WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER IN OCT/ NOV IN THE CARIBBEAN?

Boiler Cuiser · #1 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2008, 11:42 AM

My DW and I were talking about the timing of our cruise to the Panama Canal on the Island Princess on October 27, out of FLL. The subject of weather came up.

I noticed on the Princess website that they have 14 departures to the Caribbean and Panama Canal scheduled in October. I am sure that if the management at Princess thought that sailing that time of year in that part of the world was a problem, they would not schedule sailings.

What experiences have the veteran cruisers among you had cruising during October/ early November?

Is the weather terribly risky for any one cruise?

Have cruises been canceled due to weather, or do they just sail around them and adjust itineraries as necessary?

richstacy · #2 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2008, 09:41 PM

That's sort of at the end of hurricane season so the weather could be really great or really bad. they will do everything they can to skirt really bad weather, up to and including skipping a port if need be. You'll be O.K. We did a trans canal cruise in Oct one year and it was super!

CruzNut · #3 (**permalink**) April 27th, 2008, 11:21 PM

That's usually when I cruise to the Caribbean or the Panama Canal ... late October to mid November. Weather's just fine. Do remember that a lot of the ports are near the rain forests so you can run into rain pretty much anytime of year. Ships will always skirt bad weather but you're pretty safe as to hurricanes at this time of year. August and September are more likely for the storms though there's been a hurricane in every month - used to be not in April but a few years ago there was one in April.

Cassandra · #4 (**permalink**) April 28th, 2008, 11:01 AM

Expect the worst, hope for the best. Do not go on the cruise and assume you will hit all your ports.

You need to have a large amount of patience if your ship has to divert from its schedule.

Dannyboy · #5 (**permalink**) April 28th, 2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boiler Cuiser

My DW and I were talking about the timing of our cruise to the Panama Canal on the Island Princess on October 27, out of FLL. The subject of weather came up.

1st thing, ship get caugh in hurricans. Oct is the prime season. I suggest buying the Gold insurance.
2nd if you check the national hurrican center web site, you canlearn a lot about tropical storms and hurricans.

I noticed on the Princess website that they have 14 departures to the Caribbean and Panama Canal scheduled in October. I am sure that if the management at Princess thought that sailing that time of year in that part of the world was a problem, they would not schedule sailings.

If you are a first time Princess cruiser and want $50 off you cabin e-mail me.
You must receive your confirmed credit ID befor booking to get the discount.
danielraessner@yahoo.com

What experiences have the veteran cruisers among you had cruising during October/ early November?

Is the weather terribly risky for any one cruise?
Aug through Sept. in the Western Caribbean is the highest risk.
Remember, rain is not the problem. It's the wind!

Have cruises been canceled due to weather, or do they just sail around them and adjust itineraries as necessary?

The cruise line will sail around storms, but the winds affect the entire region.

Good luck

Danny

justgr8fl2cruise · #6 (**permalink**) May 2nd, 2008, 09:30 PM

I've been to the Carribean twice. Both times in October. It was awesome both times!

sistagoldenhair · #7 (**permalink**) May 3rd, 2008, 10:13 AM

I sailed on Sovereign of the Seas many years ago the first week in Nov - it was the worst weather ever. We had 70mph winds and had to bypass one of our islands due to rough seas. That was the last time I sailed in the fall.

I'm booked on the Crown Princess this year - last week in Oct and I'm hoping for calm seas - but you never know!! I'm sure you'll have a great time regardless!!!

subtropic · #8 (**permalink**) May 4th, 2008, 10:22 PM

Being that the region is close to the Equator, there is not a lot in the way of temp changes. Hurricane season is always a concern but by late autumn chances for a clear sail are good. The only time we missed out because of weather concerns was during a January cruise, so it could happen any time.

DeepSpace · #9 (**permalink**) May 7th, 2008, 02:19 AM

We went to the Carribean last November on the Emerald, and it was great the whole time, as a matter of fact it was hot. We were on board for Thanksgiving.
You will have a great trip.

Hub · #10 (**permalink**) May 29th, 2008, 05:32 PM

We usually cruise that time of year cause it's a little cheaper! We missed had to skip Grand Cayman when we cruised on the Mercury because of Hurricane Mitch. They also changed the order of some stops to avoid the storm, but it was still a cruise! Actually, that one was my favorite of the five I've taken!