I usuually book a cruise in the spring and never have to worry about hurricanes and such. This year we got such a great deal on the Grand princess for September that I couldn't turn it down (thanks cruise.com). I just worry about hurricane and other storm problems. What does a cruise line do? Any experiences with anyone?

They go the other direction, switch ports, etc. . <BR><BR>We sailed during a hurricane a couple of years ago. The hurricane was in Eastern Caribbean - all the ships scheduled to go East went to Western Caribbean.<BR><BR>Another year we sailed right after a hurricane (see a pattern here?) and Princess Cays had been "hit." We went to Nassua instead.<BR><BR>I wouldn't worry about it. You will land at good ports, just maybe not the ports you expected.

Agree with Teresa.<BR>I have sailed many times in Sept. It can be stressfull worrying about hurricanes and storms but the ships will not go anywhere near them. Missed St. Maarten once since a hurricane hit the previous week and destroyed the dock and caused lots of damage on the island. We went to St. Croix instead. The ship had switched direction that previous week and went to the West instead of the East because of the storm. Another cruise there were 3 storms bouncing around in the Caribbean. We had beautiful weather and never missed a port. One did hit St. Thomas a day or so after we left and we watched it on TV from the ship. It was weird looking at that Main St. with all the damage. <BR>You have to keep in mind the ports can be switched so don't get your heart set on stopping at certain ports. Go with this in mind and you will have a great time. The only thing to really worry about is if a hurricane is going to hit your departure port.

OK, so, you change ports if a hurricane threatens--what about the side effects such as rough seas and torrential rains? Will ships avoid that, especially in the Western Carib?

Ginger:<BR> The time we had a hurricane heading right toward our next two stops, the captain changed direction and instead of doing the Eastern Caribbean, we went to the Western Caribbean ports. The seas we encountered we fantastic---smooth as glass. Great for snorkeling. The only thing I could figure is that all the energy went with the hurricane up the east coast of the US leaving our waters very calm.<BR> Even on "normal" cruises, I have had captains steer around dark clouds, rainstorms, etc. so that we cruisers could have sun. <BR>I prefer to be on a ship rather than in a hotel when a hurricane theatens just because of this mobility option. Don't worry--Be happy! Enjoy your cruise.<BR> P.S. I just booked two cruises yesterday for Oct. because of the amazing deals, too. So I too will be watching the weather. We can't live our lives in fear of what MIGHT happen. So enjoy your Grand Princess!!

Apparently the seas level out immediatly after a hurricane and usually a hurricane moves over an area quickly.<BR><BR>I sailed last November and one hurricane was in front of us and one in back. I do not know how the captain did it but the ship never burped. We did lose time in one port.<BR><BR><BR>Paul

I did go through seas that a hurricane had passed through. It was pretty rough. The comedian joked that only the people drunk could walk straight.<BR>From what I recall the rocking started around 6:00PM and went through the night like that. Next morning everything was fine.

Thanks folks - always wondered about that, now I have a better idea how it goes!

Last Christmas (hurricane season ends Nov 30th) we did a Western itinerary cruise which included Grand Cayman. Unfortunately, the island was having a nasty thunderstorm that morning. They tried to send the tenders in from two sides of the island, but the seas were too rough so that port was cancelled. It was disappointing because they never substituted any other stop. We just had another day at sea....which was a bummer since we already had a day at sea the previous day. What can you do?

One thing you can do is pick your destinations in order to minimize the chance of running into a hurricane. I know that both Aruba and Curacao are south of the hurrican belt and claim to be exempt from the season. I'm sure some of the other far south destinations fall in the same category - so picking a Southern Caribbean cruise during hurricane season would minimize the risk.