I know 2004 was unusually bad, and sounds like Nov. cruises got substitute ports and rough seas. Is this typical? We booked Nov. 05 (early) and am concerned about incliment weather on Eastern Caribbean. Does anyone know if those privately owned islands are often substituted? Thanks!

We sailed in Nov 1999 and there were at least 2 hurricanes that month. We sailed over Thanksgiving and all the cruise ships going East had to go West.

And yes, the private islands are often substituted. Princess Cays was destroyed in September of this past year and just opened up a month ago. Because they knew it was going to be closed for a long time, there were substitute ports (Nassau and San Juan for many cruises) for many ships.

If the seas are rough, the cruise ships won't run the tenders to the private island - so most of the time - it is an extra day at sea.

daisee, I would not worry too much! Hurricane season runs June-November. There are many more hurricanes mid season (August and September) than on the early/late months. You could still have potential for one, but odds are in your favor that you will not have any problem. As for rough seas, I don't see a problem with that either. An eastern caribbean will have a bit higher seas than Western. But, the caribbean is in general calm and most of the rougher seas I have experienced there have been mid winter. I say "go for it"!

Thanks! We have a large family, so it's a chunk of change to do this cruise! But think we'll go for it-rates are quite a bit lower in Nov.

Thanks! I hope we do Nassau over San Juan-but always enjoy being on the ship.