The 8 Roughest Seas For Cruise Ships RANKED!

Table Of Content

• Why Are Great Lakes Cruises So Expensive? (+ Tips To Save BIG)
• What to expect if your ship hits bad weather
• What Is Considered Rough Seas For A Cruise Ship: A Clear Explanation
• 'Things flying all over the place': Royal Caribbean cruise ship rocked by rough weather
• Atlantic Ocean
• Sometimes Cruise Ships Are Rerouted

This is due to the increased likelihood of storms and turbulent weather patterns. When these strong currents meet high wind speeds, the result is a sea state that is notoriously rough. This combination of factors contributes to conditions where it is quite likely for passengers to encounter rough seas in this area.

Why Are Great Lakes Cruises So Expensive? (+ Tips To Save BIG)

Cruise ships have stabilizers to minimize the amount of rocking felt onboard the ship. The captain will order passengers to stay indoors if they deem it to be necessary. If you take the classic transatlantic cruise between Southampton and New York, you can expect to encounter large waves at any time of year. However, the winter months are the most intense and there’s a good chance that you will hit very rough seas between November and February. Cruise lines closely monitor weather conditions and may alter itineraries to avoid rough seas for passenger comfort and safety. Overall, the level of roughness at sea is affected by various factors such as wind speed, wave size, and currents.

What to expect if your ship hits bad weather

Rough seas cause nearly 100 injuries on U.K. cruise ship - Fox News

Rough seas cause nearly 100 injuries on U.K. cruise ship.

Posted: Tue, 07 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The Caribbean Sea might seem like paradise, but it has rough weather, especially from June to November, with the most activity in August and September. For Escobedo’s part, the experience wasn’t enough to prevent her from taking another cruise – eventually. The line’s Voyager of the Seas was on its way back to Galveston, Texas, as part of a round-trip, five-night sailing that visited Cozumel, Mexico. While trip interruptions are a risk all cruisers take, you don't want to be left with the disappointment of missed ports.

What Is Considered Rough Seas For A Cruise Ship: A Clear Explanation

Rough seas, also known as choppy or turbulent seas, occur when there are strong winds and high waves. These conditions can make the voyage a bit more challenging for both the cruise ship crew and the passengers. The Mediterranean Sea, much like the Atlantic Ocean, can get pretty rough and unpredictable, especially in the autumn and winter months.

Don't worry, cruising in rough seas is completely safe

If you are heading to Antarctica and the Southern Ocean, you should expect to encounter rough seas whatever time of year you travel. Ocean crossings are always likely to encounter rough seas since there is no nearby landmass to provide shelter from wind or currents. Often, when there are rough seas or storms ahead, the captain charts another course around the weather so that they avoid the rough water altogether. These weather events can lead to high waves and strong winds, creating challenging conditions for sea travel. In contrast, the Southern Hemisphere experiences its roughest seas during its winter months, from June to August.

'Things flying all over the place': Royal Caribbean cruise ship rocked by rough weather

To counteract the rolling and pitching motion, most modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers or stabilisers. These are fins or wings that extend from the sides of the ship and help reduce the rolling motion. The stabilizers work by creating resistance against the water, which helps keep the ship steady.

Atlantic Ocean

These engineering marvels allow passengers to explore waters that once were feared in comfort and style. One such example of this occurred in 2018 when the iconic MS Marco Polo got caught in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy swells and rough seas, as it traveled from the Netherlands to Norway. If you want to avoid these rougher seas, we recommend avoiding hurricane season, which runs from the beginning of June until the end of November. However, the winter months can also bring up some unexpected weather conditions.

Strategies to Minimize Discomfort during Rough Seas

This seasonal atmospheric condition, most prevalent in June, results in a dense fog that adds a mystical ambiance to the area, though it doesn’t typically affect sea conditions significantly. Traveling during the summer months can significantly enhance your chances of encountering smoother seas. This is an area that experiences the fiercest Atlantic weather, and the combination of powerful winds and a shallow seabed can produce large waves. This partially explains why the North Sea has a reputation for being fairly choppy. While the crossing can be incredibly rough at times, the fact that it connects North America to Europe also means that it was, and continues to be, one of the most important ocean crossings in the world. You’ll find many crossings between Southampton in the UK and New York in the US, especially by iconic ocean liners such as Queen Mary 2.

Of course, that doesn't mean you won't be impacted at other times throughout the year, particularly during hurricane season. Every day, listen to the captain’s report from the bridge, which includes a description of sea conditions, to decide what preparations you may need to make for the day. If you get seasick, be prepared with over-the-counter motion sickness medications, homeopathic remedies, or a prescription patch from your doctor. The onboard footage shows the moments the Carnival Sunshine sailed into rough waters during a storm on the last night of its voyage on Saturday. Now you know about some of the roughest waters in the world, and when they are particularly bad, you can plan your cruise accordingly. The biggest waves are caused by tropical typhoons and cyclones which are a risk during a tropical storm season that lasts between July and November.

Their primary function is to minimize the amount of rocking guests feel while onboard. These fins or rotors lie beneath the water line and extend from the ship's hull. The South China Sea is also home to what's known as "The Dangerous Ground," which is an area that is infamously dangerous due to its low islands and sunken reefs that sometimes rise from ocean depths.

You will probably encounter large waves at any time of year, but the stormiest seas tend to be between February and April. I’ve experienced some particularly rough cruises in September in the Caribbean, including one that was cancelled altogether due to the weather. On top of this, areas like the North Sea and the Mediterranean can also experience rougher conditions during the winter months. The roughest seas typically occur during the transition between seasons, particularly in regions prone to cyclones or hurricanes.

Around 100 cruise passengers injured after ship gets caught in rough weather - USA TODAY

Around 100 cruise passengers injured after ship gets caught in rough weather.

Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

By employing these strategies and remedies, you can significantly reduce discomfort and make your journey through rough seas more enjoyable. Remember to listen to your body, take necessary precautions, and seek assistance when needed to ensure a comfortable and memorable cruising experience. Now that we have a clearer understanding of what constitutes rough seas, let’s explore the impact it can have on both the cruise ship and its passengers. Cruising offers a unique and unforgettable vacation experience, with luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and an array of entertainment options.

Understanding what is considered rough seas for a cruise ship is important to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone on board. Waves, wind, and other factors can create rough seas that can make a cruise uncomfortable or even dangerous. Located in Southeast Asia, the South China Sea is known for its seasonal monsoons that generate strong winds and high waves. Cruise ships that travel through these waters must be equipped to handle the unpredictable weather conditions. While generally, a cruise ship will continue on to its destination if poor weather conditions can be avoided, there are sometimes exceptions.

Additionally, the Bay of Biscay is known for heavy storms during the winter months, meaning that you can reduce the chance of poor weather by cruising during the summer. Those hoping to have a leisurely European cruise should approach the Bay of Biscay with caution, as it's known for bad weather and rough seas. Safety is a priority for all cruise lines, and even with these on-ship set-ups, many companies add additional layers of precaution. In January 2017, Royal Caribbean hired James Van Fleet as the first-in-the-industry dedicated cruise line meteorologist; he previously worked as a TV meteorologist for more than 20 years.

While the waters can be rough and unpredictable, don’t allow that to put you off taking one of these famous southern hemisphere cruises! Most feature a significant sightseeing component, as the islands dotted throughout the Tasman Sea have eye-catching cliffs and caves, plus the unique marine and bird species are a sight to behold. The contrast between the roughest seas in the world and the calm on board the ship can make your northern cruise adventure that much more memorable, especially between the months of February and April. Like other cold-water seas that see converging currents, the Bering Sea can be incredibly challenging for ships. The rough and icy waters have made voyages incredibly difficult and deadly for hundreds of years.