What Is Considered Rough Seas For A Cruise Ship?

Rough seas, also known as choppy or turbulent seas, are conditions that can make the voyage more challenging for both the cruise ship crew and passengers. These conditions are typically characterized by high winds and significant wave heights, which can lead to dangerous situations. For example, if you plan on taking a cruise to Antarctica, you will need to be prepared for rough seas in the Drake Passage, which is the body of water between Cape Horn.

The official World Meteorological Organization (WMO) sea state code on the Douglas Sea Scale defines rough seas as waves of 2.5 to 4 meters (8 ft 2 in to 13 ft 1 in). A sea as 0.5 to 1.25 meters (1 ft 8 in to 4 ft 1 in) is called a slight sea. These rough seas are much rougher than big ships, making it dangerous to disembark on them.

Cruise ships prioritize safety above all else, and they are designed to handle rough seas. The captain will do everything possible to avoid bad weather by adjusting the size of the ship during bad weather. However, it is important to be prepared if you don’t have sea legs.

The winter months are the most intense, with transatlantic cruises hitting very rough seas from November through February and Pacific cruises from February. In summary, cruise ships are designed to handle various weather conditions, but understanding what is considered rough seas is crucial for passengers and crew members.