Just Booked for 10/11/03--was it a mistake?

[jen-n-greg]

Well, I just put down my deposit-- and now I am wondering if I should have gone in December instead. Everyone says October is Hurrican season-- has a hurricane ever really ruined anyone's cruise? Which month is warmer--Oct or Dec (warmth is very important to me!). Also-- is there anything --decorations or parties-- for Halloween? We went to MNSSHP last year at WDW and had a lot of fun I heard the ship is decorated for Christmas in December which would be cool to see, too. UGHH. Someone help! Thanks

 

[BrianD]

Well, we're going this October, so I'll let you know how it goes. I do know, though, that October is warmer than December. I wouldn't worry too much about it being hurricane season. Yes, if there happens to be a storm in the area then you might have some alteration in the itenerary, but it's still more likely that this won't happen. And besides, for the rates that are offered in October, I'm willing to take that risk!

 

[Señor Ferrari]

I've sailed on the Magic during both October and December, and I'd vote for October for several reasons. It was warmer, especially the ocean temp at Castaway Cay. The days were longer. The ship was less crowded.

The cruise in December was great, it just made things that much more hectic getting ready for the holidays, since we were gone a week during December. The ship's decorations were great, but not so much that it would play a role in deciding to cruise in December again.

The price was about the same with the Fall Fantasy rates.

Yes, October is during hurricane season, and we did get re-routed. We stopped at Key West on Sunday, and then went on to St. Thomas. I didn't really see this as a negative, as we did a great snorkling excursion on Key West and had a good time on the island. There was also a hurricane in the Atlantic this year in early December, which caused high seas. I don't know if one season is more likely to have higher seas, especially if there are no storms around. Even though we were re-routed in October, I'd say that overall, the seas were less rough during this trip.

I don't think that the ships are re-routed that often. I think that the Magic has changed itinerary 3 times since it began the 7-night cruises, twice in 2000, and once that I can recall hearing about this past year, in 2001. That trip got to go to San Juan and had a second day at Castaway Cay, which would have been just fine with me.

We sailed in early October, so it was probably a bit early for Halloween decorations, if they do that.

I really don't think that you can go wrong. If you stick with the October trip, don't worry about a hurricane. You'll never get caught in one on the ship. Yes, there is a slight chance that you won't make the scheduled itinerary, but I don't see that as a negative.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Have a great trip, regardless of when you decide to go!

 

[jen-n-greg]

Thanks everyone! I love reading the advice-- I will stick with October I think. Both sound good --I guess I will just have to make the next cruise for December 2005 Still love to hear other people's experiences too

 

[TnRobin]

We have cruise 3 times - All in hurricane season. I love it. If you ask if we have been affected by a hurricane, I would have to say yes. It wasn't bad - I thought it was great. We got to take a detour on one of the three cruise. We went to Key West.

As for the weather. It was perfect. not too hot, but definitely hot enough to swim and sun bathe. If it hadn't been for the great deal we got on the May 11 cruise, my 4th cruise would have also been in hurricane season.

 

[albiats]

The Hurricane Season in the Atlantic starts June 1st and ends November 30th, and that's half of the year. I'm not sure that many of the people that sail in June, July, and August realize they're 'in the season'.

September and October are typically the more active months but any of the six could be possibilities.

 

[kellyb2000]

Our first cruise was october 22-26, 2000 and we didn't have to be re-routed. Some, if not all, of the snorkeling excursions were cancelled due to rough waters but we weren't too disappointed. They didn't have any halloween decorations out on that cruise, I guess it's just the cruise that falls on Halloween.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

As has been previously noted, Hurricane Season officially runs from 6/1 to 11/30, but the peak of activity seems to run from mid-August to mid-October. And last year there was a storm that ran beyond 11/30... it didn't peter out until around 12/5. All this being said, I'd go with the October cruise for all the other reasons given in the earlier posts.