Question about hurricanes.....

[NiteStar]

Since this year I'll be cruising in Sept. (right smack in the middle of hurrican season), I have a question.......I know that a ship can change its itineray once out to sea to avoid storms, etc. But what about the home port? If, say for instance, that the day my ship is to depart, there is a tropical storm or hurricane poised to hit Galveston. What happens? If the ship can't get into port, obviously I can't board, but will I be reimbursed for my cruise (like a bad girl, I didn't take out insurance on this cruise). And also, what happens to the passengers on board that same ship that can't get into port to get off the ship. I usually always cruise at the end of May or very beginning of June to avoid hurricane season, but couldn't this year since my daughter was due to deliver around that time. So since I've never had storm problems, I don't know how they are handled. Thanks!

[Kuki]

Nitestar.. There's still time to get insurance, and I'd highly recommend it. Not just to cover cancellation, but medical attention or evacuation costs can get VERY high!!!

If the port of embarkation/debarkation port is in the path of a hurricane, then both will most certainly be affected. If the cruise is cancelled, rather than delayed, it's highly unlikely the cruise line will cover your costs.

We were in a questionable situation once sitting in Miami, awaiting either the ship, or Hurricane Georges. Fortunatly the ship came, and the hurricane did not.
In that case, Carnival was considering debarking the ship in Tampa, and bussing everyone back to Miami, after bussing the embarkation passengers to Tampa. By luck, they didn't have to test their plan.