Rainy Weather Predicted

[CCC3]

Okay, so I DO know to take weather predictions with a grain of salt, but we leave on Sunday for a Caribbean cruise (Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica iten.) and the forecast is for rain every day--I'm talking 80% chance of rain. We're first time cruisers, and so sad! So many of the things we wanted to do involved being outside in that famous Caribbean sun! We are trying to be hopeful about the upcoming weather, but perhaps a seasoned cruiser could tell me what a cruise in the rain is like?

 

Are there other things to do on the ship besides swim, because to be honest, being out by the pool is something we're looking forward to doing.

 

And of course...two of our excursions are at AI beaches, and no, these are not excursions by RC. :( Anyone know if Mr Sanchos in Cozumel refunds deposits / doesn't charge you if you don't come (and yes, I did check the website before asking here) and emailed them, but haven't heard back yet.

 

Any words of wisdom, other than comments of "enjoy your cruise?" I'm sure poor weather happens regularly, so please...cheer me up! LOL

[cruizers]

There are lots of activities on the ship. But. pack your umbrella and head out. Stores, restaurants, etc will be open so although you may not be able to enjoy a beach, you can still enjoy your ports. We have been at all of those islands with the rain pouring down. . . disappointing to not enjoy the water activities, but we had a great time nevertheless.

 

Have a great time and hopefully the weather will cooperate with the cruise!

[Sherri914]

It's really hard to get an accurate prediction this far out. Sometimes it will rain in the Caribbean for 20 minutes, then the sun comes out again so it's not such a bad thing. Rainy cruise days are when the ship's activity staff can turn things around though. If you have a good Cruise Director and Activity Director, they'll have a rain-day plan. You'll do fine. Come back after the cruise and let us know what a great time you had. I'm hoping you get mostly sun. :)

 

On our last cruise we arrived to pouring rain in Ft Lauderdale. We sailed away with an annoying drizzle. And we had rain two days out of our 7-day cruise. One of those days was Cozumel, where we'd planned to go to an AI resort. The answer to the question about refunds is typically that they don't refund unless THEY close due to inclement weather. In our case, we had booked Nachi Cocum and they stayed open thru the rain. We chose not to go though. And we spent the downpour time in the ship's theater watching a first run movie. When we came out, the sun was back out and we were able to enjoy the empty pool deck for a while.

Edited May 26, 2015 by Sherri914

[brillohead]

it's really hard to get an accurate prediction this far out. sometimes it will rain in the caribbean for 20 minutes, then the sun comes out again so it's not such a bad thing.

 

^^^this^^^

[Paulette3028]

Okay, so I DO know to take weather predictions with a grain of salt, but we leave on Sunday for a Caribbean cruise (Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica iten.) and the forecast is for rain every day--I'm talking 80% chance of rain. We're first time cruisers, and so sad! So many of the things we wanted to do involved being outside in that famous Caribbean sun! We are trying to be hopeful about the upcoming weather, but perhaps a seasoned cruiser could tell me what a cruise in the rain is like?

 

Are there other things to do on the ship besides swim, because to be honest, being out by the pool is something we're looking forward to doing.

 

And of course...two of our excursions are at AI beaches, and no, these are not excursions by RC. :( Anyone know if Mr Sanchos in Cozumel refunds deposits / doesn't charge you if you don't come (and yes, I did check the website before asking here) and emailed them, but haven't heard back yet.

 

Any words of wisdom, other than comments of "enjoy your cruise?" I'm sure poor weather happens regularly, so please...cheer me up! LOL

 

Having lived in Florida since 2003, you get accustomed to tropical summer weather....from June 1 to November 30 it is the 'rainy season'. That doesn't mean it will rain all the time -- it doesn't. It can pour for 20 minutes and then be brilliant sun again. Stop worrying. Bring an umbrella, maybe even lightweight foldable ponchos. Enjoy wherever you are. I have snorkeled and gone scuba diving in the rain. Underwater it will not matter what is happening above unless it is very rough waters. If the seas are too rough excursions will be cancelled anyway. You can have rough waters without rain anyway -- stop worrying, I say....go and plan to have a great cruise.

[tlatrice]

Got caught in the rain during an excursion in Belize. I was actually on top of a pyramid when the rain started. It rained for about 10 - 15 minutes. Then the sun came out and it was like it never happened. The excursion was still fun in spite of the rain and the overcast day actually made walking through the jungle a little more pleasant.

 

Same thing happened in Honduras as well. Rained for a few minutes then stopped.

[Justmekaren918]

Okay, so I DO know to take weather predictions with a grain of salt, but we leave on Sunday for a Caribbean cruise (Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica iten.) and the forecast is for rain every day--I'm talking 80% chance of rain. We're first time cruisers, and so sad! So many of the things we wanted to do involved being outside in that famous Caribbean sun! We are trying to be hopeful about the upcoming weather, but perhaps a seasoned cruiser could tell me what a cruise in the rain is like?

 

Are there other things to do on the ship besides swim, because to be honest, being out by the pool is something we're looking forward to doing.

 

And of course...two of our excursions are at AI beaches, and no, these are not excursions by RC. :( Anyone know if Mr Sanchos in Cozumel refunds deposits / doesn't charge you if you don't come (and yes, I did check the website before asking here) and emailed them, but haven't heard back yet.

 

Any words of wisdom, other than comments of "enjoy your cruise?" I'm sure poor weather happens regularly, so please...cheer me up! LOL

 

When I am facing that type of weather report; I bought originally a new small umbrella and 1 of those cheapo rain poncho and it has worked like a charm. Now I don't really look and make them a staple in the suitcase. 3 down no real rain.

 

You didn't say a boat, but I might suggest any card games and head to crown vik. I would load music, movies, concerts and shows on a laptop. The kids arcade had some good games and guitar hero. Usually the showers are very brief and enjoy.

[Beachammo]

For me there is nothing worse than wearing a full length poncho standing in the rain when it's 95 degrees with 90% humidity. Those things are like a greenhouse.......I would rather be wet!

 

We bring a folding umbrella and just deal with it

[brillohead]

Also be sure that you have a watertight way to protect any electronics that might be in your bag.

 

A gallon-sized Ziploc style plastic bag works great for me -- ID, money, cell phone / camera can be placed inside the baggie in your purse / tote bag / backpack and will be safe in the event of one of those pop-up showers.

[CCC3]

Oh my gosh...thank you all very much! My youngest son, who spent a week in Jamaica last June, also confirmed a bit ago that they had rain every single day...but not more than an hour! He said it was often overcast after the rain, but didn't put a damper on any of their activities. He did say the humidity was a BEAST, though!

 

And I heard from Mr. Sancho's AI Beach / Resort: Hola!: Full deposit back if you don't show up. Kind regards, Mr. Sancho's

 

So...that makes me feel so much better. And the excursion booked through resortforaday.com's is no refund on deposit, but no charge if you show. Which is not as good as Mr. Sancho's, but not a complete waste if we decide not to go.

 

Umbrellas & rain ponchos hadn't been on our packing list...but I think they are now. Keep the advice coming, and know that I appreciate all the advice for our first cruise. :)

[CCC3]

Also be sure that you have a watertight way to protect any electronics that might be in your bag.

 

A gallon-sized Ziploc style plastic bag works great for me -- ID, money, cell phone / camera can be placed inside the baggie in your purse / tote bag / backpack and will be safe in the event of one of those pop-up showers.

 

Excellent advice...definitely packing the gallon ziplock bag. Thanks.

[CCC3]

When I am facing that type of weather report; I bought originally a new small umbrella and 1 of those cheapo rain poncho and it has worked like a charm. Now I don't really look and make them a staple in the suitcase. 3 down no real rain.

 

You didn't say a boat, but I might suggest any card games and head to crown vik. I would load music, movies, concerts and shows on a laptop. The kids arcade had some good games and guitar hero. Usually the showers are very brief and enjoy.

 

The laptop idea is a good one. I plan to bring my tablet (where my NOOK app is located) but hadn't thought of the laptop. And if the weather is too crappy, I imagine a visit to the casino (vs the arcade) would be in order. Shoot...maybe even if the weather ISN'T crappy...just sayin! ;)

[CCC3]

Having lived in Florida since 2003, you get accustomed to tropical summer weather....from June 1 to November 30 it is the 'rainy season'. That doesn't mean it will rain all the time -- it doesn't. It can pour for 20 minutes and then be brilliant sun again. Stop worrying. Bring an umbrella, maybe even lightweight foldable ponchos. Enjoy wherever you are. I have snorkeled and gone scuba diving in the rain. Underwater it will not matter what is happening above unless it is very rough waters. If the seas are too rough excursions will be cancelled anyway. You can have rough waters without rain anyway -- stop worrying, I say....go and plan to have a great cruise.

 

Good to know! Here in KS when it says "rain" in the forecast...we get rain most of the day! Thank you for responding. I'll try not to worry because even a vacation in the rain is still a vacation! ;)

[marsda]

The laptop idea is a good one. I plan to bring my tablet (where my NOOK app is located) but hadn't thought of the laptop. And if the weather is too crappy, I imagine a visit to the casino (vs the arcade) would be in order. Shoot...maybe even if the weather ISN'T crappy...just sayin! ;)

 

Just remember the casino on board is not open while in port. We both take our iPad and load movie rentals on them before leaving home. It works great because your rental time doesn't start until you activate the movie. If you are planning on using internet on your devices, be aware that the connections are tediously slow and access is very expensive. You'll be better off trying to be disconnected for a week. That's the wisest choice, but we haven't been able to do that ourselves! I'm ashamed to admit it, but we just bite the bullet and purchase the package of unlimited minutes for 2 devices. We don't worry about the slow connection that way. However, it's pricey..it was $200 for a week cruise. It only hurts for a little bit when you sign up...

 

don't worry about the weather... just be flexible. Every cruise makes its own memory... it's up to you to have it be good ones! You're gonna love it!

[WhenIsLobsterNight]

Okay, so I DO know to take weather predictions with a grain of salt, but we leave on Sunday for a Caribbean cruise (Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica iten.) and the forecast is for rain every day--I'm talking 80% chance of rain. We're first time cruisers, and so sad! So many of the things we wanted to do involved being outside in that famous Caribbean sun! We are trying to be hopeful about the upcoming weather, but perhaps a seasoned cruiser could tell me what a cruise in the rain is like?

 

Are there other things to do on the ship besides swim, because to be honest, being out by the pool is something we're looking forward to doing.

 

And of course...two of our excursions are at AI beaches, and no, these are not excursions by RC. :( Anyone know if Mr Sanchos in Cozumel refunds deposits / doesn't charge you if you don't come (and yes, I did check the website before asking here) and emailed them, but haven't heard back yet.

 

Any words of wisdom, other than comments of "enjoy your cruise?" I'm sure poor weather happens regularly, so please...cheer me up! LOL

 

Well Hi neighbor! We are also in Wichita and heading out this weekend for the same itenerary. We are sailing on the Independence. What ship are you on? We leave Saturday morning on the 7 something Southwest flight ending in Ft. Lauderdale. It sucks we might have some rough weather, but I have sailed many many times and there is plenty to do even on rainy days. Have a great cruise.

[CCC3]

Aw...we are sailing the Navigator! Thanks for the kind words about a rainy week's forecast. We are hoping for quick showers and then beautiful caribbean sun!

[DebJ14]

It depends who you pre-booked Mr. Sanchos through. One of the companies allows you to cancel any of their tours for any reason and get the small deposit back. (Shore Excursioneer)

[LuCruise]

I'd also pre-purchase some cheap ponchos so at least you have options if it does infact rain when in port.

 

I do feel for you though and hope that the forecast is wrong...or if it does rain, it's one of those short spurts so it doesn't ruin the day.

 

Enjoy your cruise. Report back and let us know how you got on.

[Justmekaren918]

Yep for the record I can't stand the poncho either, and it is strickly to ward off rain. Worked so far. I thought last September might have been ducking remnants all trip. 1 sprinkle for 10 seconds, and several amazing light shows in our wake. Awesome time for an aft! :D Just turned out to be an amazing smooth awesome 50th b-day cruise. :)

 

Humidity is bad, and I bring a small battery fan. On Vision I just felt I never enough moving air, but Brilliance and Liberty I was okay. I might suggest to, if humidity is an issue and you need gatorade to help; bring packets. Don't forget to also have phone or Ipod loaded with music and ear buds.

 

With Ecig make sure you have either a way to charge sideways or an additional power charger station. It will not fit vertically to charge do to cabinet. The station is great for charging all our stuff.

 

Have an awesome cruise.

[m*u*g*]

I feel your pain, this is my biggest worry for any trip with heavy outdoor activities.

 

Too far away to worry about the rain, especially if you can't cancel the trip.

Like some have said, that regions see's rain (liquid sunshine) rather regularly.

 

Get the captain to steer towards the sun.

 

They try to anyway.

[richard1s]

We lost count of the number of port days in the Caribbean we have experienced and most of them had the same predictions of rain on the weather sites. Yet I can think of only a handful of times we experienced anything more than a cloudburst in all those many days in port. Try not to be overly concerned, it’s usually a non-issue.

[CCC3]

Get the captain to steer towards the sun.

 

They try to anyway.

 

:D Is that all I have to do? LOL!

[Mnamom1105]

I've lived in Florida since 2007, so have gotten used to "rains at your house, but not next door or across the street" as well as "rained for 5 minutes then the sun came out". My philosphy? Take a rain coat, umbrella, and head out! You can dry later. You can laugh about the rainy day fun. If it is really downpouring and you have no desire to deal with it, walk the ship - check out every inch! Take some Uno cards or mancala or a regular deck of cards and go play cards somewhere. Roll with the punches....

[bobmacliberty]

We had spotty rain on a sea day travelling from Falmouth to Cozumel. The forecast probably would have said 80% chance of rain, or more. The Captain did an excellent job of zig-zagging his way west to avoid the showers. It was slightly to mostly overcast that day on the pool deck, but still plenty warm enough. I don't remember any rain hitting us at all. :) I found it interesting sitting in the Allure solarium facing forward watching the showers pass us on either side of the ship.

[Victoria/73]

Oh my gosh...thank you all very much! My youngest son, who spent a week in Jamaica last June, also confirmed a bit ago that they had rain every single day...but not more than an hour! He said it was often overcast after the rain, but didn't put a damper on any of their activities. He did say the humidity was a BEAST, though!

 

 

 

And I heard from Mr. Sancho's AI Beach / Resort: Hola!: Full deposit back if you don't show up. Kind regards, Mr. Sancho's

 

 

 

So...that makes me feel so much better. And the excursion booked through resortforaday.com's is no refund on deposit, but no charge if you show. Which is not as good as Mr. Sancho's, but not a complete waste if we decide not to go.

 

 

 

Umbrellas & rain ponchos hadn't been on our packing list...but I think they are now. Keep the advice coming, and know that I appreciate all the advice for our first cruise. :)

 

 

We didn't make it to Mr Sancho's and they did not refund our deposit.........

 

 

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