Expert: Michael - 1/11/2005

Question
Mike,

My friends and I are planning on taking a cruise this year.  We found one for a good price at the end of September.  We are skepical though because of the threat of hurricanes.  Isn't september prominent hurricane season in Bermuda?

Answer
Hi Bridgette:

It so happened that Hurrican Fabian hit Bermuda in September.   A year ago last September.  Linda and I were on the island.  What a trip!

Anyhow, that really was a fluke.  You see hurricane season runs June 1st through November 30th.  Most of that time is prime time in Bermuda.  Hurricane's are developed east of Trinadad way out in the Atlantic, some even out near south Africa.  But the time they traverse towards the Lesser Antillies and upwards towards Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and that area, Bermuda is still 1500 or more mile away.  The storms usually track towards the US East coast or West towards the Caymans and the Gulf of Mexico.

By all standards Bridgette, it is a longshot for a hurricane to hit Bermuda.  Alow me to repeat ... a longshot.  But you are travelling by ship accross the North Atlantic.  A storm several hundred miles away could cause unpleasant seas.  Still I would not hesitate to book a cruise in September.

Do note however that tropical cyclones within 180NM of Bermuda peak in September and October.   

In October the North Atlantic takes a turn and becomes rougher.  Cruises are discontinued at the end of October.   

September is an incredibly wonderful month in Bermuda.  Still hot and humid and the water is perfect.  I have looked at cruises out of the Black Falcon terminal in Boston.  The pricing is incredible if you can book at the last week or two before sailing.  I have actually seen less than $750.00 pp. which as you know includes your cabin and eats.  Good ones too! hehe

A cruise will leave you with limited time on the island and a feeling that you may have done youerself an injustice.  I bet you will feel you'll have to return, and will.

I'm not knocking a cruise. You will love Bermuda.  September is my very best favorite month.  Secondly I love October.  My wife loves the more tropical feeling months of July and August.

Don't deny yourself this crusie based on the fact that someone told you September is hurrican season.  Your week will be one out of 24 or 25 hurrican season weeks, and then you will be 1000 nautical miles Northeast of the Bahamas.   Remember, it is a big ocean.  Matter of fact, Florida is more likely to troubled by a hurrican than Bermuda.

What a bum rap!  I'be been visiting for longer than you would believe and we had one direct hit.  Fabian in 2003.  Two others brushed within 50-75 NM and these were not necessarily in September.

Do it!

Write if you have any further inquiries.

Happy planning!
Michael