Media Advisory by ICCL: 2005 Hurricane Season
The highest priority of the membership of the
International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) is to ensure the safety of its members` passengers, crew and vessels. In the early part of the 2005 hurricane season,
ICCL cruise lines are already prepared to make sure that the ships are out of harm`s way.
In the event of severe weather, certain operational protocols are in place for cruise lines, including:
- Being completely mobile, cruise lines are able to alter, cancel, shorten or extend ship itineraries to keep passengers safe. Modern cruise ships feature technologically advanced weather forecasting systems that enable them to reposition a ship well in advance of significant weather related disturbances.
- Ships are able to work around port closures caused by severe weather conditions. In the event that ports of embarkation and debarkation are closed, cruise lines can use an alternative port that is open nearby. In these cases, cruise lines coordinate the logistics of loading food and supplies and getting passengers to and from the original port.
- Cruise lines communicate any itinerary changes up until the sailing date to their passengers. Travelers should monitor cruise line Web sites for modifications to itineraries prior to finalizing travel.
Throughout this time, the ICCL member lines will continue to closely monitor weather conditions and take all actions necessary to make certain our passengers enjoy a safe and secure cruise vacation.
Vicky Karantzavelou
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Monday, July 11, 2005