Maybe it’s time for a new name. Maybe “Hurricane” Season should be called “Tropical Storm” Season — at least by the cruise community.
The name change that could take place today is all about Irene. Weather experts could be saying “Goodnight Irene” to the ninth tropical storm to get a name this year, and change her to Hurricane Irene, if she picks up strength over the Eastern Caribbean Sea as expected. Let’s hope that name change never materializes!
Meanwhile, her impact has already been felt by cruise ships in the area. Four Royal Caribbean ships, include both mega ships Allure and Oasis of the Seas, will visit ports in a different order to avoid the storm. The Carnival Miracle (above),in the midst of its 8-night Caribbean cruise from New York, is skipping Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands entirely, and going to Half Moon Cay — its own island — instead.
Cruise lines have lots of expertise and lots of experience when it comes to avoiding bad weather to keep its passengers safe. What they can’t guarantee is that when you book a Caribbean cruise in Tropical Storm…er, Hurricane Season, you may be making some surprise visits.