Are you going on a cruise? But you’re afraid of rough seas. Cruising is not all serene water and open ocean. There are also cruise routes that will sail in waters known to be unpredictably rough. Find out where the roughest seas are so you can avoid cruising there. Also, below I’m sharing my travel password tracker printable.
Roughest Seas in the World for Cruise Ships
1. Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is infamous for being one of the choppiest waters you’ll ever encounter. This narrow passage, situated between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic archipelago, is famous for its intense waves and powerful currents.
The average wave height can be as high as 13 to 16 feet (4 to 5 meters), which is twice the size of waves found in the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re planning on going on an Antarctic cruise, you’ll have to sail through the Drake Passage.
One of the main reasons why cruisers are hesitant to go on an Antarctic cruise is because they fear the rough waters at Drake Passage. Fortunately, cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers to minimize the choppiness of the rough seas. But be warned, this is not a journey for the faint of heart. The choppy waters can be quite intense. If you’re prone to seasickness, check out my tips on how to avoid getting seasick on a cruise.
2. Bering Strait
The Bering Strait is another place with choppy waters. Many cruises to Alaska pass through the Bering Strait, which acts as a natural border between Russia and North America at the northern edge of the Pacific Ocean. Despite the harsh conditions, cruise ships have stabilizers that can handle the unpredictable Bering Sea.
3. South China Sea
Located in Southeast Asia, the South China Sea is known for its seasonal monsoons that generate strong winds and high waves. Cruise ships that travel through these waters must be equipped to handle the unpredictable weather conditions.
Despite the sometimes rough seas, the South China Sea remains popular for cruises with cruise ports like Hong Kong, Manila, Singapore, and Bangkok.
4. Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is notorious for its rough seas and unpredictable weather, especially when you’re traveling on a transatlantic cruise from Europe to North America.
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean can be challenging, made infamous by the Titanic, which encountered turbulent weather, icebergs, and storms.
The good news is cruise ships these days are now designed with advanced stabilizers and powerful engines, making it easier for them to navigate these challenging waters and reducing the discomfort of passengers.
If you’re planning on a transatlantic cruise, it’s worth noting that the best time to do so is outside the December to February window, when the weather is less rough.
5. Caribbean Sea
Are you surprised that the Caribbean Sea, famous for its beautiful, calm turquoise water makes it to the list of rough seas? It’s not always smooth sailing on the Caribbean Sea.
If you plan a cruise during hurricane season, you might experience choppy waters. The warm waters mixed with cooler currents and air can create unstable conditions, leading to storms and hurricanes. You might have seen social media videos of furniture being thrown around and cruise ships flooding during hurricane season.
Luckily, you can avoid this by not cruising during hurricane season. Hurricane season is from June to November.
But for those of you not afraid of choppy waters, you can score some great deals cruising the Carribean during hurricane season! Check out my tips on when to book a cruise to get the best deals.
6. Tasman Sea
The Tasman Sea, located in the Pacific, between New Zealand and Australia, is known for its rough waters. It is often considered to be one of the most turbulent bodies of water in the world.
If you plan on going on a New Zealand and Alaska cruise, you will be sailing through the Tasman Sea. The sea frequently experiences rapidly changing conditions, making it tricky. You should have your anti-seasick medication ready and be well-prepared while sailing in the Tasman Sea.
7. Mediterranean Sea
The Mediterranean Sea, much like the Atlantic Ocean, can get pretty rough and unpredictable, especially in the autumn and winter months. This is when seasonal high winds and storms can stir up the waters and make for a bumpy ride. If you’re looking for a peaceful and smooth sailing experience, you’d be better off scheduling your Mediterranean cruise in the spring or early summer. During these times, conditions are usually calmer and more stable.
8. Bay of Biscay
The Bay of Biscay, located between the western coast of France and the northern part of Spain, has a reputation for having turbulent waters. The vast gulf is often battered by storms, making it a challenging route for cruise ships.
However, despite its unpredictable climate, the area remains a popular passage for European cruises, particularly during the calmer seasons when the waters are more manageable.
9. North Sea
The North Sea, which borders the UK and several Nordic countries, is notorious for its harsh conditions. With freezing temperatures and rough waters, it is one of the roughest seas in the world, especially in the winter months. Cruise ships sailing in the North Sea must be equipped to handle the choppy waters, ensuring the safety of passengers.
10. Gulf of Alaska
The Gulf of Alaska is a challenge for cruise ships due to its rough waters and volatile weather patterns. Despite its stunning scenery of glaciers and wildlife, it is one of the roughest waters in the world.
Get Your Free Travel Websites Password Tracker
Sign up once and you will get access to ALL exclusive content on this website. After unlocking the printable, just save the printable image and then print it. Use it to keep track of all the usernames and passwords from various travel websites. I hope you like it!
Check out my cruise packing lists with free printables for your upcoming Caribbean cruise, Alaska cruise, Mexico cruise and Bermuda cruise
Cruise without Seasickness: Genius Tricks You Need to Know
11 Most Annoying People to Avoid on a Cruise
10 Overpriced Things to Never Buy on a Cruise