Cruising during hurricane season is risky because unexpected changes can happen at the last minute. A common issue is the closure of ports, which can have a cascading effect, leading to multiple cruise delays and even cancellations.
Why Do Cruise Ports Close?
Cruise ports are closed when it is considered unsafe for ships to dock. This can happen due to rough seas and strong winds. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard will shut down ports that are under Port Condition “ZULU” when sustained gale-force winds are expected within 12 hours. All incoming and outgoing vessels are canceled, and port operations are halted until further notice.
Cruise Ships Delayed
Cruise ship delays are common when there are port closures. This can leave ships stranded at sea with nowhere to dock. When that happens, the cruise line will find an alternative port to visit or extend the cruise by adding an extra day at sea. For example, due to the closure of the Tampa port caused by Hurricane Helene, Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas and Carnival Paradise have been delayed in their arrival.
Longer Cruise
Another thing that can happen with port closures, especially if the closed port is the cruise ship’s homeport, is that the ship will extend its current cruise. The captain will redirect the ship to a safe distance from the hurricane, and the cruise director will arrange additional onboard activities to keep guests entertained. For example, due to the closure of the Port of Jacksonville because of Hurricane Helene, the impacted Carnival Elation cruise will be extended and will return to Jacksonville once the port reopens.
Next Sailing Delayed
Cruise delays can set off a chain reaction when a homeport is shut down, causing the next sailing to be delayed. Unfortunately, this means that these passengers will end up with a shorter cruise vacation than they had originally planned. Check out The Worst Months to Go on a Cruise
Compensation
Depending on the cruise line, passengers may receive compensation for cruise delays and itinerary changes. The cruise line might offer onboard credit, partial refunds, or discounts on future cruise bookings. Check out 8 Easy Ways to Get Free Onboard Credit on a Cruise
Shore Excursions
The cruise line will refund shore excursions if a port is canceled. If the cruise ship goes to a different port, they might also arrange for passengers to go on another shore excursion.
If you booked your excursion through an outside tour operator, you’ll need to contact them for a refund. Sometimes, the cruise staff can help you get in touch with the tour operators while you’re on the ship. That’s why it’s safest to book shore excursions directly through the cruise line when it’s hurricane season, even if it’s more expensive. Check out Will Your Alaska Cruise Be Ruined Without Shore Excursions
Flights and Hotels
Cruise passengers affected by the port closures will have to make alternative flight and hotel arrangements. If they are on the cruise ship, the cruise staff might help passengers contact airlines and hotels. Usually, if there is a cruise port closure, there will be many flight delays and cancellations, making alternative flight arrangements difficult. Check out What to Pack: Alaska cruise (free packing list)
Travel Insurance
Cruise passengers affected by port closures can use their travel insurance to recover non-refundable costs. That’s why buying travel insurance is important when cruising during hurricane season. You never know what will happen to your cruise vacation. Check out What to Pack: Caribbean cruise (free packing list)