Im a little apprehensive about going to the Caribbean in August because of the heat and the chance of a hurricane. Any experience you can give me regarding how bad it was would be great.
Posts: 4 | Location: sierra madre, ca, usa | Registered: January 30, 2003
We are cruising in June and have the same concerns. But then it's been monsoon raining here in Michigan for the past week. At least the scenery will be better
Having lived in the Gulf Coast (New Orleans and Houston) for the past 40 years, I'd say you are one heck of a gambler. While hurricane season technically runs from June 1 to November 1, the REAL season is July to September. I can't even guess the number of hurricanes that have gone thru the Gulf in August and early September, and since hurricanes typically start off the coast of Africa and work their way west, that pretty much covers the entire Caribbean. If I recall correctly, last year there were 5 tropical storms in the Caribbean at one time. I would suggest that you get trip insurance immediately, if it covers cancellation due to weather. And expect 100 degree weather at least at the ports. That's why I'm going to Alaska in August!
The previous advice about insurance is good! Two things I should mention: Caribbean ports are generally not as hot as the Gulf coast areas in the U.S. Expect temperatures around 85-90, and humid, on the islands. The ocean temperature is in the 80's there, so the breeze is pleasant but not cool! I cruised in late Sept. a couple years ago, when there were 3 tropical storms circulating in the Caribbean, but we never saw a single one of them, and the water wasn't even very rough. That's one advantage of a cruise - they can stay away from the hurricanes, and often avoid any "side effects" (such as rough seas), unless of course a hurricane hits the port of embarkation! Hurricane season is why cruise prices are so low in the late summer and fall.
Posts: 1361 | Location: Illinois | Registered: June 19, 2002