Can A Cruise Ship Outrun A Hurricane?

Cruise ships can typically outsail hurricanes, with storms moving at 8 to 10 knots and reaching speeds of up to 22 knots and beyond. Despite the potential for waves, cruise ships have been known for smooth sailing in terms of wave height. Captains can sail out of the way quickly, and a dedicated meteorologist works with the teams on board to monitor weather patterns.

Cruise ships are built to outrun severe storms if necessary, with the average speed of a hurricane being 15 to 20 mph. The tactic taken by cruise ships during a hurricane is to avoid the hurricane by sailing out of its path. Cruise lines prioritize keeping passengers and crew on the ship whenever possible due to the ship’s size, stability, and resources.

Cruise ships move about twice as fast as the storms themselves, so they can either outrun the storms or simply go around storm cells. If you’re worried about your cruise being canceled, it’s highly unlikely. Cruise ships can sail faster than hurricanes can move, giving them the ability to outrun the changing path of any storm. Royal Caribbeans, for example, would not go into the eye of a hurricane, as the captain would carefully deviate from the area of danger.

While cruise ships can typically outrun most storms, they usually never try to out-race hurricanes. By constantly monitoring the sea and staying informed about weather patterns, cruise ships can ensure their safety during a hurricane.