June 1st officially started the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season which will continue through November. Just last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) published their outlook for the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA predicts that the 2017 Atlantic basin hurricane season will be above-normal.
Strong El Ninos and wind shear typically suppress development of Atlantic hurricanes, so the prediction for weak conditions points to more hurricane activity this year. Also, warmer sea surface temperatures tend to fuel hurricanes as they move across the ocean. However, the climate models are showing considerable uncertainty, which is reflected in the comparable probabilities for an above-normal and near-normal season. Overall, the 2017 could be comparable to last year which was the most active with 15 named-storms (7 hurricanes, 4 of those major), the most since 2012.
The names of the 2017 storms will be
Fabulous Indeed Vacations will track tropical systems that have the potential to impact any of our travelers going on cruises or to somewhere tropical! We strive to provide accurate and updated information, but ultimately the best source of up to date information on these systems the National Hurricane Center and your local National Weather Service offices.
Do you know how to handle a storm when you are out to sea or at the beach?
Cruses sailing the Caribbean during hurricane season have an option, they can change course! I actually was on one one year, that had to miss a few ports due to inclement weather. Cruise ships have technology onboard that constantly monitors the weather. If a storm is predicted or actually in an area of the Caribbean or Atlantic, cruise lines will simply reroute the ship to a different destination. Cruise ships can move faster than hurricanes. Storms tend to move about 8 to 10 knots, while ships can attain speeds of up to 22 knots and beyond. Passengers might experience rough seas as their ship skirts the edges of a storm. Be sure to be prepared with anti-sea sickness medicine! (I recommend Bonine) .
Cruise Critic has a great source on this topic.
If you are in a hotel, check with staff about what to do and listen — they will likely have a plan in place. In most hotel rooms, you run the risk of getting hit with breaking window glass. If you don’t have time to consult with the staff, and inclement weather is headed your way, head to any interior room or stairwell without windows.
Travel Insurance
Fabulous Indeed Vacations always recommends travel insurance, but there are things you need to know. If you’re traveling to the Caribbean, Gulf Coast, or other hurricane-prone areas, your insurance policy must be purchased before a storm is officially named.
For travel insurance, prices vary by age of the traveler, trip cost, state or residence, and plan amenities.
It’s also a good idea to check the refund policies of both your airline and hotel prior to your trip in the event of catastrophic weather. You should keep in mind that in case of a flight delay or cancellation, you may be separated from your luggage. You can minimize any inconvenience by keeping necessities in your carry-on bags.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of monitoring the weather or rebooking your flights and hotels, we will monitor it for you. If need be we can help rebook any reservations.
Those who want to travel and not worry about Hurricane’s, should remember their ABCs — Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, which are all located on the southern fringes of the hurricane belt.
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