When you’re planning your dream cruise, especially to countries with warmer climates, it’s hard to imagine it being blighted by unseasonably bad weather. But as we in the UK well know, weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to be prepared for anything the climate can throw at you.

In this guide we’ve put together some cruise bad weather tips for handling adverse weather on a cruise, as well as some things to consider when planning your trip. This way you can meet all cruise weather challenges – no matter what they are!

Stormy seas preparation

When you’re at the cruise planning stage, there are several things you can do to mitigate any problems and ensure smooth sailing in bad weather.

Firstly, make sure you’ve packed for all weathers, even if you think you’re heading off to bask in the Caribbean sun. Getting hold of warmer or waterproof clothes while at sea may prove difficult, so pack items such as a waterproof jacket and a warm jumper or two. For cruises to regions with specific weather, such as Antarctic or Northern Lights trips, your cruise line should issue you with a specific packing list of necessary clothes and equipment.

Check the weather patterns for the regions you’re visiting. While cruise lines will plan their trips around things such as the hurricane season, it’s still good to be aware of what you can expect.

Bad weather equals stormy seas, which can lead to an increased chance of seasickness. If you’re prone to motion sickness then plan ahead by packing anti-sickness medication, especially as it may not be available on board.

Make sure you’ve taken out comprehensive travel insurance, too. If the absolute worse does happen, such as a cruise having to be rerouted or even completely cancelled, you’ll be in a much stronger position for reimbursing any unexpected costs.

What to do in bad weather on a cruise

If it’s raining during a sea day, don’t despair -- there are plenty of onboard activities during bad weather. See this as a guilt-free opportunity to take advantage of lazing in the hot tub, taking a relaxing dip in the pool, or enjoying a pampering treatment in the spa. It’s also a good time to head to the library for a spot of quiet reading, hit up the casino or games room to get sociable with other guests, or take part in any citizen science projects that might be available.

You could also use bad weather as the chance to indulge in a deliciously long dinner or lunch. In fact, why not make it a multi-stop meal and test out all the different restaurants and cafes with a course or drink at each?

While bad weather may put a stop to certain excursions when you’re in port, there will still be plenty of activities and sights for you to sample. You could take advantage of rainy days to enjoy a decadently long lunch in a fabulous local restaurant, or visit indoor sites such as museums and art galleries.

Cruise safety recommendations in bad weather

If the weather notches up in severity and you’re navigating stormy conditions on a cruise, don’t panic. The most important thing to remember is ships are designed to handle tough weather and there are strict cruise safety protocols in place. Your safety is the crew’s priority, so listen to any announcements and follow instructions promptly.

In the case of extremely bad weather, it may mean the ship has to alter your cruise itinerary or even skip a port. While this may be irritating, it will be done for your safety and, while rare, it is a risk you take when going on a cruise – and something that will be clearly outlined in your cruise terms and conditions. Be patient and courteous with crew members and don’t take your disappointment out on them.

If a port is missed then you should get a refund of the port fee, usually via a shipboard credit, as well as credit for any cancelled excursions.

Bad weather certainly doesn’t have to dampen your holiday spirits, and as we’ve shown, a little bit of preparation will ensure you have a wonderful holiday no matter what the climate throws at you!

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