Can a Cruise Ship Withstand a Hurricane?

Many people wonder if a cruise ship can withstand the impact of a hurricane. But honestly, it's very unlikely that will ever happen. Large cruisers are designed to withstand waves up to 15 meters or nearly 50 feet high, which is enough to withstand the worst parts of the worst Category 5 hurricanes. The ship remains in an upright position because all heavy equipment is located below the deck, providing a low center of gravity.

The shape of a cruiser's helmet is rounded and wide, allowing it to move smoothly through ocean waters with minimal resistance. If cruises are delayed or extended before departure, passengers should have the option to cancel their cruise. If the cruise is canceled due to a hurricane, you can expect a full refund, and some lines also offer a discount on a future trip in addition to the refund. It makes sense to keep track of the weather before your cruise so you're not surprised if there are changes.

Major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises are continuously monitoring weather patterns around the world. Before doing anything, you should wait for an email from your cruise company that tells you how your cruise is affected, what they offer and what they recommend you do. Cruise ships are designed with proactive measures that allow them to avoid the effects of a storm. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival usually offer refunds only in the form of credit for future cruises.

If you booked your cruise directly with the cruise line, contact them to let them know how you want to proceed. Even though I had to cancel my cruise due to Hurricane Dorian, it didn't stop me from choosing to sail again during hurricane season. The most important thing anyone should consider during a hurricane is safety. Cruise ships are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, but it's always best to be prepared and stay informed about potential storms in the area.

If your cruise vacation is affected by a hurricane, your cruise line will give you information on what to do and send you the details of its hurricane policy.

Elise Thorne
Elise Thorne

Amateur zombie evangelist. Proud musicaholic. Amateur web practitioner. General zombie trailblazer. Award-winning beer ninja. Typical bacon geek.