In November 2023, Storm Ciarán triggered a tempest in the Bay of Biscay, where around 100 people were injured on board Saga’s Spirit of Discovery. In March 2019, Viking Sky experienced a blackout and loss of propulsion off the coast of southern Norway; the ship started to drift towards the rocky shoreline, battered by extreme weather, resulting in all guests having to be evacuated by helicopter. The effects of increasingly wild winter storms on cruise ships are becoming more profound.
October 2023 was the hottest on record globally, climate data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service shows; while the Royal Society has noted that Earth’s lower atmosphere is becoming warmer as a result of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the likelihood of damaging winds.
In my 40-year career as a cruise writer and maritime historian, I’ve encountered plenty of bad weather affecting cruises. I’ve sailed through a hurricane crossing the Atlantic to New York and a typhoon in the South China Sea; my passage to Antarctica was more rock than roll; and I succumbed to mal de mer as fierce winds churned on a voyage to the Outer Hebrides.
Did I feel that my number was up during any of these encounters? Not once. I had complete faith in the expertise of the master mariners on the ship’s bridge and the structural integrity of the steel-clad keel that was cutting through the angry seas. I recall there was barely a ripple on my Martini in the Queen’s Room aboard the venerable liner QE2, when the band played the jazz classic Stormy Weather while outside a force ten wind raged.
Main photo: a cruise ship in Varigotti, Italy (Alamy)
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When are you most likely to experience storms on a cruise ship?
Ocean-going ships can encounter ferocious seas whether they’re searching for the northern lights along the Norwegian coast in winter months; or crossing the Drake Passage, between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic peninsula, notorious for the “Drake shake”. Hurricane season in the Caribbean officially lasts from June 1 to November 30 and frequently impacts cruise schedules.
The North Atlantic can pack a punch from September until February, when the barometric pressure plunges, giving even the sturdiest ships a rollercoaster ride through squally seas. Another seaway where storms lurk during autumn and winter months is the Bay of Biscay. This portion of the Atlantic, located off the west coast of France and the northern coast of Spain, is renowned for restless seas that can test the mettle of even the most seasoned sea dog.
Can cruise ships withstand storms?
Cruise ships have thick steel hulls that can withstand the ravages of a storm. The vessel might list to one side, then the other, in a motion known as rolling. Alternatively, a forward movement might pitch down into the swells before rearing up again. None of this should cause concern, as every ship has been tested in simulated storm conditions. You might notice the swimming pool is emptied and outdoor decks closed off but, inside the ship, the well-trained crew knows what measures to enact to make passengers safe and comfortable.
What are cruise ships doing to protect themselves?
As operational safety is an absolute priority, cruise lines are increasingly one step ahead in forecasting bad weather. They have the latest meteorological equipment, as well as an arsenal of weather charts, satellite images of storm activity, and even computer models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US. Royal Caribbean Group, as an example, has a “storm centre” at its Miami headquarters, where, during hurricane season, a wall of screens is monitored by the company’s chief meteorologist, James Van Fleet.
One man who’s been at the helm when nature throws a tantrum is Captain Dag Dvergastein. With five decades of experience sailing the globe with Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn and now, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Dvergastein has valuable insight. “Each ship is constructed to a class standard such as Lloyds or Bureau Veritas to certify safety,” he says. “Ships of all sizes will experience movement in heavy weather, but the larger the ship, the less the movement. Stabilisers minimise the rolling motion, thus maximising comfort.
“With a severe weather forecast, ship’s management teams will do their utmost to mitigate the effects of stormy seas. If the outlook is poor, the captain may decide to extend the stay in port. If the ship is at sea, it can seek shelter in the lee of an island, but sometimes there’s no option but to operate through turbulent seas. Operational decisions are made in consultation with the maritime team at head office, the captain, and the onboard navigation team.”
What can I do to stay safe on a cruise ship during a storm?
Savvy cruisers often select a cabin in the middle of the ship, which is undoubtedly less prone to movement. Although they’re the most expensive options, penthouses and suites, often located on the higher decks, can be challenging when the motion of the ocean goes up a gear. Old salts listen to announcements from the captain, but they know “lively” is a well-worn euphemism for “raging” when it comes to the state of the sea.
Safety is always the top priority. Andy Harmer, managing director at cruise industry trade association Clia UK & Ireland says: “The first line of decision-making is always based on what is the safest course of action based on current and potential challenges. There are rare occurrences where unpredicted storms arise outside of forecasts. In these situations, the crew has extensive training to navigate the situation, with the safety and comfort of the guests as the top priority.”
If you’re concerned about storms, there are simple measures to take. Time your voyage to minimise the chance of bad weather; a transatlantic crossing in spring, for example, might be a better bet than a crossing in November. Book a cabin low down in the centre of the ship. If the captain announces rough weather ahead, put loose items in your cabin away where they can’t fly around. And don’t forget the motion sickness pills.
