Not only do we live in the current projected path of Hurricane Milton, but we are supposed to embark on our cruise from Port Canaveral on Friday. As someone that has lived in Florida for over 20 years, I’ve had my share of hurricane watch and prep, so I don’t typically post much on social about it, as I don’t want to seem like I am seeking attention or trying to profit from a natural disaster. But seeing as this is my first time having a cruise blog during a hurricane AND I have an upcoming cruise, I figured it was appropriate.
We have actually been on a few cruises impacted by a storm. The most impacted was our cruise onboard Harmony of the Seas in May 2022. Tropical Storm Alex developed while we were on the 7-day cruise. We were so close to the storm center while we were in the Bahamas!
I am so thankful we were on an Oasis-class ship that could withstand the waves better than a smaller ship. I didn’t feel sick or unsafe at all. Outside areas were pretty much empty except for all us adventure-seekers wanting to explore and see what it was like since much of the impact was during the day.
The outer bridge lookout spots were quite popular!
On our cruise in March 2024, there was an incoming storm on our Coco Cay day. It was very windy and we were worried that we wouldn’t be able to dock and get off the ship, as we read folks on other ships/ports not being able to. We were allowed to dock and enjoyed the (windy) day, but our all-aboard time was moved up about 30 minutes which we were told via an announcement made all over the island. We later saw that ships were unable to disembark at Coco Cay the next day, so we were very lucky and grateful.
As far as Hurricane Milton goes, we are waiting to see what happens. We have been in our current house about 3 years and have not lost power easily before. Losing power (since we have pets) and any home damage would be our biggest worry. If neither of those happen, we plan on going on and enjoying our cruise the best we can. So far, the only thing I see is someone posted that ships won’t be docking on Friday until after 11am, so that means are embarkation time will probably be delayed, but we have not received any official communication yet.
Can I cancel my cruise if there is a hurricane?
We are in a a Facebook Group for our particular sailing and I have seen mixed posts…some folks have been able to cancel with a full refund (without having insurance) and some were told they would lose the full cruise cost if they cancel. Some wondered if folks were allowed to cancel and get refunded if it helped provide Royal Ups to others. I guess we will never know!
We do not have any shore excursions booked, so there will be nothing to do there. We have onboard credit to use and this will be the cruise we finally earn Diamond status…so we will see how this all plays out. We are in a suite this cruise, so our concierge has sent us our 1-week prior email letting us know our benefits and that they are here to help with reservations, etc. but no mention of anything related to the hurricane just yet. For reference, we are about where the red dot is below.
With Orlando International Airport (MCO) closing for some time, flights are cancelled and many have to make the decision to drive, fly into a different airport and find transportation to the port, or cancel completely.
Hotels in various areas are cancelling reservations, so some folks have to find alternate lodging or change their plans.
Some live in the direct path and are being forced to evacuate. The major highways have been at a standstill the past couple of days and gas is difficult to find.
Others live in areas that are in the path, but not forced to evacuate. I am in one of those areas and we often have people in other states think we’re crazy for staying. I see so many videos on social making fun of Floridians and our “Hurricane parties” and it can be true. Heck, Disney World is AMAZING during hurricane times…we went to MNSSHP before Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and we rode every single attraction in Magic Kingdom with time to spare, nothing will ever compare to that night. So don’t let the joking or clickbait make you think we are all just crazy with no sense. If you’re not in a flood zone or an area that has a high-chance of devastation, then it really is up to you and your situation.
Hopefully, we will have good news in the coming days. I hope everyone stays safe and does what is best for their situation.