Hurricane Season Is In Affect

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The safety of any of my travel clients is my top priority. In the travel industry it is said that being onboard a ship is one of the safest places to be during a storm because they can sail out to sea and navigate around inclement weather. Cruise ships have the latest technology, satellites, communication equipment, and a team of experts whose job is to closely monitor the weather at all times.

However, it does seem kind of daring and adventurous to jump on a ship and trust this right? Of course it does! And that’s ok. With that being said, there are 33 ships scheduled to sail out of Florida between today and Monday when Dorian is predicted hit land in the Port Canaveral area. 

In the past 24 hours I’ve had to cancel 12 of 16 cruise reservations on Carnival Victory from Miami (6), RCL Mariner of the Seas from Port Canaveral (4), and RCL Navigator of the Seas from Miami (2) all set to sail today and return on Monday. Still ready to go I have one cabin of two set to leave on Carnival Paradise from Tampa Saturday and three cabins consisting of nine total travelers leaving on Norwegian Breakaway from Miami on Sunday. Oh, and let's not forget those that left for Punta Cana by air yesterday from Orlando returning on Monday. 

75% of my cruise reservations were canceled for this weekend. 100% of my land travelers kept their travel plans and are enjoying themselves so far. But when planning and preparing to travel during this time of year, rather by cruise or flying to an All Inclusive resort consider the following:

1. Work with a Travel Advisor like myself
2. Purchase Travel Insurance
3. Consider destinations that are rarely impacted by hurricanes ie. Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, and Barbados.
4. Be prepared to extend travel
5. Have cash on hand rather than ATM and Debit cards
6. If flying, carry-on your luggage rather than checking it
7. Use Weather Watcher Apps
8. Pay attention, read and listen to news and instructions all around you
9. Travel anyway

There may be few flaws while traveling during Hurricane Season, but it’s a great time to travel in terms of value. And truthfully, the odds of a hurricane affecting your travel plans is low. Travel is a gamble and you may have to risk your personal convenience if plans have to change but just be prepared for whatever may come. I have reservations scattered throughout the final few months of the season, even travel for myself. Be brave. Be adventurous. Travel safely. But most importantly, do what you feel is best for you and those who you are traveling with. As your Travel Advisor, I will be here supporting and advocating for you along the way.