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Cruise Ships, Long Contentious in Bahamas, Offer Lifeline After Dorian

After the Category 5 hurricane, companies that often have a difficult relationship with the Bahamas have stepped in to help with relief. But is it enough to repair their image?

By Frances Robles

At 76, disabled, with half the roof of her Grand Bahama home blown off and facing the prospect of months without electricity, Myrtle Cartwright decided she had to leave.

Ms. Cartwright escaped in luxury: On Friday, she boarded Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s Grand Celebration with about 1,200 other Hurricane Dorian survivors and headed for Palm Beach, Fla. She had her own handicap-accessible cabin.

“They even had a medical attendant come and see if I was O.K., because I have hypertension,” Ms. Cartwright said. “Someone had a heart attack on the ship and a helicopter took them off the ship at 12 o’clock at night to the hospital. If they were at Freeport, they would not have made it.”

The Grand Celebration was the first to dock at the Grand Bahama port last week, and the ship arrived packed with doctors and nurses. Bahamas Paradise only sails to the Bahamas, and so company officials decided that instead of sidelining its ships and waiting for better times, it would launch a humanitarian mission to help the thousands of people forced from their homes who lacked food and running water.

Bahamas Paradise joined Royal Caribbean, Disney, Norwegian and Carnival and other cruise companies in providing among the most robust corporate responses to Hurricane Dorian, which hit the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm and has so far killed at least 50 people and wrecked thousands of homes on Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands.

The efforts are notable because the cruise companies have long had a contentious relationship with the Bahamas, replete with protests over their impact on the islands from activist groups — and in some cases, checkered environmental legacies. Now, Royal Caribbean is serving 20,000 meals a day and helping shuttle people off Grand Bahama to Nassau, and Carnival is spending $1 million on medical supplies. But some industry critics argue that they should do even more to help a country that brings them billions of dollars a year.

Nearly five million cruise ship passengers visited the Bahamas last year, each spending about $90 while on land.

So far, only Bahamas Paradise and Royal Caribbean have been using their boats to ferry passengers to safer locations. Baleària, a Spanish ferry company that operates out of Bimini and Grand Bahama, was the object of widespread social media scorn because it was charging passengers a fare to get off storm-battered Grand Bahama and kicked off 119 passengers, when American immigration officials said they needed travel visas to get into the United States .

“The cruise lines are all taking advantage of the good publicity to portray themselves as caring, charitable organizations, but they are offering only a pittance in relief aid to the Bahamas given their enormous revenues,” said James M. Walker, a maritime lawyer in Miami who represents plaintiffs in civil lawsuits against cruise ships companies.

He particularly singled out Carnival Cruise lines, which is under court-ordered supervision by the Department of Justice for illegal dumping at sea.

In April 2017, Princess, one of its companies, pleaded guilty to felony charges for deliberately dumping oil-contaminated waste from one of its vessels and trying to cover it up. The company paid a $40 million fine. Carnival paid another $20 million fine this summer for violating its probation by doing things like dumping plastics near the Bahamas and trying to cheat on the court-ordered inspections.

“A donation now of around $1 million to $2 million to the Bahamas in hurricane relief aid will not make much of a difference, although it makes for good press given Carnival’s track record,” Mr. Walker said.

Carnival’s foundation donated $1 million to Direct Relief , an aid organization, to provide medical supplies to the Bahamas and the company’s chairman, Micky Arison, donated another $1 million to the relief effort.

Terry Thornton, senior vice president of nautical and port operations for Carnival, said the company’s donations and the environmental penalties were separate. The most important thing the companies can do is bring their business back to the islands, he said. Carnival is running its scheduled cruises to Freeport, and dropping off supplies for the storm-damaged area, but its passengers are not disembarking as they usually would.

Mr. Thornton defended the company’s record of helping out destinations hit hard by storms, including 2017’s Hurricane Irma. “Our track record with what we have done is pretty consistent,” he said. “I’ve worked for Carnival for 33 years; we have done this before.”

He noted that Carnival sent a ship to St. Croix to house relief workers after Irma. (The company was reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the use of the ship.)

Disney, which has been widely criticized by environmentalists for a proposed project to develop a sliver of Eleuthera Island in the Bahamas as a cruise point, also donated $1 million to the storm efforts.

Sam Duncombe, executive director of the local environmental watchdog organization reEarth , one of the groups trying to stop the Disney development, said that while contributions from cruise companies are welcome, the response has been uneven.

“I have to thank Royal Caribbean, because they are actually evacuating people and bringing supplies,” she said. “Companies make billions of dollars off of us.”

Ms. Duncombe said that the priority should be evacuating people.

“People are desperate to get off of those islands, and these cruise ships have the capacity to move thousands of people at one time,” she said. “That could have been five or six trips for these boats, if they all came together and helped us all out.”

Royal Caribbean has transported 810 people and donated almost 150,000 bottles of water as of Tuesday the company said.

Ken Dames, 54, a building superintendent in Baker’s Bay on Great Guyana Cay, one of the Abacos, said in an interview in Marsh Harbour, the biggest town on Great Abaco, that he thought the cruise lines should help “as a good will gesture,” especially considering that they benefit from their relationship with the Bahamas.

“The Bahamas depends on them,” Mr. Dames said, “and they depend on the Bahamas.”

But he pointed out that Marsh Harbour, the hardest hit settlement on the Abacos, is not equipped to receive large vessels, so ferrying evacuees to the ships from the city’s port would be logistically complicated and expensive.

Tracy Quan, Royal Caribbean’s associate vice president of corporate communications, said she believes Royal Caribbean has a moral obligation to the countries its ships frequent.

Dionisio D’Aguilar, Minister of Tourism and Aviation for the Bahamas, acknowledged that the government’s relationship with the cruise companies has at times been “rocky,” but he said the companies are doing better, namely by designing projects closer to town centers that better integrate into the local economies. The companies are criticized for operating on private islands in the Bahamas, which do little to boost local economies.

For Hurricane Dorian, he said, they have “risen to the occasion.”

Oneil Khosa, the chief executive of Bahamas Paradise, said he is still evaluating how to continue helping the Bahamas: Should he offer cruises to passengers designed for humanitarian aid? Evacuations, he said, felt like “the right thing to do.”

“We were there, we had room,” he said, explaining the company’s reaction. “If you are thirsty today, it doesn’t help you if I bring you water in 10 days. We are close, we can do it, we know the waters, let’s go.”

Rachel Knowles contributed reporting from Grand Bahama. Kirk Semple contributed reporting from Marsh Harbour.

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  More about Frances Robles

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Many people are concerned about rough seas and winds during hurricane season.

Speaking as a Navy veteran who has sailed in 40 ft seas and 60 mile per hour winds, I’ve seen it first hand!

Here are my top tips for cruising during season

• Pick a larger cruise ship, like Icon of the Seas! Bigger ships handle the waves better!
• Get a cabin midship!
• Get a cabin on a lower deck!
• Limit alcohol consumption and greasy foods.
• Purchase Dramamine and Pepto before you sail.
• Don’t think about it!

Keep in mind that during hurricane season, kids are out of school.

Many parents take a vacation from being parents during cruises, so keep that in mind.

Yes, there are deals on cruises during hurricane season, but you will still have a good time if you prepare accordingly.

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Cruising During Hurricane Season: What You Need To Know

Cruising during hurricane season can be risky but also cheaper and less crowded. It’s important to take precautions for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Cruising during hurricane season requires careful consideration of geographical factors. Since areas like the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico are more prone to hurricanes, it’s important to research your destination and choose a flexible cruise line for unexpected weather events.

What is Hurricane Season?

Hurricane season is the time of the year when tropical storms and hurricanes are most likely to occur because of mild weather.

In the Atlantic, hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the season’s peak occurring in August and September. During this period, the Atlantic Ocean is warm enough to fuel the formation of tropical storms and hurricanes. In the peak of hurricane season, the water in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico can be as warm as 90 degrees.

The Atlantic hurricane season typically produces 12 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes and three becoming major hurricanes. However, the number of storms and their intensity can vary yearly, depending on factors like ocean temperatures, wind patterns, and atmospheric conditions.

During the 2022 Atlantic Hurricane Season, 16 tropical cyclones formed, Out of those, 14 intensified and were given names.

When planning a cruise during hurricane season, it is essential to keep an eye on the weather and to be prepared for the possibility of itinerary changes or cancellations. Cruise lines have contingency plans for dealing with storms, but it is always a good idea to have travel insurance and be flexible with your plans.

Understanding hurricane season and the risks associated with cruising during this time can help you make informed decisions and stay safe while enjoying your vacation.

Cruising During Hurricane Season

If you plan to cruise during hurricane season, keeping an eye on the weather forecasts before and during your trip is essential. Cruise lines have established procedures to deal with adverse weather conditions, and they will typically monitor the weather closely to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew.

When booking a cruise during hurricane season, purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations and interruptions due to weather-related issues is also a good idea. Some cruise lines may also offer their own insurance policies that provide additional coverage.

If a hurricane is forecasted to affect your itinerary, the cruise line will typically make necessary changes to the route to avoid the storm. This may include changing ports of call, altering the duration of the trip, or canceling the cruise altogether.

Suppose a hurricane is expected to impact your vacation directly. In that case, the cruise line directly will likely email you before embarkation day with details about the trip or ports of call changes.

Cruising during hurricane season can be an exciting adventure, but being well-prepared and aware of the risks is essential. By keeping an eye on the weather forecasts, purchasing travel insurance, and understanding the procedures of the cruise line, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise vacation.

Geographical Considerations

The Caribbean is a popular destination for cruises, but it is also one of the areas most impacted by hurricanes. The hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June to November, with the peak season being from August to October.

When planning a Caribbean cruise during hurricane season, choose your itinerary carefully. Some areas of the Caribbean are more prone to hurricanes than others, and it is important to avoid these areas during hurricane season.

Western Caribbean cruises, which typically include destinations such as Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, are more likely to be affected by hurricanes than Eastern Caribbean cruises, which usually include destinations such as St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico.

It is also important to note that storms can affect other areas of the Caribbean, such as the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao), the Bahamas, and Bermuda.

Safety Measures and Precautions

When cruising during hurricane season, safety is always the top priority. Fortunately, cruise ships are equipped with advanced technology and highly trained crews to ensure the safety of all onboard. 

One of the most critical safety measures is the captain’s decision-making process. Captains are trained to monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions about the ship’s route and itinerary. If a hurricane is predicted to be in the ship’s path, the captain may alter the course or cancel the trip.

Cruise ships also have advanced safety technology, including radar, sonar, and satellite communication systems. These tools enable the crew to monitor weather conditions and communicate with other ships and emergency services if necessary.

RELATED: Are Cruise Ships Safe?

Cruise ships have extensive emergency procedures in place in the event of an emergency. All passengers must participate in a safety drill at the beginning of the trip, which includes instructions on evacuating the ship in an emergency. Crew members are also trained to handle various emergencies, from medical emergencies to fires and floods.

Passengers can take additional precautions to ensure their safety during hurricane season. It is recommended that they pack a basic emergency kit, including a flashlight, batteries, and a first aid kit. They should also stay informed about weather conditions and follow the captain’s instructions.

The Benefits of Cruising During Hurricane Season

Before we go one step further, it’s important to note that planning a cruise during hurricane season can be a gamble. It also comes with several risks, which we’ll discuss in the next section. But definite pluses make this a time of year worth considering.

For one thing, the latter part of the hurricane season falls when most kids are back in school. You still have the tail-end of summer, meaning cruising out of ports like New York City in still-gorgeous weather but with fewer families. Given that many clans try to fit four or five people into a stateroom, the fewer families on any sailing, the lower the overall number of people aboard. And that means more room for you.

Impact on Itineraries

Cruising during hurricane season can significantly impact itineraries, causing port stops, missed ports, and ship rerouting changes. It is essential for passengers to understand the potential itinerary changes that may occur due to hurricanes and to be prepared for such changes.

Possible Itinerary Changes

Cruise lines have established procedures to monitor weather conditions and make necessary itinerary changes to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. If a hurricane is forecasted to impact a port of call, the cruise line may cancel the port stop and replace it with an alternative port.

In some cases, the ship may need to reroute to avoid the hurricane entirely, resulting in a change of itinerary. These changes may occur before embarkation day or while you’re sailing on your cruise.

Missed Ports and Rerouting

Cruise lines typically offer compensation in the form of onboard credit or a refund of the port fees in case of a missed port. Passengers may also participate in an alternative activity onboard the ship. If the ship needs to reroute, the cruise line will typically provide updates and keep passengers informed of any changes to the itinerary.

Passengers must understand that itinerary changes can occur anytime during the cruise, even after the ship departs from its home port. Passengers should remain flexible and be prepared for potential changes to their itinerary due to hurricanes.

How to Deal with Delays and Cancellations

When cruising during hurricane season, it’s essential to know that delays and cancellations are possible. The safety of passengers and crew is the top priority, and cruise lines will take necessary precautions to avoid any potential danger.

If a storm or hurricane is approaching, the cruise line may alter the itinerary or even cancel the cruise altogether. In this case, passengers will typically be notified as soon as possible and given the option to reschedule or receive a refund.

It’s important to note that cruise lines are not responsible for any additional costs incurred due to delayed or canceled cruises, such as flights or hotels. Passengers should always purchase travel insurance to cover any unexpected expenses.

In the event of a missed port due to weather conditions, the cruise line will typically offer compensation. This may include a refund of port fees or a credit towards a future cruise.

It’s important to review the cruise contract and reservation details carefully to understand the policies and procedures in case of delays or cancellations. By being prepared and informed, passengers can confidently navigate any unexpected situations.

It’s a good idea to print out the Ticket Contract before you accept the terms and conditions for your cruise.

Travel Insurance and Compensation

Cruising during hurricane season can be risky, and travelers are often concerned about what will happen if their cruise is cancelled or delayed due to weather conditions. Fortunately, many cruise lines offer insurance and compensation options to protect travelers from unexpected events.

Travel insurance is one of the most important things to consider when booking a cruise during hurricane season. 

RELATED: What You Need to Know About Travel Insurance

Travel insurance can cover various issues, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen luggage. In case of a cruise cancellation due to weather or other reasons, most cruise lines offer a full refund or rescheduling option.

However, outside costs of the cruise, such as non-refundable hotel rooms or airfare with hefty change fees and booked tours or shore excursions outside of the cruise line, are not covered.

It is important to buy insurance during hurricane season, and it should be done promptly. 

Why? Two reasons. 

First, if you want a policy with a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) clause (which we highly recommend), it usually needs to be purchased within two weeks of the initial deposit. 

Secondly, to make any hurricane-related claim, the policy has to have been purchased before the storm is named. 

In other words, you cannot wait until the last minute to learn about the hurricane, buy an insurance policy, and attempt to file a claim.

It’s essential to carefully read the cruise line’s ticket contract and the travel insurance policy’s explanation of benefits before agreeing to the terms and conditions.

Some cruise lines may also offer compensation for inconveniences caused by weather-related delays or cancellations, such as additional hotel stays or transportation costs. It’s important to check with the cruise line to see what compensation options are available.

Port taxes and fees are another consideration when booking a cruise during hurricane season. If a port is closed due to weather conditions, cruise lines may be required to refund these fees to travelers.

Travelers should also watch for special offers and lower prices for cruising during hurricane season. While booking a cruise at a lower price may be tempting, it’s important to consider the potential risks and understand the cruise line’s cancellation policy.

Tips for Cruising During Hurricane Season

Cruising during hurricane season can be daunting, but it can still be a great vacation with the proper preparation and attitude.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the potential challenges of cruising during hurricane season:

1. Choose Your Destination Wisely

When planning a cruise during hurricane season, choosing your destination wisely is important. Some areas are more prone to hurricanes than others, so do your research and select a destination that is less likely to be affected.

For example, cruises to Alaska or Europe are less likely to be impacted by hurricanes than cruises to the Caribbean or the Gulf of Mexico.

2. Be Prepared for Seasickness

The seas can be rough during hurricane season, so preparing for seasickness on a cruise is important. Bring any necessary medication or remedies, such as ginger or motion sickness bands, and consider booking a cabin in the middle of the ship, where the motion is less noticeable.

3. Have the Right Attitude

When cruising during hurricane season, having the right attitude is essential. Understand that the weather is out of your control and that the ship’s crew is doing everything possible to keep you safe. Stay positive and enjoy the other aspects of your cruise, such as the onboard activities and entertainment.

4. Have a Backup Plan for Travel

Be flexible. If a hurricane does impact your cruise, it’s essential to have a backup plan for travel.

Purchase travel insurance covering weather-related cancellations and delays, and have a plan for alternate travel arrangements, such as flights or hotels.

Following these tips and being prepared, you can still enjoy a fantastic cruise during hurricane season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the atlantic hurricane season for cruises.

Hurricane season for cruises typically runs from June 1 to November 30. During this time, tropical storms and hurricanes are more likely to occur in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean.

Can cruise ships go around hurricanes?

Cruise ships can change their itinerary and route to avoid hurricanes. They can also speed up or slow down to stay ahead of or behind a storm. However, it’s important to note that rerouting a ship can cause changes in the ports of call and itinerary.

What happens on a cruise if a hurricane is coming?

If a hurricane is approaching, the captain and crew will closely monitor the storm’s path and adjust the ship’s route as necessary. Passengers may experience changes in the itinerary, such as skipping ports of call or spending more time at sea. The ship may also encounter rough seas and high winds, causing some discomfort for passengers.

Is it safe to cruise during hurricane season?

Cruising during hurricane season can be safe, but knowing the risks and potential changes to the itinerary is important. Cruise lines have extensive safety protocols in place to ensure the safety of passengers and crew during storms.

How often do cruise ships get caught in storms?

While cruise ships do their best to avoid storms, they can get caught in bad weather. However, this is relatively rare; cruise lines have protocols to keep passengers safe during these situations.

This article was original published in 2019 and updated in 2023.

The post Cruising During Hurricane Season: What You Need To Know appeared first on Cruise Radio - Daily Updates On The Cruise Industry.

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By: Richard Simms Title: Cruising During Hurricane Season: What You Need To Know Sourced From: cruiseradio.net/everything-you-need-to-know-about-hurricane-season-cruises/ Published Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2023 01:42:38 +0000

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Two More Cruises Cancelled Due to Hurricane

• September 3, 2019

Two more cruises have been cancelled due to Hurricane Dorian, as the storm slowly moves toward Florida.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, which sails from Palm Beach to Freeport, announced its Sept. 5 sailing aboard the Grand Celebration has been cancelled, making it three cancelled voyages for the company due to the hurricane.

Royal Caribbean International confirmed the Mariner of the Seas’ Sept. 2 sailing from Port Canaveral has been cancelled, after initially being delayed by two days. The ship was set to return to port from her August 30 sailing on Wednesday, and is now expected back to port on Thursday, Sept. 5. Royal Caribbean is expected to issue another itinerary update midday Tuesday.

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What to Know if You Cruise in Hurricane Season

Summer activities are winding down. Kids are almost back in school. The unrelenting heat of summer has taken its toll. Cruise ship prices are rock bottom. Sounds like the perfect time to take that Caribbean cruise. Or is it….

You’ll Save Money to Cruise in Hurricane Season 

In This Post...

Yes, cruise lines reduce the cost to cruise in hurricane season. You’re all set to go, then you turn on the weather report. A hurricane seems to be forming and heading for the Caribbean. It looks like Mother Nature is sending a wallop of a storm right where you planned to cruise.

This story is retold every year, mostly from August through October. Although the six-month Caribbean hurricane season officially begins June 1 and extends through November, the peak of activity can usually be expected to fall toward the beginning of September — at the exact time the cruise lines lower their rates. It’s a heady combination to consider.

There are also the odds to consider. Hurricanes and tropical storms tend to affect the Bahamas, Bermuda, eastern Caribbean, the East Coast of the U.S. and even Canada a bit earlier, between August and mid-September. Mexico and the western Caribbean seem to be a magnet for storms a bit later in the summer, from Mid-August through October. Rarely does the Caribbean or U.S. get hit with a hurricane in early June or late November, but it can happen.

Where to Cruise in Hurricane Season with Better Odds

If you hope to avoid rough weather and save a little money, plan a cruise to the southern Caribbean. For years, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, nicknamed the Dutch ABCs, have promoted themselves as being out of the hurricane zone. Historically, that is correct.

Although there’s no 100 percent guarantee, this area could be your best bet to avoid a hurricane. 

Getting There and Home Again

No matter if you leave from Florida, Texas, other East Coast ports or fly to the Caribbean to begin your cruise in hurricane season, there’s always the possibility of a major weather scenario to interrupt your plans. It’s yet another reason why it’s important to arrive at your departure port at least one day in advance of your cruise.

The good news is that hurricanes travel very slowly and can take up to two weeks to meander from their formation off of the west coast of Africa to the eastern basin of the Atlantic Ocean and beyond.

The bad news? While cruise ships never sail into a hurricane, they scurry like rabbits to find safe harbor. And here’s where cruising during peak hurricane season can get tricky.

Airports and Cruise Ports Can Close

You’ve received notice from your cruise line that despite the impending possibility of a major storm or hurricane, your ship is still heading out to sea on the scheduled date of departure.

There’s a slim chance that the ship may not be able to return to the port of embarkation. The same port where you’ve parked your car or booked your return flight home.

When something like this occurs, the cruise line makes arrangements to return guests to their original point of embarkation usually by motor coach if it’s only a few hours to drive. Wi-Fi and phone charges are usually dropped so guests can make new air travel arrangements.

Conversely, passengers departing on a ship whose embarkation isn’t where it was supposed to be will find themselves on buses going to the port where the previous passengers left the ship.

READ NEXT:   Why you should arrive one day before your cruise begins

Itinerary Changes

If you choose to cruise in hurricane season, be prepared to visit ports that may not have been on your original itinerary. Cruise lines can easily to change course or bypass a port based on weather conditions.

They certainly do not want to risk running headlong into a full-blown hurricane. It doesn’t take a hurricane to churn up waves; a tropical storm can do it just as well.

Travel Insurance – Why You Need to Have It

Travel insurance isn’t just for the sick and elderly, as many people believe. Travel insurance can save the day if you get a flat tire on the way to the port and miss your ship. Not to mention medical evacuation and getting to your hospital at home.

Hurricane and severe weather cancellation refunds are available with some cruise lines’ insurance policies, as well as through third-party companies. But again, you need to read the fine print.

Almost every cruise line sailing from the U.S. uses the same insurance company for their passengers, though coverage can vary between cruise lines.

Private insurers may offer comprehensive coverage for only a slightly higher rate and offer a “ Cancel for Any Reason ” waiver. Most cruise line insurance policies do not offer the same coverage nor the same procedures for filing a claim or in-transit assistance.

Most insurance policies, cruise lines and third-party insurers, offer some sort of cancellation fee protection if the area to which you are going is under a hurricane warning issued by the National Hurricane Center.

But note the cancellation period from when the warning is issued varies from each cruise line and insurance company. Do your research, discuss it with your travel agent and decide whether a purchasing a policy through a third-party insurance company or via your cruise line is best for your needs.

Refunds and Cruise Credits

With simple port changes, passengers are rarely entitled to any refund, which is why it’s so important to read your cruise line’s terms and conditions before you make your final payment.

For example, if at the last minute, your ship’s captain decides that it’s too risky to make it into port, you may spend a day at sea or on another island out of harm’s way. Whether or not you are eligible to receive a refund or cruise credit is clearly spelled out in the cruise line’s policy.

Generally, there’s no compensation whatsoever that cover missed ports, shorter stays in ports or a totally new itinerary. Rough seas do not constitute a claim for compensation.

How to Prepare if Your Cruise is in Hurricane Season

You’ve booked your cruise, purchased travel insurance and brought along some seasick remedies, just in case — what’s next on the list?

About two weeks prior to your cruise, start checking the weather across the Atlantic. Aside from the usual weather websites, one site to watch for possible tropical systems is NOAA.

While the majority of tropical storms and hurricanes materialize off of the coast of Africa, it’s always possible for something to form in the Gulf of Mexico, too.

One area of tropical development that is easy to overlook is the Pacific. Hurricanes form off the coast of Mexico and make their way toward the Hawaiian Islands. Your California and Mexico coastal cruise is nearly as likely to be affected as the Caribbean.

Pack for the Weather

If it looks like a storm is brewing, consider what to pack. Since it’s already rainy season in most of the Caribbean, a poncho and a sturdy umbrella should be in your luggage. If you plan to bring your laptop into port to use at a Wi-Fi cafe, pack a large plastic storage bag in case of a sudden downpour.

If cruising with kids, bring a few familiar toys, games and playing cards from home. If rain keeps everyone indoors, make it family time rather than sending the kids into what could be the over-crowded kids’ clubs (plus, not all small children want to participate in the planned programming for kids).

A cruise in hurricane season can be like any other time of year, especially in the early weeks of June and July. Later in the season, when cruise prices drop, it’s important to realize there’s a chance that unforeseen weather conditions could spoil your cruise.

Or, you might end up visiting a surprise port, have more family bonding time and relax knowing that if something unforeseen arises, your travel insurance has you covered.

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One comment.

It can be a wise decision because during this time, everything is cheap. But you should plan ahead as well in case something bad will happen. No one can tell when a hurricane will come. Let’s make sure that we are doing everything safe.

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Updated on January 2, 2024 by Sherry Laskin

Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line have changed routes for their cruise ships to avoid Hurricane Dorian

Royal Caribbean International and Disney Cruise Line have changed the itineraries of some cruises to avoid Hurricane Dorian .

• Royal Caribbean has closed its Perfect Day at CocoCay island, which is located in the Bahamas, from August 28 until September 4, the cruise line said on its website .
• Disney Cruise Line is rerouting its Disney Fantasy ship from the Eastern Caribbean to the Western Caribbean, according to Disney Cruise Line Blog , which posted a photo of a letter describing the revised itinerary to the ship's passengers.
• The National Hurricane Center projects that Hurricane Dorian will move through the Caribbean from Thursday through Sunday before landing near Florida on Monday.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Royal Caribbean has closed its Perfect Day at CocoCay island, which is located in the Bahamas, from August 28 until September 4, the cruise line said on its website . Affected ships include the Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Empress of the Seas, and the Symphony of the Seas. Some stops at CocoCay have been replaced with stops in Nassau, Bahamas.

Passengers who bought shore excursions for Perfect Day at CocoCay will receive a refund, Royal Caribbean said.

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"Royal Caribbean is closely monitoring the progression of Hurricane Dorian, and we are making adjustments to some of our Caribbean routes to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests and crew," a Royal Caribbean representative said.

Read more: Cruise ship workers reveal what it's really like to live at sea

Disney Cruise Line is rerouting its Disney Fantasy ship from the Eastern Caribbean to the Western Caribbean, according to Disney Cruise Line Blog , which posted a photo of a letter describing the revised itinerary to the ship's passengers. (A Disney Cruise Line representative confirmed the photo's authenticity.) Stops in Tortola and St. Thomas have been replaced with stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel, according to the letter.

The Disney Cruise Line representative said the company may have to modify the itinerary for its Disney Dream cruise that sets sail on Friday, but does not expect to change the itinerary for its Disney Fantasy cruise that begins on Saturday.

The National Hurricane Center predicts that Hurricane Dorian will move through the Caribbean from Thursday through Sunday before landing near Florida on Monday. Hurricane Dorian is expected to strengthen from a Category 1 storm to a Category 3  storm in the coming days.

Have you worked on a cruise ship? Do you have a story to share? Email this reporter at  [email protected] .

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Hurricane Dorian Cruise Updates (September 1st 2019)

Hurricane Dorian is definitely causing some headaches for Cruise passengers, either from a shortened cruise or even ships that are staying out to sea to avoid home ports being closed. All this is wrecking havoc on everyone wanting to arrive at their home port for the next upcoming cruise.

Hurricane Dorian Current Position (September 1st 2019 5.00am)

Right now as of 5.00am Hurricane Dorian is located about 70 miles or 110 km east of Great Abaco Island, Bahamas. In relation to Florida, it’s about 255 miles or 410 km east of West Palm Beach, Florida.

Now whilst this is good news for the Cruising community, it’s put the entire Bahamian Island chain at risk. We all know too well the effects previous Hurricanes have done to this part of the world.

The current forecast is still warming of life-threatening storm surge, Hurricane-force winds, and heavy rainfall. Dorian’s current sustained winds are 150 miles per hour or 240 kilometers per hour. Even typing that last sentence is hard to fathom.

Current United States Mainland Weather

A tropical storm watch is in effect for portions of Florida east coast. Because Dorian’s track has slowed and turned northward storm surge and dangerous winds are likely during the middle part of the coming week.

Coastal Areas of Georgia and the Carolinas also are going to see an increased risk of strong winds and dangerous storm surge. Heavy rain capable of life-threatening flash floods is also possible along the entire coastline from Florida to North Carolina from Monday through Thursday.

Cruise Line Travel Updates

All of the below updates are as current as possible to within minutes of publishing this news article. Of course please contact your cruise line, or refer to their website as updates are happening almost hours at this stage as many factors are affecting the plans of each ship.

Celebrity Cruise ( Scheduling Updates )

“We’ll continue to keep a close eye on the weather conditions. If we need to make any changes to your itinerary, we will let you know as soon as we can. Your safety and the safety of our crew is our primary concern”

Celebrity Equinox August 31st, 2019 The Equinox managed to sail off on her current 7-day itinerary with calls of San Juan, St Thomas, and Tortola. However, at this stage, the last stop of Nassau might be affected.

Royal Caribbean ( Scheduling Updates )

• We closed CocoCay on Wednesday, August 28th, 2019, and plan to reopen it on Wednesday, September 4th, 2019. Our CocoCay Team is made up of over 400 people, and the majority are locals. So, it’s important that they evacuate to care for their families and secure their homes, as soon as possible.
• Currently, we don’t anticipate changes to any of our itineraries that depart on or after September 6th, 2019. Should anything change, we will contact impacted guests and Travel Partners directly.

Allure of the Seas 8/25/19 Sailing We’re now extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We’ve added a visit Roatan on 8/31/19 and Costa Maya on 9/01/19. We will then have two sea days before we return to Fort Lauderdale on 09/04/19.

Allure of the Seas 9/01/19 Sailing We’ve had to shorten this sailing, unfortunately, and will now depart on Wednesday, 9/04/19. The itinerary will remain the same for the days left of the voyage.

Empress of the Seas 8/24/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We have added a visit to Roatan on 8/31/19 and George Town, Grand Cayman on 9/02/19, before returning to Miami on 09/04/19.

Empress of the Seas 9/01/19 Sailing We’ve had to shorten this sailing, unfortunately, and will now depart on Wednesday, 9/04/19.  We will now cruise to Nassau and arrive there on 9/06/19.  Our return will be as scheduled.

Harmony of the Seas 8/25/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We’ve added an additional visit to Cozumel on 8/31/19 and will stay there until 9/01/19. We will then have two sea days before we return to Port Canaveral on 09/04/19.

Harmony of the Seas 9/01/19 Sailing We’ve had to shorten this sailing, unfortunately, and will now depart on Wednesday, 9/04/19.  We will now cruise to Labadee and arrive there on 9/06/19.  Our return will be as scheduled.

Majesty of the Seas 8/28/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We will overnight in Cozumel on 8/31/19 before returning to Miami on 09/04/19.

Majesty of the Seas 9/02/19 Sailing We’ve had to shorten this sailing, unfortunately, and will now depart on Wednesday, 9/04/19. The itinerary will remain the same for the days left of the voyage.

Mariner of the Seas 8/30/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We sail to Cozumel on 9/01/19 and Costa Maya on 9/02/19. We’ll then have one more sea day on 9/03/19, before returning to Port Canaveral.

Mariner of the Seas 9/02/19 Sailing Sailing will depart 9/04/19, instead of 9/02/19

Navigator of the Seas 8/30/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We sail to Costa Maya on 9/01/19 and Cozumel on 9/02/19. We’ll then have one more sea day on 9/03/19, before returning to Miami.

Navigator of the Seas 9/02/19 Sailing Sailing will depart 9/04/19, instead of 9/02/19

Symphony 8/31/19 Sailing We’re extending this sailing and will return on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We will no longer sail to Nassau. We will now have a sea day on 9/01/19, then visit Costa Maya on 9/02/19. We’ll then have one more sea day on 9/03/19, before returning to Miami.

Symphony of the Seas 9/03/19 Sailing We’ve had to shorten this sailing, unfortunately, and will now depart on Wednesday, 9/04/19. We will be removing our sea day and will still be visiting the same ports.

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Norwegian Cruise Line ( Scheduling Updates )

“We continue to monitor Hurricane Dorian in the Caribbean and are in constant communication with the United States Coast Guard.  While it is our every intention to maintain the original itinerary as much as possible, the safety and security of our guests and crew always take precedence”

Norwegian Breakaway – August 25, 2019 Sailing Due to Hurricane Dorian in the Caribbean, the United States Coast Guard are taking all necessary precautions to prepare for the storm and have made the final decision to close PortMiami this evening, August 31, 2019.  As such, Norwegian Breakaway’s scheduled return on September 1 has been postponed.  We are working closely with government and local port authorities to confirm the ship’s anticipated return of September 4. 

Norwegian Breakaway – September 1, 2019 Sailing Due to Hurricane Dorian in the Caribbean, the United States Coast Guard are taking all necessary precautions to prepare for the storm and have made the final decision to close PortMiami this evening, August 31, 2019.  As such, Norwegian Breakaway’s seven-day Western Caribbean cruise will be modified.  She will no longer call to Roatan, Honduras; Harvest Caye, Belize; nor Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico.  Instead, she will sail a modified four-day itinerary, which will include a sail date of Wednesday, September 4, pending approval by the government and local port authorities.  If confirmed, she will spend a day at sea on September 5, call to Cozumel, Mexico on September 6 and remain at sea on September 7 before returning to Miami, Florida on September 8, as planned.

Norwegian Sun – August 29, 2019 Sailing Norwegian Sun departed from Port Canaveral, Florida on Thursday, August 29, 2019, as scheduled.  Her calls to Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay and Freeport, Bahamas have been canceled.  The ship spent a day at sea on Friday, August 30, and will now overnight in Cozumel, Mexico on August 31, departing September 1 at 6 p.m.  We are in communication with the United States Coast Guard regarding the availability of Port Canaveral for Norwegian Sun’s scheduled arrival on September 2.

Norwegian Sun – September 2, 2019 Sailing We are closely monitoring the storm and will provide an update by 3 p.m. or sooner Sunday, September 1, 2019.

MSC Cruises ( Scheduling Updates )

“As the safety and security of our guests and crew is MSC Cruises’ top priority, we are closely monitoring Hurricane Dorian. For cruise itinerary information on MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia”

MSC Armonia – cruise departed August 26 Those guests who are currently on MSC Armonia will have an extended cruise until Wed., Sept. 4. The extended itinerary includes: 

Sat., Aug. 31 – At Sea  Sun., Sept. 1 – Costa Maya, Mexico (8 AM – 6 PM)  Mon., Sept. 2 – Cozumel, Mexico (8 AM – 6 PM)  Tues., Sept. 3 – At Sea  Wed., Sept. 4 – Arrive in Miami 

MSC Armonia – cruise departing September 2  MSC Armonia’s itinerary has been changed. Guests scheduled to embark on Sept. 2 will now be offered a 5-day cruise, embarking on Wednesday, September 4. The itinerary will follow as:  

Wed., Sept. 4 – Depart Miami  Thurs., Sept. 5 – At Sea  Fri., Sept. 6 – Cozumel, Mexico (8 AM – 6 PM)  Sat., Sept. 7 – Costa Maya, Mexico (7 AM – 4 PM)  Sun., Sept. 8 – At Sea  Mon., Sept. 9 – Arrive in Miami  

Guests who were originally booked on the Sept. 2nd MSC Armonia cruise and who choose to take the shortened cruise outlined above will be automatically refunded for 2 days of their cruise. The amount for the two days will be refunded directly to their credit card. Alternatively, guests who are currently booked on the cruise who choose not to sail, are able to cancel and will be refunded the full amount of their cruise fare with no cancellation fees. The full amount will be refunded directly to their credit card and no penalties will apply. 

Disney Cruise Line ( Scheduling Updates )

“We continue to closely monitor the path and progress of Hurricane Dorian to ensure our guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises, and to make certain our ships steer clear of the storm. The safety of our guests and crew is always our foremost concern”

Disney Dream – Monday, September 2 Based on our most recent conversations with ports in Florida and to help our Guests better finalize their travel plans, we have decided to turn this cruise into a two-night sailing, with an expected departure from Port Canaveral on Wednesday, September 4, and an expected return to Port Canaveral on Friday, September 6.

At this time, we anticipate Disney Dream will visit Disney Castaway Cay on Thursday, September 5, dependent on whether it is impacted by Hurricane Dorian. 

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Carnival Gives Behind The Scenes Look At Hurricane Operations

Doug Parker

• July 12, 2019

Carnival Cruise Line is showing guests exactly what goes on behind the scenes both shoreside and on the ship when a hurricane is expected to have an impact on a port of call.

In 2018, Carnival debuted their multimillion-dollar Fleet Operations Center at their Doral, Florida headquarters. Along with an internal staff of maritime experts, they also take advice from government agencies such as the National Hurricane Center and the United States Coast Guard.

After everyone has presented the projections, impacts, and alternate port solutions, shoreside make decisions in conjunction with the ship’s captain. The two teams are in constant communication and working in tandem to ensure guest safety.

READ MORE: Carnival Cruise Ship Impacted By Gulf Storm

Carnival’s brand ambassador John Heald detailed the steps taken both shoreside and onboard during a hurricane. Via his Facebook page, Heald explained, “Although itinerary modifications happen from time to time, any decision to change an itinerary is always done with the interest of guest and crew safety. Hurricanes are as reliable as a blind yak and can suddenly change their tracks and so we wait, gather advice and see what we need to do, often within a day or so notice.”

Inside Carnival’s Fleet Operations

So what happens once the new plan of action has been put into place? Heald outlined the process as follows:

• The shore excursions team has to call the tour operators in the new ports of call to book as many spaces on the excursions as possible.

• Crew members who may have been joining the ship in the original port of call have to be advised and rescheduled if necessary.

• Ticketing for flights of joining crew and entertainers need to be changed.

• And, finally, a letter has to be prepared for guests to let them know what is going to happen and why.

“We also email or text guests and travel agents and post the new itinerary on our social media channels,” his post continued. “And when that new itinerary is given to guests, 99 percent will accept the decision — they may be disappointed but they understand.”

What Happens On The Impacted Cruise Ships

Obviously, people who find themselves on a ship impacted by a weather-related itinerary change are at least slightly inconvenienced. But what they might not stop to think about is everything that is going on behind the scenes to accommodate the change.

For example, the Fun Times that had already been planned has to be completely revised by the entertainment director so as to accurately reflect what will be happening around the ship. And on a larger scale, the various managers around the vessel have to rejigger schedules and make new plans for all of the departments impacted.

“Above all,” said Heald, “we want to deliver the itinerary the guest booked which is why we want to wait and see what happens with the storm before officially announcing any changes.”

Once it’s been decided that the ship can’t proceed on its regularly scheduled path, the Carnival team must figure out a new itinerary. And while it might seem like a simple matter of pointing the ship in a different direction, there’s much more involved. Ships can’t simply show up at a port on a whim, arrangements must be made.

READ MORE: Carnival Reveals ‘New Command’ Center

“Let’s say that Hurricane Henry is heading through the eastern Caribbean and the scheduled calls are in St. Thomas, San Juan and St. Maarten,” explained Heald. “So we look to the western Caribbean for an alternative itinerary. That is when the beards call the port authorities in Cozumel, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and other ports to ask for a berth on a specific day.”

Safety Is Carnival’s No. 1 Priority

Most cruisers — especially those with a little experience under their belts — take these unexpected by necessary itinerary changes in stride. “But,” adds Heald “I also have to say that, on every ship that is affected by Mother Nature, there are people who do not and will not understand that the cruise lines make these changes for their own safety.

To the few who are angry and not understanding, I ask that you please don’t take your frustration out on a 20-year-old guest services associate, an entertainment staff member or anyone in a uniform as they have absolutely nothing to do with this decision.”

READ MORE: Carnival Releases Hurricane Safety Video

In closing, he asked that this hurricane season, everyone keep the following two things in mind: “From the Fleet Operations Center to the Captain, we will always, always keep you safe. [And] even when there are changes to cruise itineraries, the crew will always, always provide you with brilliant service and a massive dollop of Carnival style fun.”

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Carnival resumes port calls to Grand Bahama Friday; flights may resume in mid-November

Two more signs that the Bahamas' tourism business is starting to bounce back after Hurricane Dorian ravaged several of the Atlantic islands in early September : Carnival Cruise Line announced it will resume port calls to Grand Bahama Island Friday, and the country's tourism board says it expects flights between that island and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to resume in mid-November.

In a Wednesday press release, the cruise line said that Carnival Pride, which departed Baltimore Sunday with nearly 2,400 passengers, will arrive in Freeport Friday for the first of 39 port calls scheduled through the remainder of 2019. Carnival Elation will visit Freeport on Oct. 13 and Carnival Freedom will follow two days later. 

Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands took the worst hits from Dorian, whose winds ripped through the northern Bahamas at 185 mph, killing at least 56 people and leaving hundreds missing. One month later, infrastructure issues – including unreliable power grids, spotty cellphone reception, lack of clean drinking water and blocked roads – continue to impair relief efforts in some areas.

One month later: Bahamas struggles to right itself after Category 5 Dorian brutalized islands

“Carnival Cruise Line is proud to be such a big year-round supporter for cruise tourism to Freeport, so we are very excited to provide our guests the opportunity to again visit this popular destination,” declared Terry Thornton, the cruise line's vice president for nautical and port operations. “Cruise ship visits are important to the local economy, and our shore excursion team has been working closely with local tour operators and has confirmed a variety of attractive onshore excursions for our guests.”

The cruise line says that by the end of 2019, 400,000 Carnival passengers will have visited Grand Bahama on 10 different ships sailing from homeports in the U.S.

"The rebuilding of Grand Bahama has begun," said Sen. James Kwasi Malik Thompson, minister of state for Grand Bahama. "We welcome the return of Carnival Cruise Line back to Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian. Carnival is an incredible partner for the Bahamas and Grand Bahama."

Carnival was one of several cruise lines to pledge aid to the Bahamas in Dorian's wake, donating $2 million to relief efforts  and  sending ships filled with supplies .

Hurricane Dorian:  Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival, others pledge support to Bahamas

The first company to return to Grand Bahama was the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line , which specializes in two-night cruises between Palm Beach, Florida, and Freeport or Nassau. According to the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board, they resumed sailing to the island on Sept. 28.

Want to help the Bahamas recover?   Visit its popular islands

Bachelorette relief trip:   Bride-to-be turns Bahamas bachelorette party into a mission trip after Hurricane Dorian

Direct flights expected to resume in mid-November

Grand Bahama International Airport,  which was devastated by Dorian , expects direct flights between the island and Fort Lauderdale International Airport to resume in mid-November. However, the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board cautioned that the timing is subject to approval by U.S. regulators.

Although Grand Bahama International Airport's website states the runway has been fully operational since Sept. 27 and that domestic flights have resumed, the tourism board noted it is currently operating on visual flight rules. That means planes can only take off and land when the runway is clearly visible. However, airport officials have made it a priority to repair flight safety operations and navigational aids so that the airport can expand its hours. 

USA TODAY has reached out to airport officials for comment.

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World weatherwatch: Venice supercell storm endangers cruise ship

Severe thunderstorms also broke out in Greece and Hurricane Barry made landfall in Louisiana

A n extremely intense outbreak of thunderstorms battered Italy last week. It began in the north of the country before gradually spreading southwards, especially affecting the eastern side of the peninsula.

Venice was the first major city to be hit by a severe supercell on 8 July, with heavy rainfall and strong winds creating perilous conditions for a cruise ship exiting the port not far from San Marco Square. The thunderstorms moved southwards along the Adriatic coast, producing floods and fierce 90mph gusts of wind near Ancona on 9 July. Many properties were damaged along the coasts. On 10 July giant hailstones fell in Pescara, some of which were 15cm (6in) in diameter.

As the same cold front that affected Italy continued south-eastwards, several thunderstorms broke out in Greece , particularly in northern regions. Strong gusts, flash floods and large hailstones caused seven deaths, many injuries and damage to property.

Across the Atlantic, Hurricane Barry brought widespread flooding after the storm made landfall in Louisiana last weekend and tracked northwards very close to the Mississippi. Coastal areas experienced a storm surge of more than two metres and 300mm to 600mm of rain fell inland.

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NOAA Predicts Near-Normal 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Today marks the official start of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season which will continue through November. Just last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published their outlook for the 2019 Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA predicts that the 2018 Atlantic basin hurricane season will be near -normal.

Forecasters predict a 40% chance of a near-normal season, a 30% chance of an above-normal season and a 30% chance of a below-normal season.

“With the 2019 hurricane season upon us, NOAA is leveraging cutting-edge tools to help secure Americans against the threat posed by hurricanes and tropical cyclones across both the Atlantic and Pacific,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “Throughout hurricane season, dedicated NOAA staff will remain on alert for any danger to American lives and communities.”

The 2019 outlook from NOAA reflects competing climate factors. The ongoing El Nino is expected to persist and suppress the intensity of the hurricane season. Countering El Nino is the expected combination of warmer-than-average sea-surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, and an enhanced west African monsoon, both of which favor increased hurricane activity.

For 2019, NOAA predicts a likely range of 9 to 15 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 4 to 8 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 2 to 4 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms, of which 6 become hurricanes, including 3 major hurricanes.

Below is a comparison of the NOAA and  Colorado State University’s  predictions along with the 1981-2010 average and final numbers for 2012-2018. As you can see, the 2019 NOAA high end and CSU predictions are above the long term average. Additionally, NOAA’s low end predictions are below the long term average and the second lowest overall in front of the 2014 season.

2019 Atlantic Basin Tropical Cyclone Names

• Followed by the greek alphabet, if needed.

It is important to keep in mind that this annual forecast is a prediction, not what will happen. Mother Nature can, and will do whatever she wants and even the best forecast models will be thrown for a loop. It is imperative to stay alert in the event a system develops and for those living in coastal areas to be prepared.

We will continue to track tropical systems that have the potential to impact cruise itineraries as well as frequent Caribbean and Bahamian ports of call. We strive to provide accurate and updated information, but ultimately the best source of up to date information on these systems the National Hurricane Center and your local National Weather Service offices. Basically, what I am saying is that we should not be used as official forecast information. The goal is to share the information from the NHC and how it relates or impacts it may have on the sailings and ports of call.

We have been covering hurricane season since the website launched and have a dedicated Tropical Weather page .

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WEATHER ALERT

7 warnings and an advisory in effect for 16 regions in the area

Dozens of united airlines passengers headed to houston fall ill after international cruise, “thirty minutes before we land, we get told that they’ve been exposed to an unknown virus.”.

Gage Goulding , News Reporter , Houston, TX

Michael Lemons , Photojournalist

Ahmed Humble , Digital Content Producer

HOUSTON – More than two dozen people on a United Airlines flight to Houston on Friday became ill while the plane was traveling from Canada.

RELATED: United Airlines says it has regained some privileges that were suspended after problem flights

United Airlines flight 1528 was flying from Vancouver, British Columbia to Houston. During the flight, 25 people became sick.

According to the Houston Fire Department , the sick passengers reported symptoms of nausea.

“About an hour and a half before we hit Houston, they ask for if you’ve been on this cruise ship, could you raise your hand,” James Snell recounts from his flight.

All of the ill passengers were previously on a cruise. A total of 75 passengers flying on the plane were on that cruise.

🤒 More than two dozen passengers aboard a @united flight to @iah on Friday became sick. @HoustonFire says the passengers just got done with an international cruise. @KPRC2 is also learning that the @CDCgov is also involved in the investigation. pic.twitter.com/y9Bdmx2Nbr — Gage Goulding - KPRC 2 (@GageGoulding) June 1, 2024

Firefighters and paramedics met the passengers as they landed at George Bush Intercontinental Airport following the five-hour flight from Vancouver, British Columbia.

“Then all of a sudden, the flight attendant, she put on a mask, and the guy next to me is like, ‘What do you think’s going on?’ And I’m like, ‘Bro, I don’t know. You know? I mean, COVID, we’re all going to die.’ You know what I mean,” said Snell.

Three people were “evacuated” from the airplane, but no one was taken to the hospital.

MORE STORIES INVOLVING UNITED AIRLINES

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the plane landed around 6:30 p.m.

“Then firetrucks and ambulances started pulling up,” Snell said. “They didn’t hold us very long, maybe 45 minutes-ish.”

Passengers aboard the airplane say that the pilot and flight attendants alerted them that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the illness.

“This is where it got weird,” Snell said. “He [the pilot] got over the speaker, but he came out to us and he said, ‘Hey, in my 25 years of flying, I’ve never seen anything like this. We have been quarantined by the CDC. Nobody can exit the plane until the CDC lets us off.’”

After being let off the plane passengers were screened by paramedics from the Houston Fire Department.

“As soon as you got off, you got mobbed, wanting to know if you had any symptoms and did you want to be triaged,” Snell said. “But then they let us off and I thought, man, you’re letting us off in Houston airport. Like we’re going everywhere in the world. This is how it started the last time.”

The last time refers to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s what he and other passengers thought they could be dealing with.

“We’re all trapped in this tube, and we’ve all lived through Corona. And I was just like, ‘oh, come on. Not again,’” Snell said.

KPRC2 asked the FAA, CDC, Houston Fire Department and United Airlines for information about which cruise ship the passengers who got sick were on and for the illness, but none of the organizations would provide further information.

According to information from the CDC, there have been seven outbreaks of illness on cruise ships this year.

The most recent is a norovirus outbreak on the Celebrity Summit cruise ship.

Norovirus is commonly known as the “stomach bug” and can lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It’s a highly contagious virus, but is typically not a severe illness and passes in a few days, the CDC reports.

According to Celebrity Cruises’ website , the Celebrity Summit ship is currently sailing between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia.

Vancouver is where the United Airlines flight full of sick passengers took off.

KPRC 2 asked Celebrity Cruises for more information about their outbreak and if it’s connected to the sick passengers that landed in Houston. We’re still waiting for an answer.

Meanwhile, United Airlines tells KPRC 2′s Gage Goulding that the plane is being pulled from rotation until it can be deep cleaned.

UNITED AIRLINES STATEMENT

“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston tonight. United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority.”

CDC Statement

“CDC is aware of a flight from Vancouver, British Columbia, that arrived at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Friday, May 31.

Public health officers from CDC’s Houston Port Health Station worked with EMS to evaluate ill passengers on board. Most of the ill passengers reported mild GI symptoms. No passengers were noted to have a fever during the flight or upon public health assessment at landing. No passengers met CDC criteria for further public health follow-up. Passengers from the flight continued with their travel plans.”

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About the Authors

Gage goulding.

Gage Goulding is an award-winning TV news reporter and anchor. A native of Pittsburgh, PA, he comes to Texas from Fort Myers, FL, where he covered some of the areas most important stories, including Hurricane Ian.

Ahmed Humble

Historian, educator, writer, expert on "The Simpsons," amateur photographer, essayist, film & tv reviewer and race/religious identity scholar. Joined KPRC 2 in Spring 2024 but has been featured in various online newspapers and in the Journal of South Texas' Fall 2019 issue.

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