How Do Weather Conditions Affect Cruises?

As the world has seen in the last few years, world conditions and weather continue to present new challenges to the tourism industry, especially cruise lines. However, the travel industry continues to lead the way in adapting to new global conditions, and they have made significant advancements to ensure their guests can continue traveling in a safe, enjoyable environment. 

But changes in weather patterns have created new obstacles that cruise lines, in particular, must consider. In recent years, enhanced weather patterns, the increasing number of storms, and above usual temperatures in many locations have affected the ability of cruise lines to deliver rewarding and safe experiences for their guests. As the weather becomes more volatile, it is prudent to examine this new challenge and find new, advanced ways to mitigate the challenges it presents. 

In today’s financial climate, the last thing cruise lines need is negative media attention of cruise ships caught in bad storms or facing losses due to being stuck in port while waiting out bad weather. However, the solution to this problem is close at hand, and DTN WeatherOps Marine Platform is here to assist with your smooth sailing! 

 

How severe weather affects cruise ships

The advancement of cruise ship technology is extraordinary, and they have some of the safest sailing vessels the world has seen. But one of the factors with an enormous impact on revenue and itinerary is one that cannot be controlled: the weather. 

When a cruise ship is delayed due to fog or facing bad weather and high winds, this may create problems such as delayed ports of call, total and partial cancellations, discomfort onboard, all resulting in customer dissatisfaction and revenue loss. 

Tropical cyclone storm surge can also shift landmasses and the sea floor that can affect the cruise ship’s ability to enter and dock before or after emergency situations. Inaccurate weather routing information also affects fuel consumption, cutting into a company’s profits. 

Other weather issues such as fog will create additional problems such as delayed departures or canceled cruise journeys. With climate becoming increasingly volatile, cruise captains need to rely more on meteorological experts rather than their own experience. 

Cruise ships in storms and social media

Millions of dollars are spent making sure each ship is a pleasurable experience for its guests and one that keeps them coming back. But all of that is for naught if inaccurate or late weather information leaves your guests huddled in their rooms, trying to stave off seasickness from rough seas or boredom because of an unexpected thick fog that has set in. 

These are the unfortunate memories your passengers will take away and retell, ruining the best of trips and leaving a lasting impression. These lasting impressions are especially true after a limited travel period when expectations have risen even higher. 

When ships get caught in unexpected storms or inclement weather, companies face a variety of losses. These losses can include damage to the vessel itself or the company’s reputation due to the impact of unhappy passengers posting videos and reviews online. 

In this day and age, the effect of negative online video coverage of a cruise ship in a storm can potentially negate millions of dollars in advertising and marketing campaigns.

A simple internet search for cruise ships in storms will result in many news reports or passenger video footage of dishes smashed and furniture strewn about as the cruise ship dips and climbs the stormy waves. Avoiding this kind of media coverage is the goal of every company that wants to deliver fun-filled, sunny, and peaceful seas vacations for all its guests. 

With accurate real-time data supplied in a timely manner, incidents leading to these types of alarm-filled social media posts can be minimized or avoided altogether. In addition, the comfort of each guest is maintained, which protects the company’s growing positive reputation, and ensures returning guests.

Injuries to passengers onboard during turbulent seas 

Another critical factor to consider is guest safety. Sailing into dangerous weather puts guests and ship crews at risk, or at the very least, creates a highly unpleasant experience. When a cruise ship sails with an inaccurate weather forecast, it can jeopardize the whole journey.

If the ship is pitching in rough seas, the risk of harm and injury increases for elderly guests or those with health issues. However, with early and reliable weather forecasts, you can be confident that your crew will be prepared to deliver a high-quality experience for all onboard. 

By fully preparing yourself with real-time weather data, you can reduce damages and compensation claims due to injury during adverse weather. 

Is more accurate and useful weather forecasting possible?

The answer is yes! The key to making it all come together is having the top experts in the world supporting each of your cruise ships’ journeys. 

Our team has the best technology in the world at hand and the expertise of knowledgeable meteorologists monitoring and supporting each of your ship’s journeys. Having this at your disposal will ensure you can take full advantage of the best weather conditions and be fully aware of inclement weather developing on the horizon. 

The accuracy of our weather reporting is second to none. With the most accurate, reliable, up-to-date information available, you can take advantage of our scientific and meteorological wealth of experience. We have the skill to comprehensively assess the information and notify you when changes arise. 

When your cruise ships can prepare farther in advance by relying on high-quality reporting and integration within your existing systems and processes, you will see why our reputation precedes us and why we have long-term relationships with our clients. We deliver accurate weather insights further in advance and assess the severity of developing weather systems with greater accuracy. 

By relying on the most accurate forecasts available, you can ensure your passengers can fully enjoy all your cruise ship has to offer, generating a healthier revenue for each journey. And, as new weather systems develop, you can count on the DTN team to assist in planning and adjusting ship routes as needed.

Our goal is to support you in keeping your ships safe and on schedule, saving you time and money by avoiding unnecessary delays. 

Together with you, DTN WeatherOps Marine Platform will create a successful experience for all, keeping guests and crew safe. Contact us to receive more details of how we can help you continue to provide dream vacations on smooth seas.