What happens to your cruise when it rains during port days? Will your shore excursions automatically get canceled? Will you skip a port because of rain? It depends. Here are several likely scenarios when it rains during port days.
Shore Excursions Get Canceled
The most common thing that can happen due to rainy weather is that your cruise will cancel outdoor shore excursions. However, don’t assume that it will automatically happen. Sometimes, shore excursions will take place in rain or shine.
The shore excursion team will run it even if there is rain as long as it is safe. For example, here is a picture of our Shore Excursion in the rain in Estonia. My advice is to pack an umbrella for everyone in your group! (it’s not ideal to share)
Beach Closures
Rain can result in beach closures. If you’re in the Caribbean, it’s common to be sunny for one minute and then a torrential rainstorm the next. I suggest closely monitoring the weather forecast.
If there is a slight chance of rain in the forecast, I suggest it’s best not to even head out to the beach. It will be miserable at the beach when it’s rainy and damp. You’re better off staying on the cruise ship. Spend your day at the indoor pool instead!
Outdoor Vendors Shut Down
If you’re in the Caribbean or at a place where there are street vendors, rain can cause them to shut down, resulting in limited outdoor shopping and dining. If you’re hoping to visit the straw market, know that if it’s rainy, you might be out of luck. Check out The Worst Months to Go on a Cruise
It Can Be Fun
When we went on our British Isle cruise, it rained a lot on the day we visited the Blarney Castle. However, that added to the fun. My kids had a blast getting wet, lining up in the rain, and kissing the Blarney stone! Just make sure you dress appropriately with raincoats and umbrellas. Check out 25 Things People Forget to Pack for a Cruise
Slippery
One thing to be careful of when you’re going on a cruise with a high potential for rain is slippery walkways. When we went to the Blarney castle, climbing the narrow stone staircase got a little slippery. Make sure you have footwear with a good grip when it’s raining. Check out What to Pack for British Isle Cruise (Free Packing List)
No Private Island
It’s not uncommon for a cruise to skip a stop at a private island, so it’s important to be mentally prepared. On several of my cruises, rainy and windy weather forced the captain to cancel the private island visit due to unsafe docking conditions. While it can be disappointing, it’s all about safety, and there are always other activities on board to enjoy instead. Check out 22 Things to Pack in Your Cruise Private Island Beach Bag (Free Packing List)
Missed Port
In some cases, intense weather conditions can make it unsafe for your cruise ship to dock at a scheduled port. If that happens, the captain may cancel the port visit and reroute the ship to a different destination, or you might even get an extra day at sea.
It’s important to remember that while you can look forward to the ports on your itinerary, there’s no guarantee you’ll visit them all. The cruise line can cancel a port stop if it poses a safety risk. Check out Should You Remove Automatic Gratuities on Your Next Cruise?
Indoor Activities
If it’s rainy, the cruise director will cancel all outdoor activities and switch to indoor activities such as trivia games, live music, and indoor movies. If you’re staying on the cruise ship, expect to spend your day indoors. The indoor pool is a great spot! Check out Don’t Do These 12 Things When You Feel Seasick on a Cruise
Spa Specials
Cruise ship spas always offer discounted treatments on port days. If you know it’s going to rain, it’s a good idea to take advantage of these special spa deals and packages offered only on port days. Check out 21 Smart and Easy Ways to Save Money on a Cruise
Hard to Get Taxis
If you’re exploring a port independently and know it’s going to rain, leave plenty of time to get back on the ship. There may be longer wait times for taxis or to call an Uber. Check out 16 Cruise Ports you Can Explore without Booking Shore Excursions