What do cruise lines do in the event of a hurricane?

A cruise ship will outrun a hurricane or the ship may alter course.

A hurricane can be defined as a storm where winds reach or exceed 74 miles per hour (mph). This is equivalent to 119 kilometers per hour (km/hr). A hurricane can fall into one of five categories:

• Category 1: A hurricane with winds between 74 to 95 mph (119 to 153 km/hr).
• Category 2: A hurricane with winds between 96 to 110 mph (154 to 177 km/hr).
• Category 3: A hurricane with winds between 111 to 130 mph (178 to 209 km/hr).
• Category 4: A hurricane with winds between 131 to 155 mph (210 to 250 km/hr).
• Category 5: A hurricane with winds 156 mph or more (251 km/hr or more).

In general, hurricane season runs between June and November, although you might encounter a storm outside of the “normal” months.

A cruise ship today is equipped with sophisticated equipment that will assist the crew in determining if a hurricane is developing. In addition, the ship will get information from weather services and the cruise line’s headquarters regarding storms. Technology and current information help the crew make the appropriate decisions for storms that are pending.

If there is a hurricane developing, the cruise ship will usually try to either outrun the storm or alter course. Cruise ships can travel at up to 22 knots while hurricanes typically move at about 8 to 18 knots regardless of how fast the winds are blowing. Simply speaking, a cruise ship can usually travel faster than a hurricane. If a cruise ship cannot outrun a storm, the ship will either move out of the way and stay on the water until the danger passes or go to a safe port.