Craig Setzer, our Chief Meteorologist, keeps an eye on the weather all the time, not just for South Florida, but for the entire world. He uses the latest technology to track the weather over the oceans and satellites to watch from above. The scientific observations gathered go into computers where models are generated to forecast the marine weather. Craig and his team step in anytime a ship voyage or port call is impacted by hazardous weather.
So, what does our Chief Meteorologist do? To find out, Craig took some time out of his busy day to answer a few questions about himself, how weather became his true calling, and a glimpse of the work required to be our company’s Chief Meteorologist.
Craig has lived in New Haven, Connecticut; Denver, Colorado; Norman, Oklahoma, and has called Florida home for about 27 years. He attended the University of Oklahoma and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology at Metropolitan State University of Denver covering severe weather. Craig was the Chief Meteorologist in Colorado Springs, before moving to the Sunshine State where he learned tropical and marine meteorology, and worked 22 years at CBS Miami, winning an Emmy award for “Best Weather Program” in 2014.
In his free time, Craig enjoys cycling and is an avid sailor, racing large sailboats with friends when he can. He’s looking to buy a +40-foot sailboat soon, so if you see him on the water, be sure to wave hi!
While still new to Royal Caribbean Group, with just a year under his belt, Craig shared that he loves the company culture and is here for the long run.
Craig’s interest in weather
Craig became interested in the weather when he was around eight years old. During particularly bad thunderstorms, his interest piqued, and at age nine, he decided he wanted to be a meteorologist. His mom would jokingly ask him, “what’s wrong with you?” when he showed interest in severe weather.
Finding his way to Royal Caribbean Group
Craig found Royal Caribbean Group through word of mouth. He heard about the job and reached out to a contact at the company. Upon seeing his resume, Craig immediately received the phone call that would change his life for the better – he was to become our new Chief Meteorologist.
Tracking the weather
Tracking weather over the open ocean can be tricky. Over the land, there are many weather stations including weather radar to track weather and help create forecasts, but weather data sources are sparse over the open ocean. Craig and his team must go beyond what the models display and think far ahead to analyze and interpret data.
Craig and his team can spend hours working on a cruise critical weather forecast, which requires anticipating not only how bad the weather will be, but how that moving weather system could impact a ship. After that, he reaches out to Captains to discuss the forecast and how to safely avoid bad weather developing ahead of a ship.
AI and weather forecasting
Modern weather forecasts are based on computer models. These models are only as good as the data that goes into them, and the equations used to calculate the weather outcomes. Using Artificial Intelligence in forecasting has its advantages because AI is good at pattern recognition, and when a model is wrong, AI can learn the mistakes and work to improve the forecast. Even with the help of AI and Machine Learning, Craig and his team must rely on years of experience and their own pattern recognition to create the most accurate forecasts for our ships and destinations.
On air with Craig
When Craig was on air at CBS, viewers tuning in to his forecasts would sometimes call and complain to him, saying he ruined their weekend if his forecasts were ever incorrect. Luckily for Craig, Captains on our ships don’t complain or argue, as they want a safe and enjoyable cruise for everyone and appreciate the uncertainty a challenging forecast can bring.
A proud moment
During Craig’s first hurricane season with Royal Caribbean Group, Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas was in the path of Hurricane Hilary in the Pacific. On one of his many calls with the SitRep teams, he told the captain of the Navigator, “We will needto sail toward the hurricane…” The teams on the call were in dismay, saying it was a bad idea to sail into a hurricane. Craig quickly replied, “Sail towards the hurricane, not into the hurricane.” This seemingly bold decision worked out very well – Craig correctly predicted the storm’s path, and by sailing towards the hurricane and making a port visit, a safe passage was made for all. He saved guests’ vacations and helped save the company’s wallet.
A meteorologist’s must
Being a meteorologist is not as simple as saying, “you can be wrong half the time and still get paid.” For Craig and his team, one incorrect forecast can ruin an entire cruise for thousands of people and provide a horrible experience for all those involved. He has no choice but to be correct as often as possible.
This is just a brief glimpse into the life of our Chief Meteorologist. Stay tuned for more information on Craig, what his craziest passion in life is (hint: he’s a tornado chaser!), and how he helps our ships and guests be prepared during hurricane season. Follow along for our special feature on our first Marine Meteorologist, Peyton Collado, coming soon.
