At sea, a clear day can quickly turn stormy. Although cruises are often associated with smooth sailing, unpredictable weather can change the experience. Knowing what to expect during a storm and how to handle it can help keep you safe.
Continue reading to learn what to expect on a cruise in a storm.
Key Takeaways
If you're on a cruise ship in storm conditions, expect possible seasickness and the temporary closure of outdoor areas.
To reduce your risk of injury, plan your cruise outside of peak storm seasons and consider packing seasickness medicine or motion bands.
If you get injured during a storm while on a cruise ship, an experienced cruise ship injury lawyer at Louis A. Vucci P.A. can help you understand your legal rights.
What To Expect on a Cruise Ship in Rough Weather
Whether it means high winds or rough water, cruise ships are built to handle stormy conditions. Additionally, there are many regulations in place to keep cruise passengers safe. Still, it’s helpful to know what to expect when rough weather hits during a cruise:
Possible Seasickness – Depending on how each person’s body reacts to motion, some passengers may experience discomfort when the ship rocks more than usual. This can show up as nausea, dizziness, or general discomfort during rough weather.
Ship Sounds – As the ship moves through the water, you might hear sounds like creaking, thudding, or groaning in different parts of the vessel.
Your Itinerary May Change – Based on weather updates and sea conditions, the captain may decide to adjust the ship’s route or skip certain ports. These decisions are made to protect the passengers and to keep the vessel away from bad weather.
Unsteadiness – If your cabin is located at the front or higher up on the ship, items may shift slightly, and walking around could feel a bit unsteady.
Rescheduled Activities –If the weather gets too rough, certain activities like shows, games, or entertainment may be delayed, moved indoors, or canceled altogether.
Cruise Ship Storm Safety Tips
Whether it’s your first cruise or your fiftieth, rough weather can be unsettling. When storm weather happens, there are a few practical things you can do to stay safe and comfortable:
Follow Crew Instructions – When sailing through storms, guests should pay close attention to updates from the crew. They’ll share important information to help you stay safe and prepared. You may be instructed to return to your cabin.
Pick the Right Time to Cruise – When planning your cruise, try to avoid hurricane seasons, as storms during this time can affect your itinerary. Check when the stormy season is wherever you hope to travel. In the Atlantic, it typically lasts from June through November.
Choose a Lower Cabin – For fewer motion effects and to lower the risk of falling overboard, go for a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck. These cabins tend to feel less movement when the ship sails through rough seas.
Pack Seasickness Medicine – Even if you’ve never had motion sickness, cruising during a storm might still affect your body. It’s a good idea to pack seasickness medicine, motion bands, or ginger chews to stay comfortable.
Cruise Line Liability for Storm Injuries
If you were injured during a cruise in a storm, you may be entitled to compensation. Under maritime law, cruise lines are required to keep passengers safe. If the injuries could have been avoided but weren’t, and the cruise line failed to take proper action, they may be held legally responsible for your injuries.
After a cruise ship injury, it’s in your best interests to begin the claims process by reaching out to a maritime lawyer for advice. An attorney can help you determine the next steps toward getting whatever compensation you may be owed.
Get Legal Help for Storm Injuries from An Experienced Injury Lawyer
Cruise ships in storms can lead to serious passenger injuries, such as slips and falls on wet walkways or foodborne illnesses. If the cruise line or crew failed to protect you, you may have a legal case. In these situations, working with an experienced lawyer is important.
At Louis A. Vucci P.A., we handle passenger claims involving storm-related injuries on major cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean. If you were hurt due to unsafe conditions, we’re here to help you seek whatever compensation you may deserve. Contact us today to understand your rights.
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