Hurricane Season Cruise Tips

June 15, 2010— -- Is it worth the risk to plan a cruise to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera or even Canada or New England during hurricane season? Absolutely, with one major caveat: Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Statistically speaking, the chances that your particular voyage is going to be affected by a hurricane are very slim. But changes to your plans are a possibility and it's important to approach a hurricane season cruise with the right attitude.

Keep an eye on the storms at Cruise Critic's Hurricane Zone, which features round-the-clock updates on storms that might affect cruise travelers, as well as information on itinerary changes and any impact on cruise ports.

Cruise schedules and itineraries may well be affected by storms, anticipated or otherwise, but the chances you'll actually be caught in one are slim to none.

These days, solid engineering and satellite equipment allows cruise lines to follow the paths of storms (and quickly send ships elsewhere); Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are two lines that have established situation rooms -- which enable staffers to monitor storms and respond to changing circumstances.

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Key Hurricane and Cruises Tips

Look for a deal. Discounts abound, particularly in the peak period between mid-July and early October. But this is not the time to make a visit to one particular (scheduled) port a crucial element of the holiday (planning a wedding in St. Thomas or a family reunion in St. Maarten, for instance). Itineraries can be disrupted by even the mere threat of a storm.

Be flexible. Know that you may have trouble getting to an airport in south Florida or in San Juan (where many, though not all, Caribbean-bound cruises depart).

Buy insurance. Whether you obtain insurance through the cruise line or through an independent provider, make sure the policy covers disruption in case of weather-related events. Cruise Critic is an online cruise guide, featuring cruise reviews, news, deals and advice on all aspects of cruising.