your flight is delayed due to severe weather, there's a risk of missing your cruise altogether.
This is especially worth considering if you’re sailing from a port city prone to tropical storms, such as Miami in Florida or San Juan in Puerto Rico.
To minimise stress, aim to arrive in your departure city at least a day or two before your cruise is scheduled to set sail. This buffer helps you manage potential flight delays and start your cruise on a relaxed note, ready to enjoy your savings, and fingers crossed, plenty of Caribbean sunshine.
