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This is when seasonal high winds and storms can stir up the waters and make for a bumpy ride. If you’re looking for a peaceful and smooth sailing experience, you’d be better off scheduling your Mediterranean cruise in the spring or early summer. If you plan a cruise during hurricane season, you might experience choppy waters.
Central & South America
The vast gulf is often battered by storms, making it a challenging route for cruise ships. Transatlantic cruises tend to see their roughest waters in November, December, and February. Thankfully, the majority of mainstream cruise lines do not conduct transatlantic cruises in December and February. Cruise ships are safe in rough seas and they routinely travel through waves up to 15 feet with no issues.
Understanding Rough Seas and How It Feels on a Cruise
The warm waters mixed with cooler currents and air can create unstable conditions, leading to storms and hurricanes. You might have seen social media videos of furniture being thrown around and cruise ships flooding during hurricane season. Alaska and the Gulf of Alaska are known for their cold waters and rough seas. The area is prone to storms, and the strong currents and winds can cause large waves that can be challenging for cruise ships to navigate.
Roughest Seas for Cruise Ships that’s Not for the Faint of Heart
For centuries, ships have sailed through this choke point between the Southwestern Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Due to its narrow opening and the strong currents at its latitude, it regularly sees massive waves and turbulent waters. The South China Sea is prone to typhoons, which can cause rough seas and high waves. The area is also known for its sudden storms, which can be challenging for cruise ships to navigate. The North Atlantic and Bermuda are known for their unpredictable weather patterns, which can lead to rough seas.
Cruisers stuck at sea as rough weather closes cruise ports: 'I'm bummed' - FOX 35 Orlando
Cruisers stuck at sea as rough weather closes cruise ports: 'I'm bummed'.
Posted: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
There are situations where a ship may have no choice other than encountering some weather, such as during a North Atlantic crossing in the fall. Cruise ships in rough seas can be a little stomach-churning but most of the time, that’s as bad as it gets, and a lot of people aren’t affected. But, if you are heading for ports at Seward, Whittier or Anchorage, you will have to cross the Gulf of Alaska. This is a much rougher area where strong surface currents and cold arctic air meet to generate powerful storms that affect British Columbia and the western U.S. The South China Sea is an area in the northwest Pacific Ocean that can be affected by storms at any time of year that can cause rough or very rough seas.
If you want to avoid the worst of what this crossing offers, we recommend not booking a cruise vacation that sets sail between December and February. While this can certainly be exciting, not all the world’s seas offer the same conditions. Water temperatures and climates naturally alter depending on your latitude, but sea conditions can also vary from calm to incredibly rough. Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart.
While it's impossible to predict the exact conditions of the sea, cruise lines typically monitor weather patterns and adjust itineraries accordingly to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers. The captain of a cruise ship is responsible for the safety of all passengers and crew. They have the authority to make decisions regarding the itinerary and the ship's operations, including changes due to bad weather. They are trained to handle all kinds of situations, including rough seas, and will take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone on board.
Strategies to Minimize Discomfort during Rough Seas
The bridge holds a wide range of storm satellite images, weather maps, and computer models. The crew works with third-party meteorologists and always monitors the weather forecasting equipment. This might mean the ship takes longer to reach port or that there is a delay in the schedule. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you plan the ultimate cruise vacation, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. If you’re looking to stay in the Mediterranean and visit culturally rich ports of call like Barcelona, Rome, Naples, then you’re in luck.
Mediterranean Sea
Halfway through their voyage, a massive storm swept through the UK, and their scheduled stops in Isle of Man and Dublin were canceled. Sailing through the North Sea is often accompanied by rough waters and thick fogs, as it is susceptive to high winds and waves. If you're cruising to North Europe (i.e., Norway), the British Isles, or even Iceland, you'll likely have to voyage through the North Sea.
Join us as we embark on an enlightening journey to discover what happens when a cruise ship encounters rough seas and how it all adds to the excitement and adventure of your cruise vacation. Sometimes, cruises from places like Barcelona or Rome might run into ‘medicanes’—these are rare but intense storms similar to tropical ones. And, even when it’s not storm season, the sea can still be choppy at times. If you plan on taking a cruise to Antarctica, you will need to be prepared for rough seas in the Drake Passage.
It’s a destination that appeals all year round, offering a blend of relaxation and scenic beauty. However, cruises that do traverse through the Gulf of Alaska tend to visit more remote parts of Alaska, providing a unique and adventurous experience. If you’re heading to Antarctica or the Southern Ocean, expect the seas to be lively; some say this is part of the journey’s thrill.
However, just like any other form of travel, cruises are subject to the forces of nature, including the unpredictable seas. During rough seas, the captain may order passengers to stay indoors for the safety of everyone on the ship and for passengers with mobility issues, staying seated is a good idea. However, despite its unpredictable climate, the area remains a popular passage for European cruises, particularly during the calmer seasons when the waters are more manageable. If you plan on going on a New Zealand and Alaska cruise, you will be sailing through the Tasman Sea. The sea frequently experiences rapidly changing conditions, making it tricky.
Even if you aren't a beach person, the Caribbean is home to numerous ports of call that all offer different excursions, ranging from active ATV tours to breathtaking zipline tours. As the most discerning, up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel, Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse, offering both inspiration and vital intel. Be sure to join my email list for my best cruise tips and handpicked deals each week.
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