Caribbean Cruise End September - Weather!

[minsterman]

Having only ever been on one cruise before (RCCL in the Mediterranean last year) we are now thinking of a Caribbean cruise in late September/early October this year.

 

We are aware that this is during the "hurricane season", but don't really know whether this should put us off going or not!

 

We were looking at a 7 night Southern Caribbean Cruise from San Juan.

 

What sort of weather should we expect? Would it be raining every day? Is there any point in going on a cruise if it's going to be continuous rain?

 

What is the likelihood of getting caught in a hurricane?

 

Does the rain last all day or is it a case of short sharp showers - how long do they last?

 

We've also read about thunder/lightning storms - will this affect the cruise?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Keith1010]

Wecome to Cruise Critic.

 

Yes, it is still hurricane season in the Caribbean. No one can predict for certain whether or not there will be a hurricane during the cruise.

 

The temperatures will be warm with humidity at the various islands and there is always a chance of the daily thunderstorm/shower. That is just the Caribbean as it can be in Florida as well. It probably will not rain the entire day and as you know weather is weather so it might not rain, or might rain part of the day. No one knows for certain.

 

While it is still hurricane season, I would not let that deter you. The cruise line will monitor the situation. The only challenge will be if there is a hurricane at your port of embarkation/disemarkation and it impacts air schedules but things do happen. The odds are probably low on this.

 

I am sure that the cruise will be great.

 

Keith

[JanineM]

We're sailing during hurricane season for the third time this year. We have had better weather in September than in January or March ... and we're knocking wood that this year holds true!

 

When we have had rain it typically is during the hottest part of the day and doesn't last too long. It will be hot and humid, and more humid after the rain, and there could be clouds ... but unless you're in the middle of a tropical system you're not likely to have a full day of rain. And chances are slim that they would keep the ship in a tropical system!

 

If you do choose to travel at this time of the year, absolutely get insurance in the event that your flight can't get you to the ship on time, or your ship can't return to the home port. And also be prepared to be flexible. If something comes along then you may not see the ports on the itinerary.

 

The Captain will not put a ship full of passengers and crew in the path of a storm --- they will do whatever they can to keep you (and that very expensive ship) safe. But cruising during hurricane season can be a bit of an adventure!

 

Hope you (and we) have smooth sailing ;)

[Bonnie J.]

Welcome to cruisecritic!

The ship will be no where near a hurricane! Don't let this stop you from cruising! They know where they are and stay away from them. Last September we did a B2B. We were behind Hurricane Hannah and in front of Hurricane Ike. No problems at all but we missed two ports staying away from Hannah and could not tender to Cayman. No big deal.

The weather will be fine. If it rains it only lasts a few minutes. Then the sun comes back!

CRUISE LINES WE"VE BEEN ON:

Dolphin

Commodore

Regency

Premier

Cape Canaveral Cruises

Carnival

Royal Caribean

NCL

Celebrity

Princess

Costa

[Bonnie J.]

Welcome to cruisecritic!

The ship will be no where near a hurricane! Don't let this stop you from cruising! They know where they are and stay away from them. Last September we did a B2B. We were behind Hurricane Hannah and in front of Hurricane Ike. No problems at all but we missed two ports staying away from Hannah and could not tender to Cayman. No big deal.

The weather will be fine. If it rains it only lasts a few minutes. Then the sun comes back!