San Juan, Puerto Rico (IP) - Maritime Cruise Lines is offering a cruise into the center of a hurricane that is designed for the adventurous at heart and the under forty crowd. The cruise brochure includes a warning that non-swimmers will not be allowed on board and a swimming agility test is required for its passengers.
The first cruise will leave today for hurricane Dean as it approaches the Lesser Antilles on a path now predicted to be more to the south. The ship leaves port at 6:00 AM and then speeds directly for the center of the hurricane.
One of the activities offered to passengers includes being tied to specially designed masts where the adventurous passenger can experience the full-on glory and excitement of all a hurricane has to offer. The masts tower 250 feet above the ship's highest level and from that vantage point passengers can feel the winds and wind whipped rains pelt their unprotected faces and can experience the full glory and excitement of 100 foot waves.
The ship enters the hurricane from the east side and makes its way through the eyewall. Once inside the eye passengers will experience the calm conditions that exist there and can watch birds circling above as well as wave at hurricane hunter plane crews as they fly by. The calm of the eye offers a natural opportunity for the ship to serve dinner and drinks - a task not possible while the ship is being tossed about like a fishing bobber during the violent period spent inside the hurricane's whirling winds that are at their maximum there and can easily approach speeds of 200 mph.
The price for two for this great adventure is $599 for the "no frills" lower cabin accommodations to $2,999 for two for the top deck. The spectacular food served on board is included in the price of the cruise but expect to pay for cocktails and tips. Gaming is available in the ship's casino on the way to the hurricane and while inside the eye of the storm. Bon Voyage !!!
