Cruise Critic re-launches Hurricane Zone

From June 1 through November 30 in the Atlantic, it is important for travellers taking a cruise to be aware of the chance their itinerary could be affected by a storm. In order to help cruisers monitor storms and itinerary changes, as well as find the best bargains on hurricane season sailings, Cruise Critic, the online resource for consumer-oriented cruise reviews and news, has redesigned and relaunched its Hurricane Zone.

Throughout the 2008 storm season, Cruise Critic’s Hurricane Zone - an area where travellers can find news, information, tips and deals during hurricane season - will be updated 24/7 in order to provide the latest storm data to travellers taking or planning a cruise to high-risk regions. The Hurricane Zone has four key areas to help cruisers monitor storms and learn about hurricane season cruising.

Port Closures & Itinerary Changes
Listing the latest port closures and cruise itinerary changes, this section of the Hurricane Zone allows travellers to quickly see if their cruise vacation will be, or has been, impacted by a storm. Ships or ports listed as being affected by a storm will link to Cruise Critic news and feature stories with more information.

Hurricane Season Deals
For many travellers, hurricane season offers an opportunity to take a cruise on a budget. Cruise Critic editors handpick great deals available during hurricane season and list them on the Hurricane Zone site. Great rates this time of year apply to cruises in the Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas and even the Mexican Riviera (the Pacific hurricane season runs May 15 to November 30.)

Storm Watch
Storms travellers should be aware of will be listed in this section of the Hurricane Zone. Travellers can access the latest news about each storm by clicking on the storm’s name. On this part of the site, travellers will also have access to an interactive map showing where storms have hit or are headed.

Hurricane Cruise Tips
From information about purchasing travel insurance to general hurricane season cruise tips, this section of the Hurricane Zone not only provides links to Cruise Critic feature stories, but also links to forum discussions and polls related to hurricanes.

“The Hurricane Zone provides a quick snap-shot of the current storm situation and how cruises are being impacted,” said Melissa Baldwin, managing editor, Cruise Critic. “However, for travellers wanting to dig deeper, be they meteorology enthusiasts, people looking for tips about storm season cruising or travellers seeking seasonal bargains, the Cruise Critic Hurricane Zone has this information as well.”

For more information, see Cruisecritic.co.uk.