10 Roughest Seas for Cruise Ships that's Not for the Faint of Heart
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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.
Alaska and Gulf of Alaska
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.
How Cruise Lines Handle Storms, Fog, Bomb Cyclones, and More
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.
The World’s Roughest Seas & Oceans
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.
The Atlantic Ocean
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.
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.
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.
Traveling through the North Sea, especially from ports like Southampton to destinations such as Edinburgh, cruisers may encounter rough conditions. Sailing through the North Sea can be quite challenging due to its susceptibility to high winds and waves, which often result in rough waters and thick fogs. If you’re concerned about rough waters, it’s best to stick to more protected areas of the Atlantic, such as the Caribbean or Mediterranean, where the waters are generally calmer. Whenever you cross a large body of water, you’re more likely to encounter some rough waves since there’s no land nearby to provide any protection. Storms can happen at any time, but the worst time is between October and February.
The Douglas Sea Scale
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.
“There were just things flying all over the place,” said Escobedo, who lives in Port Arthur, Texas. She had been on eight cruises before and felt ships rock “but nothing to this extent.” Escobedo also posted a video on TikTok that her sister filmed, showing a chair being blown across an outer deck. Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school.
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It is essential for cruise ships to be equipped with advanced technology that can help them navigate through rough seas safely. Modern cruise ships are incredible machines that had been designed and engineered for the real world, which includes rough seas. It’s not uncommon for a cruise ship to sail through waves of 15 feet on a regular basis.
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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.
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