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Hurricane Season
What's the difference between a hurricane and a cyclone? Really, just where they occur...essentially, hurricanes are in the
Caribbean, and cyclones are in the South Pacific.
More details available at the The Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory website.
Strong hurricane weather has battered the tropics in the past few years, making couples think twice about having a wedding, honeymoon,
vacation, or vow renewal during hurricane season without some kind of guarantee against wash-outs or worse.
Officially, hurricane season stretches from June 1 through November 30; hurricanes rarely occur outside those dates.
A good history of when hurricanes have occurred is here.
Hurricane activity is not constant in those months. Some times it rains for part of the day in those regions, then the sun emerges.
Other times it's humid and overcast. Sometimes it's clear, hot, and breezy... perfect.
In other words, just because it's hurricane season, it doesn't mean a hurricane will occur.
In response to customers' concerns — and obviously to increase business during hurricane season —
some airlines, all-inclusive resorts,
and other travel organizations offer "hurricane guarantees", so that if all or part of your vacation is affected by hurricane weather,
you'll receive some sort of compensation.
Cruise Line Hurricane Guarantees
Since most big ships can change course when they catch wind of a hurricane up ahead, few have codified storm policies.
Exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and cruise ships companies recommend that passengers who are especially
concerned purchase travel insurance.
Airline Hurricane Guarantees
Airlines typically waive flight-change fees for passengers affected by a hurricane.
Couples Resorts Hurricane Policy
In the even of a hurricane, Couples Resorts
will either offer a refund for the unused portion of the hotel stay
OR issue a hotel credit for travel up to one year for the number of nights interrupted.
Full details are here.
Club Med Hurricane Protection Program
Provides Club Med guests with a Future Travel Certificate in the event that Category One or higher hurricane-force winds
(as defined by the National Weather Service) impact the resort at any time during their stay.
Club Med will offer affected guests a Future Travel Certificate for the value of the land portion of their vacation
for the number of days impacted by the hurricane-force winds. Certificate may be used within one year of the original travel date at their
resorts. Full details are here.
SuperClubs No-Hurricane Guarantee
Should a hurricane strike the resort, guests receive a reimbursement for the total value of disrupted nights.
In addition, a voucher for a future stay will be issued for the same number of disrupted nights for use during the same month the following year,
excluding airfare. Full details are here.
Sandals Blue Chip Hurricane Guarantee
Sandals used to offer a "Blue Chip Hurricane Guarantee", but terminated that program in December 2007.
Details are here.
A Word to the Wise about Hurricane Guarantees
According to some Internet message boards, not all properties live up to the promises stated in their hurricane guarantee. If you are caught in a hurricane on your vacation:
- Make safety paramount
- Seek high ground
- Wait till after the hurricane is over and emergency situations cleared before approaching management
- While on property, ask the manager to clarify the hurricane policy in writing
- Claim any reimbursement you are entitled to in writing and keep a copy
- Forward copies of all documents to your travel insurer, if you have one
- Write to your credit card company to request reimbursement within 60 days of your vacation's end.
For more information on hurricanes and hurricane guarantees, Peter Greenberg has a great article.
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