Cruise Curveballs: What It’s Like When Your Royal Caribbean Voyage Changes Plans Again (and Again)
If there’s one thing I always tell my clients, it’s this: no matter when you cruise, flexibility is your best friend. But during hurricane season, that flexibility becomes even more essential. Storm systems can develop quickly, forecasts can shift overnight, and cruise lines have to make decisions based on safety before anything else. As a travel advisor (and as a cruiser myself) I’ve learned to embrace the unknown and find the fun in the unexpected. And my most recent 5 night Royal Caribbean sailing out of Miami put all of that into practice.
Ashley
Here’s the thing: while hurricane season comes with more unpredictability, it also comes with some perks. Pricing is often lower thanks in part to kids being back in school and fall sports kicking in. If you’re a bargain hunter or simply love getting more cruise for your money, this time of year can be a gem.
I also remind travelers that any cruise, at any time of year, has a small chance of being disrupted due to factors outside the cruise line’s control. Weather, port congestion, mechanical issues, political situations, none of these are exclusive to hurricane season. So if the “what ifs” worry you, know that they can happen in January just as easily as in September.
The Original Plan: Two Private Destinations, One Affordable Getaway
I booked this particular cruise because it was simple, stress-free, and budget friendly. The only two ports on the itinerary were Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti, which are both Royal Caribbean private destinations. That meant:
If you have a drink package, you can use it on the island
Food is included
Activities are plentiful
And you get an island experience without extra spending
It was the perfect setup for an affordable getaway, especially during hurricane season.
But a couple of months before sailing, Royal Caribbean announced that Labadee would be replaced with Grand Turk due to political tensions and safety concerns in Haiti. Again, one of those factors no cruise line can control.
A New Port, New Plans, and a Budget-Friendly Beach Day
Grand Turk was a port I had never visited, so I shifted gears and started researching. Since I was cruising on a budget, I wanted something close to port and free. To my delight, there’s a public beach right next to the cruise terminal, which means no taxis, just sand and sunshine. My plan was to wander off the ship, dip my toes in the sand, and enjoy a peaceful beach day.
But as you may have guessed… things were about to change again.
Another Curveball: The Captain’s Announcement
After a great day at Perfect Day at CocoCay, everyone was back onboard and settling in when the captain made an announcement. A weather system was developing near Grand Turk, and the conditions would be unsafe for us to dock there. The new plan: we’d visit Nassau the next day instead, and Grand Turk would be canceled.
Was it disappointing? Absolutely, especially for guests who had been looking forward to a new port or had excursions planned. But when seas turn rough, many guests wouldn’t have enjoyed Grand Turk anyway. Safety always, always comes first.
Two Sea Days Near Miami… and Still a Great Time
Instead of heading straight to Nassau, we ended up spending not one, but two sea days in a row, floating just off the coast of Miami. We could literally see the skyline from the ship!
But here’s the part people don’t always realize: the onboard teams are pros at pivoting. Royal Caribbean packed the schedule with activities—trivia, shows, games, music, you name it. Everyone found something fun to do, and honestly? A day floating off the coast is still better than a day at home.
The bottom line: the best cruises aren’t always the ones that go as planned. As a travel advisor, this cruise reminded me of exactly what I tell clients:
Cruising during hurricane season can be a fantastic value, but flexibility is key.
Itinerary changes can happen any time of year, not just in the fall.
The cruise line’s priority is always safety, and even with changes, you can still have an amazing trip.
Would I sail during hurricane season again? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to clients who understand the possible curveballs? 100%.
Because sometimes the unexpected moments, like two lazy days at sea watching the Miami skyline, become memories you didn’t know you needed. To book your next Royal Caribbean Cruise, reach out to Ashley.
