you have probably talked about this a 100 times, but....

[heidica]

Okay, for all you veterans, I realize this has probably been hashed over several times, but do some more hashing for me.

My husband and I want to take a cruise in late fall of 2002 (i.e. mid/late October, November (not Thanksgiving) or early Dec.), but we are worried about hurricane season. I've seen mentioned on several websites that hurricane season (in the Atlantic) is anywhere from June to November, each place giving slightly different months. Are there really that many hurricanes in October and November??
We were actually at WDW during hurricane Floyd when the parks were shut down, but that was in September and I don't seem to recall alot of hurricances mentioned in October or November (but I also don't pay that much attention since they don't affect us in the northwest). Is this a big problem in those months?? Ocotber or November would be ideal for us due to our work schedules and vacation leave.

Also, when making reservations how far in advance is an "advance booking"? 6 months, a year or more?

Thanks

 

[D A P & I]

Hi! I lived most of my life in Florida. Yes Hurricane season is from June thru November every year no changes. Every once in a while you will get one earlier or later in the season.
The worst month is August and September. Very few in October and November, but there is that chance.
We are going July 27, 2002 and there is that chance that a storm could ruin our trip or close some ports, but this is when we can go, so we have to take that chance.
It is wonderful in Florida all the way to Christmas, with even the Winter months being warm. But the water is cold!
I don't think you have to many worries in late October and November.
This will be our first cruise
I think you can book until soldout. Discounts are better far in advance.
God bless and enjoy your day

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

Prices for a cruise in October have already started to creep up on the DCL quote system. We originally booked in January, and prices have certainly gone up since then, so the sooner you book, the better. Unfortunately, owing to a change of plans we had to re-book for March 2003, but still go close to the same price that we received for our original booking ($30 more I think). Anyway....

One thing to remember is that the ship will always sail (or at least that's what they say). If there is a hurricane though, you may get a mystery cruise that includes ports of call otherwise not expected.

There have been a number of reports from people on this board that sailed on a mystery cruise, and generally they seemed to still have a good time (with the possible exception of being disappointed in not seeing Castaway Cay).

We sailed in October 2001 and had no problems with the weather at all.

The only other thing you might want to consider for that time period is flying in to Florida a day early, this will give you some breathing room if for some reason the airlines encounter weather related issues.

 

[aks22]

I read on a website (I think it was the national hurricane center) that this year they expect more than average number of hurricanes. HOWEVER, most of these are waaaaay out at sea, and their numbers are globally. It also said that later in the season the storms tend to be more to the west.

None of this has deterred us from booking the Western Carribean cruise for Oct 26th. We can't wait, and if we end up on a mystery cruise, we'll still make it a great vacation. If there is something you absolutely, positively have to do at a certain time and place, then maybe you don't want to risk it. Otherwise, hope for the best, but bring a positive attitude in case of itinerary changes.

 

[bpd528]

We sailed in Oct 99 when Irene was blowing. The first night out the captain tried going around the storm, but had to turn into it on the eastern edge. The seas were large, many people including cast members were sea sick. lots of water in the ship but no damage (when we got back to the port, they had carpet already there to replace the worst parts). After the first night the weather was great, we even got into castaway cay, although it was messed up quite abit, it was still great.

Anyway later in october is probably better but it was still enjoyable and unique to sail through a hurricane!!!!!


alan & judy
wdw; 4-92; 10-99; 12-02
Magic; 10-99; 1-01; 1-02
Wonder; 12-02

 

[phxjj05]

I know everybody's a weatherman - but I also heard that because of El Nino, there will be more hurricanes in the Pacific and less in the Atlantic this year. (Yes they say we are in another El Nino)

Went on an NCL cruise in September a few years back, hurricanes all around us, although the seas were rough, never felt rain as they did a good job of steering around the weather.
Unfortunately we never saw the sun once, but we still had a fantastic time.

We are going in October this year on DCL, first time.

 

[Karel]

We were on the seven night in November - with a hurricane nipping at our heels. Luckily, we were 'outta there' before it blew through but the Four night cruise had to go to Charleston SC.

I was worried about our van parked at the Radisson. Nothing like worrying for a week if the windows were shut tight enough! We did have leakage through the side window but not too bad.