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Horrifying Footage Shows Cruise Ship Battered by 30ft Waves

New footage inside Royal Caribbean ship which ran into high winds and rough seas in the Atlantic last year has emerged.

The video shows a cruise passenger looking out the window as 30ft waves submerged the vessel during the hurricane force storm.

The ship, Anthem of the Seas , carrying more than 4,500 guests and 1,600 crew members, was heading to Port Canaveral in Florida but was forced to turn back and return to New Jersey due to the rough weather. 

It forced frightened passengers into their cabins overnight as their belongings flew about, waves rose as high as 30 feet, and winds howled outside.

In the video that surfaced on Reddit, a passenger is seen leaning against the window saying, 'We're just staying in one place, hoping not to die.'

Four passengers were injured in the storm and the ship was damaged in some of its public areas. 

Hurricane-like conditions caused items inside the ship to fly off shelves and smash into one another as the vessel leaned at least 45 degrees off center in the swells. 

The cruise line provided a full refund to passengers, as well as a discount for a future cruise.  

The trip was originally supposed to be a week-long round-trip from New Jersey to Florida and the Bahamas, but the hurricane-force storm cut the vacation short. 

The National Weather Service's Ocean Prediction Center had issued an alert for a strong storm four days in advance and questions were raised as to why the cruise ship travelled through the treacherous conditions. 

Royal Caribbean said the ship experienced 'extreme wind and sea conditions' that were not expected. 

However it apologized to passengers following the February 7 2016 incident, saying 'we have to do better.' 

But in September that year, Anthem of the Seas was caught up in another extreme storm.

Terrifying footage showed the 1,100ft-long Anthem of the Seas undulating through huge swells and 90mph winds en route to Bermuda as it encountered the tropical storm Hermine.

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A Norwegian cruise liner carrying hundreds of passengers weathered a “terrifying” storm before a rogue wave temporarily took out its power, stomach-churning footage showed.

Tour operator Thorsten Hansen shared a video of the foamy waves battering the hull of the MS Maud, which made headlines Thursday when its electricity failed mid-voyage.

“A few of my guests are not so happy. But most of them are very brave and find it very interesting,” he wrote on Facebook.

“We’re watching films in our room. Every time we move we nearly go flying,” one passenger commented under Hansen’s post.

Another clip shared on X showed the view of the terrifying swells from the glamorous windows of an on-board suit, which tilted precariously toward the water between each wave.

“No fun on the Maud just now,” the person behind the camera captioned the footage.

The vessel carrying 266 passengers and 131 crew suffered shattered windows on its bridge when it encountered a powerful storm in the North Sea late Thursday, Danish authorities said.

Everyone on board was marked safe, and the ship is being towed to Bremerhaven in Germany, officials with the Danish Joint Rescue Coordination Centre said.

The ship’s main engine is still functioning, so the vessel can be steered from the engine room.

One passenger, Elizabeth Lawrence, wrote on X that the storm was a “terrifying experience.”

I’ll be honest, there was about 20 minutes yesterday where I thought the ship might capsize, it was rolling so heavily and we didn’t have any idea what had happened. It really hit home when they started handing out orange survival suits to everyone (2) — Elizabeth Lawrence (@eclairelaw) December 22, 2023

“I’ll be honest, there was about 20 minutes yesterday where I thought the ship might capsize, it was rolling so heavily and we didn’t have any idea what had happened,” she said.

“It really hit home when they started handing out orange survival suits to everyone,” Lawrence explained.

Lawrence said her group took shelter between buffet tables to avoid “flying chairs and furniture.”

The MS Maud, which is run by the cruise company HX, a unit of Norway’s Hurtigruten Group, left Floroe in Norway on Thursday and was scheduled to arrive in Tilbury in Great Britain on Friday.

The ship was named after a famous polar ship from the 20th century, the cruise line’s website explained .

The MS Maud’s on-board technology makes her “exceptionally well-suited” to trips through Norway and the British Isles, the company boasted.

A trip on the Maud can cost up to $10,000, according to the website.

With Post wires

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Carnival cruise ship battered by waves in storm off Charleston

By Aliza Chasan

Updated on: May 29, 2023 / 4:16 PM EDT / CBS News

A storm off the coast of Charleston, South Carolina, battered a Carnival cruise ship for hours late Friday night before it docked, leaving passengers terrified.

Passengers aboard the Carnival Sunshine described shattered glass, water pouring into rooms and hallways, the ship pitching about and a lack of communication from cruise staff. Some passengers and crew members needed "minor assistance" from medical staff, a Carnival cruise spokesman told CBS News. "Guests on board the ship were safe," the spokesman added. 

Carnival Sunshine, which was headed from the Bahamas to South Carolina, arrived in Charleston behind schedule, according to the spokesman. Some crew cabins needed to be temporarily taken out of service because of water damage. The ship's next voyage, on which it has since embarked, was also delayed.

The National Hurricane Center on Friday warned of a non-tropical area of low pressure off Florida that was set to move northward and inland over the Carolinas during the weekend. Forecasters said there would be gusty winds, dangerous surf and rip current conditions along portions of the U.S.'s southeastern coast through Sunday.

Passenger Sharon Tutrone, a professor at Coastal Carolina University, tweeted Friday that the ship was rocking. She said that the only time passengers heard from the captain was in the afternoon, when he told them he had an experienced crew and would do everything he could to minimize discomfort as the ship encountered the storm. 

"They said it will get worse as we get closer to the storm," she tweeted. "@CarnivalCruise  is doing an EXCELLENT job!"

She tweeted again on Saturday afternoon, describing " 14 hours of high winds, rain and massive waves ." 

"We were surrounded by lightning and the ship took a huge hit by a wave and sounded like it split in two," Tutrone tweeted.

Several passengers, including Brenda Goodwin Sherbert, posted on social media about broken glass on the ship . They also wrote about water coming in through balcony doors.

"We had a 40 foot wave hit our side of the ship,.. we almost fell out the bed.. things were crashing all around us and the carpet on my side of the bed was soaked bc water came in thru our balcony door," Goodwin Sherbert wrote.

Passenger Reid Overcash, who was on the cruise with his wife, said televisions on the ship displayed a message during the storm: "Public address announcement please standby." 

He said it was when winds had reached between 70-90 mph and the ship was tilting left that he truly feared for his life.

"Myself being in emergency services and retired, I knew nobody was going to come and rescue us with winds over 40 knots," Overcash said.

The trip marked Overcash's seventh cruise. He said he's not going to let the frightening experience stop him from going on more cruises in the future. 

"It's just one of them unlucky experiences that occurs once in a while," he said.

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Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBSNews.com. She has previously written for outlets including PIX11 News, The New York Daily News, Inside Edition and DNAinfo. Aliza covers trending news, often focusing on crime and politics.

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Carnival passengers recount ‘nightmare’ cruise as storm floods ship

Videos showed the Carnival Sunshine cabins and hallways flooding and ceilings leaking

Matthew Branham and his fiancée, Madison Davis, were lying by a Carnival Sunshine pool on Friday aboard a cruise returning to Charleston, S.C., from the Bahamas when an announcement came over the loudspeaker. The captain was expecting rougher weather that evening, but there was nothing to worry about. So Branham and Davis didn’t worry.

As the day went on, “We noticed it started getting cooler in the afternoon — much, much cooler,” said Branham, 25, of Castlewood, Va. “And then it was like a switch was flipped, and it literally turned into a nightmare.”

En route back to Charleston Friday night into Saturday, the Carnival Sunshine navigated into a strong storm system that battered the southeast over the holiday weekend. Videos emerged on social media showing cabins and hallways flooding, shop floors littered with destroyed merchandise and leaking ceilings . Passenger Brad Morrell snapped a photo of an automated instrument map reporting a 69 knot, or 79 mph, wind.

#CarnivalSunshine : Due to return to Charleston, South Carolina this Saturday, May 27, 2023, has been delayed due to severe weather. The ship is currently off the South Carolina coast and holding position, unable to return to the port because of high winds & rough seas. #cruise 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/2B6HlAn2yD — ∼Marietta (@MariettaDaviz) May 28, 2023

Carnival said in a statement that the weather was unexpectedly strong, causing conditions that were rougher than forecast, but that its fleet operations center team, which relies on outside meteorology resources for itinerary planning, “coordinated to keep the ship in its safest location.”

“Attempting to sail out of the large front could have been dangerous,” the statement continued. “The ship proceeded to the port as soon as the weather began to clear.”

Strong Southeast storm slams Carolinas

Carnival said the captain made “several announcements about the weather and the delay it caused in returning to Charleston, asking guests to use extra precaution while walking around the ship.” Additionally, “some of the worst weather occurred in the overnight hours when announcements are not typically made, but guests and crew were safe.”

The ship’s medical staff did help a “small number” of guests and crew members who needed minor assistance following the storm. Despite the significant damage and a delay in schedule, Carnival Sunshine embarked on its next five-day Bahama sailing on Saturday.

From their sea-view room, Branham and Davis watched as waves surged over their window and braced themselves as the 892-foot-long ship lurched in the storm.

“Waves were hitting the boat so hard that it was like an earthquake experience, jarring you like a really rough roller coaster — even in the middle floor,” Branham said.

They were told to stay in their cabins. Meanwhile, Branham said, TVs were falling off walls, and glassware was sliding off shelves and shattering on the floor. “You could not stand up in your room,” he said. “You could be thrown from the bed.”

They packed up their belongings when their floor started to flood and took shelter in a main lobby area.

“All of the employees were sprinting downstairs with life vests,” Branham said. “There were little kids besides us screaming and crying and throwing fits.”

Throughout the storm, Branham wondered why there weren’t more announcements from Carnival staff. Besides the warning of rougher seas earlier Friday and one Saturday morning after they’d weathered the storm, Branham said they weren’t given any official updates on their situation. When he asked workers what was going on, they told him not to worry.

⁦⁦ @CarnivalCruise ⁩ #carnivalsunshine still 75mph winds at 9:25am. Sitting and spinning in the Atlantic. pic.twitter.com/NITCO2l9Ss — FlyersCaptain™®© (@flyerscaptain) May 29, 2023

“But you see rooms flooded, and you can pick up a handful of sand and you’re kind of like, ‘What in the world? Why is nobody telling us anything?’” Branham said.

Jim Walker, a maritime lawyer and cruise industry legal expert, says his firm has been contacted by some Carnival Sunshine passengers who were injured during the storm, including a man who says he was struck by a door and broke his foot. Others have asked him about the potential for a class-action lawsuit.

While Walker said passengers should make their complaints known to Carnival, he doesn’t believe filing a lawsuit would be an efficient next step. Instead, impacted passengers can ask Carnival for a refund or a credit for another cruise, although there’s no guarantee the cruise line will grant such requests.

Pete Peterson, owner of Storybook Cruises , which is affiliated with Cruise Planners, said cruise ships keep a close eye on weather developments and will adjust their itinerary depending on the severity of the storm.

“Cruise lines monitor the weather all the time. They’re not going to put their passengers in harm’s way,” said Peterson, who has been a cruise adviser for more than 20 years and has sailed on nearly 60 cruises. “Obviously, some cruise lines are better at doing this than others.”

In 2016, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas returned to port after cruising into a “bomb cyclone,” which damaged the ship amid winds gusting to 100 mph. The ship sailed into the remnants of Hurricane Hermine seven months later, causing additional problems.

To ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers, a cruise ship can alter its course and circumvent the rough weather system. In stormy conditions, the crew can deploy the stabilizers, which will prevent the ship from rolling and bucking.

“You don’t experience the up and down,” Peterson said. “It’s not as rough a ride.”

Both approaches can add to a cruise line’s expenditures, Peterson said. Stabilizers slow the vessel, thereby consuming more fuel. Sailing around the storm can take longer than the original route and disrupt the company’s cruise schedule, leading to delays or cancellations. The cruise line may have to reimburse passengers or provide them with future credits because of the inconvenience.

“When they do something like that, it’s going to cost them money,” Peterson said.

Craig Setzer , a meteorologist and hurricane preparedness specialist, said that even with the hurricane-like conditions and flooding, “I would never be in doubt of the vessel’s integrity,” he said. “Cruise ships are structurally very, very sound and can survive a lot. They’re really rugged.”

Matthew Cappucci contributed to this report.

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A rogue wave caused a cruise ship tragedy. They occur more often than you think.

• The Viking Polaris was hit by a rogue wave in the Drake Passage, treacherous waters between Argentina and Antarctica.
• A rogue wave occurs when it's more than two times higher than waves around it. Hundreds of them have occurred over the years.
• But there's a lot to learn about these waves because they've only been confirmed by instruments within the last 30 years.

A possible rogue wave sent headlines around the world last week after it broke windows on a cruise ship off the coast of Argentina, killing a woman and injuring four others. 

Such freak accidents may seem rare, but hundreds have occurred without warning around the world — on cruise ships, cargo vessels, oil platforms and beaches.

Observers often describe them as a “wall of water,” but the size of that wall is relative depending on whether you’re in a fishing boat or a cargo ship. 

The six deck Viking Polaris was sailing back toward Argentina after a trip to Antarctica on Nov. 29 when a massive freak wave struck the ship. Viking Cruises called it a “rogue wave” but researchers said only further investigation will verify if it truly met the definition — more than twice as high as the average of the highest surrounding waves. 

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Monstrous and deadly waves that arrived without warning have been recounted in fishing and sailing lore for more than a century. More modern records show how often they truly occur: Some 432 similar incidents were documented internationally between 2005 and 2021 in a catalog kept on the Russian Academy of Science’ s Institute of Applied Physics website.

Here's what to know about rogue waves.

What is a rogue wave?

Rogue waves are driven by wind. They form when waves coming from multiple directions meet at one point by chance, said Francesco Fedele, an associate professor at Georgia Tech. “It’s the constructive interference of waves coming from multiple directions. They all pile up and form this extreme event.” 

They sometimes occur when waves move into strong opposing currents, such as in the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic and off the coast of South Africa, according to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. It can be a single wave, or a series of three or four.

It's often impossible to know if monster waves are an actual rogue wave.

A rogue wave is defined as 2.2 times higher than the waves around it, said Johannes Gemmrich, a physical oceanographer at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. The waves are measured relative to "significant wave height," determined by averaging the highest one-third of waves.

If the significant wave height is 6 feet, a rogue wave would have to be 13.2 feet. Some freakishly high waves that cause maritime disasters may be enormous, but may only be 1.9 times as high as the surrounding seas, Gemmrich said. “Unless you have measurements for an individual wave, you can’t tell if it was some rogue wave.”

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What happened on the Viking Polaris? 

The Polaris was in the Drake Passage , treacherous waters known for rough seas and big waves. Called the "Drake Shake" or the "Drake Lake" depending on the height of the seas, it's where the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans come together between the southern tip of Argentina and Antarctica. 

California sailing enthusiast Ken Spencer was a passenger on deck two, an estimated 25 feet above the water line. He told USA TODAY that waves of 20 to 25 feet were consistent in frequency and direction during the day and then turned less so into the evening, coming from mixed directions. 

As he was preparing for bed, Spencer said, "this wave came directly broadside at the port side,” not from an angle like the previous waves.

“The wave had tremendous volume, and it seems to have risen as high at deck four, which is about 45 feet above the waterline," he said. "The thickness of the wave is what was amazing. The water stayed against my window for what seemed like seconds, but was likely around a second."

At the same time, the Polaris was jolted with a very powerful bump, he said.

Photos of the vessel show windows were broken in several staterooms and several rooms were breached by water. His window was intact but a few gallons of water had seeped in around the perimeter, said Spencer, who praised Viking and the vessel's crew.

How often do rogue waves occur? 

Much more often than many realize.

Gemmrich estimates waves up to twice as high as the surrounding wave heights occur about every 3,000 waves and that a rogue wave may occur every 15,000 waves. 

“The higher the relative wave heights increase, the more unreal the rogue waves become," Gemmrich said. “A wave three times higher than the background, that’s extremely rare.”

It’s those monster waves that occur when the background waves are 30 to 40 feet high that concern the shipping industry. 

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What's the difference between a rogue wave and a tsunami? 

• A tsunami is a very long wave of seismic origin, generated by earthquakes, volcanoes and landslides. In the open ocean tsunamis have small wave heights, but in shallow water closer to the coast wave height can increase to 30-60 feet. 
• Rogue waves are generated by wind and are shorter waves. Although they often occur in the open ocean, and during stormy conditions, they also occur in coastal waters.
• Meteotsunamis are typically waves smaller than tsunamis caused by air pressure disturbances in fast moving storms. 

Is climate change to blame? 

Some research has suggested warming temperatures are contributing to higher waves and more extreme wave heights in some regions. 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded with "high confidence" last year that significant wave heights are projected to increase across the Southern Ocean and tropical eastern Pacific and decrease over much of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.

However, in the North Atlantic, the panel found low confidence in projected changes in extreme wave conditions "due to limited evidence" and medium confidence that wave heights already have increased above 45 degrees latitude. Wave heights are projected to increase in the Arctic Ocean because of a reduction in sea ice. 

Gemmrich said it's more likely that locations could change where rogue waves occur more often, because of shifts in storm tracks. 

A lot is still unknown about rogue waves

There's still a lot to learn about rogue waves, in part because they've only been confirmed by instruments within the last 30 years. The first technical confirmation of a rogue wave took place in 1995 during a New Year’s Day storm.

An extremely large wave hit the Draupner Oil rig platform off Norway in the North Sea. The crew didn’t realize they had been hit by a rogue wave until they discovered scaffolding erected under the deck for repairs had been washed away. A laser sensor recorded the 85-foot wave, about the height of a 10-story building. 

Today, satellites, radars and ocean floor sensors all help collect crucial data, but because the waves are unpredictable they're difficult to study. 

Gemmrich recently concluded that the most extreme rogue wave ever recorded took place off Vancouver Island, British Columbia in November 2020.   Gemmrich and a student at the University of Victoria, Leah Cicon, analyzed buoy data and found   the crest measured 57.7 feet high, compared to the surrounding waves averaging 19.6 feet, nearly three times as high. 

Researchers are particularly interested in solving the mysteries surrounding rogue waves, hoping to be able to provide early warnings so that shipping companies could avoid areas where dangerous conditions increase the risk. 

The European Space Agency concluded in 2004 that rogue waves had sunk more than 200 vessels over the previous 20 years.

Infamous incidents likely caused by freak or rogue waves 

Among the rogue wave stories recounted by mariners are two maritime disasters  memorialized in film and song: 

►The George Clooney thriller, “A Perfect Storm,” was based on the disappearance of the fishing vessel Andrea Gail during a nor'easter that absorbed a hurricane off Nova Scotia in 1991. Six men were lost. Canadian officials reported buoys in the area recorded peak waves in excess of 60 feet.

►The 1975 Gordon Lightfoot ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” was written after the freighter sank without a distress signal in Lake Superior during a gale on Nov. 10, 1975, killing 29 crew members. 

►In 1942, the Queen Mary was hit by a 75-foot wall of water as it was taking 15,000 U.S. troops to England during World War II. It was one of at least five similar incidents along the route between 1924 and 1966. 

►In August 1905, 20 of 22 crew members perished when the steamer Peconic went down off the Georgia coast.

►One hundred years later, the Norwegian Dawn cruise ship, with 3,700 passengers and crew, was headed for New York when it was hit by a series of three waves, with at least one estimated at 69 feet, during a storm off the Georgia/South Carolina coast. The force of the water sheared off aluminum rail supports and sent teak balcony railings and water through the windows of two cabins on decks nine and 10. The ship diverted course to South Carolina and the captain told people he’d never seen anything like it. 

►On July 3, 1992, a wave then estimated at a height of 18 feet, struck Daytona Beach around 10:30 p.m., injuring 20 and tossing cars around. One vacationer described it as a "huge wall of white water." 

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Saga Cruise ship passengers 'texted families goodbye' as boat was battered by massive waves in Bay of Biscay

8 November 2023, 08:39

By Asher McShane

Passengers have told of their terror on board a Saga cruise ship as 30 foot waves battered the vessel in the Bay of Biscay.

Listen to this article

The Spirit of Discovery ship was forced to cut short its two-week voyage, returning to Portsmouth on Saturday after tourists were left fearing for their lives.

Around 100 people suffered injuries on board the ship, with some taken to hospital when it reached port.

One passenger , 58, said: “You could hear plates crashing and then there was an announcement from the captain who screamed over the tannoy system as the ship veered. The panic in his voice made everyone else panic.

“The medics were overrun. My mum saw someone being resuscitated, there were broken bones, people on stretchers and people crying including the crew, who were running around frantically trying to help everyone. It was petrifying.

“People were sleeping with life jackets on and writing messages home to loved ones in case we didn’t get back. We’re happy to be alive.”

Another passenger, Peter Sawyerl, 76, said : “We couldn’t believe how high we were being thrown when the 54ft waves were hitting. People were being picked up off the floor.”

Passenger Richard Reynolds, 60, was on the ship with his elderly parents and recalled how people "were screaming for their lives.” He told MailOnline some wrote final notes to loved ones as they "thought they were going to die".

“The whole experience was horrendous,” he said.

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Another passenger told the BBC that people "were writing texts to their loved ones in case we capsized".

About 100 guests on board were injured with five suffering "more serious injuries."

The Saga Cruises ship Spirit of Discovery was on a 14-night cruise to the Canary Islands when it was hit by the bad weather conditions last weekend.

It is understood the ship had to cancel a visit to Las Palmas as the weather worsened and was instead heading towards La Corona when that port was closed because of the conditions.

#BBC reports "tables were flying" as #waves threw people "all up and down the place", say passengers on #UK cruise ship 'Spirit of discovery' caught in storm. 100 people got injured as 30ft waves battered the ship windows. "This video goes with the above story" #storm #weather pic.twitter.com/3CEMbUPyfn — Genesis Watchman Report (@ReportWatchman) November 8, 2023

The ship's crew took the decision to return to the UK when the ship's propulsion safety system was activated in the poor weather causing it to veer suddenly to the left, bringing the vessel to a sudden halt.

This led to 100 of the 1,000 guests on board being hurt with the "vast majority" suffering minor injuries although five needed treatment for more serious injuries in the ship's medical facilities, according to Saga Cruises.

Passenger Jan Bendall, 75, told the BBC that she and her husband were "holding on for dear life" during the storm and added: "It was quite frightening, I'm not somebody who frightens easily, it was quite dramatic."

She described how the staff were "absolutely fantastic" and set up "a makeshift medical area" in the dining room to treat the injured while passengers were told to stay in their cabins for the rest of Saturday and Sunday.

The Spirit of Discovery arrived back at Portsmouth on Monday evening but Saga Cruises has not confirmed if any of those injured require further treatment ashore.

A spokeswoman said: "Spirit of Discovery was sadly caught in the challenging weather conditions this weekend, as she started her return to the UK.

"The ship remained safe at all times, but due to the impact of the storm some guests sustained injuries.

"All were treated immediately by onboard medical staff.

"While the weather is clearly beyond our control, we want to offer our sincere apologies to all those affected who are now safely back, having sailed home in calmer seas."

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Watch 30-Foot Waves Black Out a Cruise Ship's Cabin Windows

What it looks like to be battered blind by heavy seas. 

Earlier this week, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship—the Anthem of the Seas —was caught in a hurricane force storm complete with 30-foot waves. The ship's 4,500 passengers had to hunker down in their rooms for the worst bits of the rough sea, and while you might be able to imagine how terrifying the trip would be, this video really brings it home. 

Taken by passenger Michelle Galletta, the video shows how the rough waves actually reached up the sides far enough to completely block out the view out of some cabins, and while the churning surf is intimidating on its own, the protracted, utter blackness is somehow worse. 

Source: Staten Island Advance  via Reddit

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Lawsuit Filed Over Anthem of the Seas Cruise Ship Battered by Storm in Atlantic

Hurricane-force winds and 30-foot waves battered anthem of the seas, damaging part of the propulsion system., published february 25, 2016 • updated on february 25, 2016 at 12:48 pm.

A passenger from a cruise ship that was battered by a major storm in the Atlantic Ocean filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Royal Caribbean in Miami federal court, his lawyer said Thursday.

The lawsuit filed by attorney Michael Winkleman says Royal Caribbean "knew or should have known" of warnings for hurricane-force winds in the Atlantic before Anthem of the Seas set sail Feb. 6 from Bayonne, New Jersey.

The 4,500 passengers hunkered down as the ship encountered 30-foot waves off North Carolina the next day. A portion of the propulsion system was damaged, and the Miami-based cruise line canceled the seven-day cruise, returning to New Jersey. Passengers received a refund and certificate for half off a future cruise.

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Frank DeLuca of Cinnaminson, New Jersey, includes forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Ocean Prediction Center, which noted the possibility of storm-force winds along the coast near Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, on Feb. 7. The agency on Feb. 5 issued a storm warning for the area.

According to the lawsuit, passengers had to hold onto their beds or anything else "to keep from falling due to the severe crashing of waves and listing of the vessel" for about 12 hours. Furniture was overturned, broken glass littered the ship, elevators were inoperable and water rushed through numerous areas of the ship.

Any passenger who was on the ship can be represented by the lawsuit, which alleges gross negligence on the part of Royal Caribbean. The lawsuit seeks punitive damages for severe emotional, psychological and emotional stress endured by passengers.

At least one other lawsuit was filed over the incident on Feb. 18 by Bruce Simpson of Delaware, who was also onboard Anthem of the Seas.

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Under terms of passenger tickets, most lawsuits against cruise lines are filed in South Florida federal court.

Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez said via email that the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.

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40-foot waves batter cruise ship, shattering glass, causing flooding, terrifying passengers: ‘Things were crashing all around us’

• Published: May. 30, 2023, 11:11 a.m.

A storm with 40-foot waves battered the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship on Friday, delaying its arrival in Charleston, South Carolina. Terrified passengers described glass shattering and water pouring into the ship. Here the ship is seen docked in Charleston in 2020 (AP Photo/Mic Smith, File) AP

• Robert Higgs, cleveland.com

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- A storm with 40-foot waves battered the cruise ship Carnival Sunshine late Friday night, breaking glass, causing water to pour into the ship and terrifying passengers.

The ship, en route from the Bahamas to Charleston, encountered the storm off the South Carolina coast.

“We had a 40-foot wave hit our side of the ship. We almost fell out the bed. Things were crashing all around us and the carpet on my side of the bed was soaked (because) water came in thru our balcony door,” passenger Goodwin Sherbert wrote on Facebook .

Passenger William B. Blackburn, aboard for his first cruise with his wife and other family members, told CNN they stayed in their cabin and prayed they would be OK.

“(We) discussed the fact that it would be very unlikely to survive in the water even with life jackets and doubted that lifeboats could even be launched in those conditions,” he said. “It was terrifying.”

Video posted to Twitter under the handle @CrewCenter showed water running up and down a hallway and said the crew on one deck had to be evacuated to another part of the ship.

At one point the ship was listing to the left, CBS News reported .

“The ship took a hit from a wave that sounded like the ship split in two,” passenger Sharon Tutrone, a professor at Coastal Carolina University, said in a Twitter post .

Some passengers complained to CNN and CBS News about a lack of communication from cruise staff as the ship was pitching about.

Tutrone said the only time passengers heard from the captain was on Friday when he told them he had an experienced crew and would do everything he could to minimize discomfort as the ship encountered the storm.

Some passengers and crew members needed “minor assistance” from medical staff, a Carnival cruise spokesperson told CBS News. “Guests on board the ship were safe,” the spokesperson added.

The ship’s docking in Charleston was delayed by the weather. Some repairs to crew quarters also delayed its departure over the weekend to return to the Bahamas.

The National Hurricane Center warned on Friday that a non-tropical area of low pressure off Florida was set to move northward and inland over the Carolinas during the weekend. Forecasters said there would be gusty winds, dangerous surf and rip current conditions along parts of the southeastern coast of the United States through Sunday.

Passenger Bill Hassler, who told CNN he was “surprised I’m still alive” after enduring the storm, criticized the cruise line for allowing the ship to sail into such extreme weather.

“Why would you sail into this storm with 80 mph-plus winds, I mean who does that?” Hassler said. “What were they thinking?”

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• Cruise News

Storm Injures 100 on Adults-Only Cruise Line

• November 7, 2023

Around 100 cruise ship guests were injured over the weekend after their ship sailed into a severe storm off the coast of France.

The Spirit of Discovery’s propulsion safety system was activated due to rough weather, causing the ship to tilt to one side and resulting in the injuries. Five guests on the Saga ship were seriously injured and required medical attention upon returning to the UK.

The ship came to a standstill in the Bay of Biscay amid 30-foot waves and spent around 18 hours in the storm. The ship then sailed back to the UK and docked safely in Portsmouth.

FACT CHECK:  Can a cruise ship tip over? Exploring the truths

Saga Cruises said, “Spirit of Discovery was sadly caught in the challenging weather conditions this weekend, as she started her return to the UK. The ship remained safe at all times, but due to the impact of the storm some guests sustained injuries.” 

“All were treated immediately by onboard medical staff. While the weather is clearly beyond our control, we want to offer our sincere apologies to all those affected,” the cruise line added.

Ship Unable to Outrun the Storm

The ship had cut short its Canary Islands itinerary by skipping a port call at Las Palmas. The intention was to shelter from the impending storm in La Coruna, Spain.

However, the captain was informed that the port was closed and decided to return to the UK. The Bay of Biscay is known for its unpredictable weather patterns and rough seas.

The ship’s AIS on MarineTraffic shows the ship almost came to a halt on Saturday.

Some passengers described their experience back on land, saying people were crying and “fearing for their lives.”

One passenger named Richard told BBC News that there were “many passengers in awful states of fear.”

Saga Cruises is a UK-based, adults-only cruise line that caters to a mature market of over 50s and seniors. The Spirit of Discovery was built at Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, and launched in May 2019. 

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Norwegian Cruise Liner Gets ROCKED By Massive Waves Out In The Ocean

There are two types of people in this world: Those who love cruise ships, and those who will never step foot on one in their lifetime.

Have you noticed that no one seems to ever be on the fence about cruise ships? If someone was, they would probably be swayed to the “never getting on one of those disease harboring death traps” side after seeing these videos.

A Norwegian cruise liner with hundreds of passengers on board has gotten into a world of trouble out at sea. The smaller cruise ship sailed right into a vicious storm, and the waves they’ve been up against almost dwarf the ship their sailing on.

The ship is called the MS Maud, and it’s currently without power after a sizable wave crashed into the hull of the vessel and caused both the power and the navigation to malfunction. Thorsten Hansen, the tour operator for the Norwegian cruise, posted this video below of the waves with the caption:

“A few of my guests are not so happy. But most of them are very brave and find it very interesting.”

This morning, update from on board MS Maud Hurtigruten Ian; "After letting us have as comfortable a night as possible, Captain has now updated. Conditions too rough for deck crew to connect tow so still holding position under own power. Another connection attempt in near future" pic.twitter.com/JikBLz4EzM — Sea & son (@OnDeepWater) December 22, 2023

Speak for yourself Thorsten. That’s not exactly what you think of when you sign up for a “relaxing cruise.”

Another terrifying video showed a point of view from inside one of the ship’s suites. You usually have to pay a little extra to get the window view on a cruise, though I’m not sure you’d really want to see out if towering, violent waves were crashing up against the glass:

MS Maud #hurtigruten now pic.twitter.com/i5m2qSJIrr — Sea & son (@OnDeepWater) December 22, 2023

What a nightmare…

Those waves actually caused some of the windows on the ship’s bridge to shatter as the boat was tossed amongst the waves like a toy. Even with the broken windows, it was reported that all 266 passengers and 131 crew were all safe and accounted for.

The good news is that the MS Maud, despite not having power or navigation, seems to be through the worst of its battle at this point. A passenger aboard the cruise ship sent out a positive message saying they were getting towed towards Germany, while also explaining how scary the situation was during the worst of the storm:

“I’ll be honest, there was about 20 minutes yesterday where I thought the ship might capsize, it was rolling so heavily and we didn’t have any idea what had happened. It really hit home when they started handing out orange survival suits to everyone.”

I’ll be honest, there was about 20 minutes yesterday where I thought the ship might capsize, it was rolling so heavily and we didn’t have any idea what had happened. It really hit home when they started handing out orange survival suits to everyone (2) — Elizabeth Lawrence (@eclairelaw) December 22, 2023

Here’s to hoping that the ship and its passengers get back to shore safely, and I doubt anyone is going to be saying it was a “Lovely Cruise” like Jimmy Buffett (RIP) sang about on his famous Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes album:

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Cruise Passengers Dock in Sydney After Getting Stranded Amid Storms

Thousands of weary passengers stranded at sea for more than 24-hours as 30-foot waves blocked their cruise ship from docking finally made it back to shore early Wednesday in Australia.

The Carnival Spirit — with 2,500 passengers and 1,500 crew aboard — was forced to remain out at sea as a massive storm pummeled Australia's coastline and shut down Sydney Harbor.

"Upstairs on the main deck a lot of the glass had actually been pushed out and smashed all over the place, chairs just turned like lollipops, it was just crazy," passenger Ernie Pittana said.

"It was horrific," passenger Rachel Browne told The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper. "You couldn't hear a thing anyone said, the noise was so loud and the rain was blowing sideways. "The glasses and teacups in my room smashed…They just blew off the table and hit the wall.”

On land, winds of up to 85 mph uprooted trees, crushed cars, snapped power poles and tore off roofs and building awnings. Damages were already in the millions and were expected to rise, according to officials.

- Henry Austin

• First Time Cruisers

Rough seas wave size how big is rough?

By Queenofthechickens , December 18, 2010 in First Time Cruisers

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Queenofthechickens

What size waves are considered rough seas for a 85,000+ ton ship?

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Generally, from 0-8 ft...you won't feel much....perhaps some slight movement. When seas get above 10 ft, you WILL feel movement....how much bothers you will depend on you! If seas get above 15 ft....you'll find walking up and down stairs a real feat! I wouldn't want to be on a ship if it gets rougher than that!

Of course, the frequency of the waves (how close together they are) will affect the "roughness" as well!

The answer is a bit more complicated than wave height. A ship that size can ride quite well in high waves as long as the ship is headed directly into the waves. A bigger issue is something called "long swells" which are somewhat different from waves and have a bigger impact on large vessels. Swells are usually the result of a distant storm and can make even the largest vessels move in an uncomfortable way (for those that do not like motion). And the tonnage of a ship does not always equate to motion. The highest seas we ever encountered was about 45 foot waves (and swells) caused by a hurricane (Hurricane Bob). Our ship, the old Meridian of Celebrity Lines, which was only 28,000 tons but she did fine in those high seas because she was designed with a deep V hull. Most modern cruise ships are somewhat top heavy with shallow drafts that enable them to get into many ports. Hence, in a strong wind they can become a huge wind vane which creates uncomfortable motion. If you want a ship that is designed for high seas you would probably enjoy the Queen Mary 2. As to most cruise ships, if the wind is blowing and the seas are churning you are going to get a good ride...if you like roller coasters. By the way, if you want to know what can happen to an 88000 ton ship in rough seas take a look at what happened to the Brilliance of the Seas (we love this ship) this week.

As Hank says, the QM2 is built for rough seas...she's the only liner sailing these days.

We've gone through the Bay of Biscay in tornado style weather, on a "block of flats", and found it quite exciting.....but I cut my teeth crossing the North Sea on old ferries.....:cool:

Nowadays, in the age of the behemoth ship, 85,000 ton is not all that big of a ship. But, the size of the ship might not make a difference when it comes to waves or swells. I've been on ships smaller than 85,000 ton and they weathered swells of 25 to 30 ft without much movement on the ship. Heck, we saw green water going over the windows on deck 6, but still barely felt nothing. Then I've been on some of the biggest ships out there, and even in relatively low swells, the ship was really rocking and rolling.

Like another poster said, it's more the swells and how a ship hits them rather than just waves that make a sea rough. But I would say that anything over 15 ft on a ship that doesn't handle swells, would give you quite a ride.

And then you have time of year and the sea/ocean you're sailing on. The far North Atlantic can be horrible in late Fall and all of winter. Sailing Drake's Passage, in South America, can be absolutely awful. But in reality, any open water can be rough at any given moment.

I agree with all of the other posts. We were in the North Sea one time (Ireland/Scotland Cruise) and in the middle of the night all of the plates, glasses, etc. flew right off the table. I got up to look to see how bad the waves were and had to hold on to the curtains. It was quite a ride. At least we didn't have to make and effort to roll over in bed.

We were in 7 - 10 footers going across the GOM and could feel it quite a bit. We were in 12 to 15 footers leaving Grand Cayman and could REALLY feel it and see it.

We were in 3 to 5 footers coming back across the GOM home, and couldnt feel it at all.

That was on the Conquest.

On the QM2 we were in ~15 foot waves (following a hurricane) and you could sense movement but it was never unpleasant.

15 foot waves are not bad on that type of ship. However once you have cruised in 40 foot+ seas than you understand what "rock and roll" really means.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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How Big Of Waves Can A Cruise Ship Handle

Published: December 13, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Brandise Escalante

• Sustainability

Introduction

Welcome aboard! Cruise ships are a popular choice for vacationers who crave the excitement of exploring the open seas while enjoying the comfort and luxury of a floating resort. These massive vessels offer an array of amenities, from world-class dining options to breathtaking entertainment and relaxation options.

However, as impressive as cruise ships may be, there is one question that often arises in the minds of travelers: How big of waves can a cruise ship handle? This is a valid concern given the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the potential for rough seas.

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of cruise ship stability and explore the factors that play a role in determining a ship’s ability to handle large waves. We will also discuss the design features that help ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew during challenging sea conditions.

Understanding the fundamentals of cruise ship stability is essential for both avid cruisers and those considering a cruise for the first time. By gaining insight into the design and engineering behind these floating marvels, you can better appreciate the efforts taken to create an enjoyable and secure experience while at sea.

So, let’s dive in and explore the fascinating world of cruise ship stability and how these magnificent vessels navigate through even the most challenging of waves.

Understanding cruise ship stability

When it comes to cruise ship safety, stability is of utmost importance. Cruise ships are meticulously designed to maintain stability in a variety of sea conditions, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers and crew onboard. But what exactly is cruise ship stability?

Stability refers to a ship’s ability to remain upright and steady while floating on water. Cruise ships are built with a low center of gravity, which helps them resist the forces of waves, wind, and other external factors that can cause the ship to roll, pitch, or yaw.

Several key factors contribute to cruise ship stability:

• Metacentric height: The metacentric height is a crucial measurement that determines a ship’s initial stability. It represents the distance between the ship’s center of gravity and its metacenter, which is the point where the vertical line through the center of buoyancy intersects with the line of the center of gravity. A larger metacentric height indicates greater initial stability.
• Weight distribution: To maintain stability, cruise ships need an even distribution of weight throughout the vessel. The weight of accommodations, amenities, and supplies is carefully balanced to prevent excessive listing.
• Buoyancy: The design of the ship’s hull and its displacement in the water contribute to buoyancy, which helps counteract the downward force of gravity. Ships are built with a wide, flat hull to enhance buoyancy and stability.
• Ballast tanks: Cruise ships are equipped with ballast tanks that can be filled with water to adjust the ship’s overall weight distribution. This allows for fine-tuning of stability based on sea conditions.

Together, these factors work in harmony to ensure that cruise ships maintain stability, even in challenging conditions. Advanced technologies, such as stabilizer systems, are also employed to further enhance stability and minimize the ship’s motion.

By understanding the principles of cruise ship stability, passengers can have peace of mind knowing that these floating giants are engineered to handle a wide range of sea conditions, making for a safe and enjoyable voyage.

Factors affecting cruise ship stability

While cruise ships are designed to be stable in various sea conditions, there are several factors that can impact their stability. Understanding these factors can help us grasp the complexities involved in ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers and crew onboard.

1. Weather conditions: The weather has a significant influence on cruise ship stability. High winds, storms, and rough seas can create large waves and swells that can potentially affect the ship’s stability. Cruise lines monitor weather patterns closely and may alter itineraries or change course to avoid severe weather.

2. Wave height: The magnitude and frequency of waves play a crucial role in cruise ship stability. Large waves can exert substantial forces on the ship’s structure, causing it to roll or pitch. However, modern cruise ships are designed to handle waves of varying heights, including those encountered during typical sea conditions.

3. Ship’s size and shape: The size and shape of the ship can impact stability. Larger ships tend to have increased stability due to their larger mass and wider hulls. Additionally, ships with a higher superstructure may be more affected by wind forces, potentially leading to increased rolling.

4. Passenger and cargo distribution: The distribution of passengers and cargo onboard the ship can affect stability, particularly in relation to weight distribution. Cruise ships carefully manage the loading process, ensuring an even distribution of weight to maintain balance.

5. Trim and list: Trim refers to the balance of the ship from bow to stern, while list refers to the balance from port to starboard. Maintaining proper trim and list is essential for optimal stability. Ballast tanks are utilized to adjust the ship’s trim, compensating for changes in weight distribution during the voyage.

6. Operating speed: The speed at which the ship is traveling can impact stability. High speeds can increase the forces exerted on the ship by waves, potentially affecting stability. Cruise ships typically adjust their speed based on prevailing sea conditions to ensure optimal stability and passenger comfort.

7. Environmental conditions: Factors such as currents and tides can also affect cruise ship stability. Strong currents or restricted waterways can influence a ship’s maneuverability, requiring careful navigation to maintain stability.

By considering these factors, cruise ship operators can make informed decisions to ensure the safety and stability of their vessels. Modern technologies and advanced navigation systems enable them to navigate through various conditions while prioritizing passenger safety.

Wave height and its impact on cruise ship stability

Wave height is a critical factor when it comes to cruise ship stability. Waves are formed due to wind, ocean currents, and various other factors. They can vary in size depending on environmental conditions and can have a significant impact on the ship’s stability.

1. Influence on ship motion: The height of waves directly affects the motion of the ship. When encountering larger waves, a cruise ship may experience rolling and pitching movements. Roll refers to the side-to-side motion of the ship, while pitch refers to the movement of the ship’s bow and stern in an up-and-down motion. While moderate rolling and pitching are generally well tolerated by modern cruise ships, excessively large waves can pose a challenge to stability.

2. Structural considerations: Large waves exert considerable forces on the ship’s structure. Cruise ships are built to withstand these forces through robust construction and design features specifically engineered to improve stability. The hull design, the positioning of bulkheads and compartments, and the strength of the materials used all contribute to the ship’s ability to handle big waves.

3. Stabilizer systems: Many modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizer systems. These are retractable fins or wings located beneath the waterline on either side of the ship. Stabilizers counteract the rolling motion caused by waves by generating forces that act in the opposite direction. They help to minimize side-to-side movement, improving passenger comfort and maintaining stability even in rough seas.

4. Operational adjustments: Cruise ship captains and crews are trained to navigate through different wave conditions. They have the knowledge and experience to adapt the ship’s speed, course, and operation in response to wave height. Adjusting the ship’s speed or changing the direction of the ship’s course can help minimize the impact of larger waves on stability.

Although cruise ships are designed to handle a wide range of wave heights, there are limits to what they can safely endure. Extreme weather conditions can generate unusually large waves, referred to as rogue waves, that can exceed the typical range anticipated during the ship’s design. In such cases, cruise lines rely on advanced weather monitoring systems and navigation technologies to avoid areas prone to these extreme wave conditions.

Overall, cruise ship stability is carefully considered during the design and construction process. Through a combination of structural design, advanced technologies, and the expertise of the crew, cruise ships are built to handle various wave heights and ensure a safe and comfortable voyage for all passengers.

Design features that help cruise ships handle big waves

When it comes to navigating through big waves, cruise ships are equipped with a range of design features that enhance their ability to maintain stability and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and crew. These design elements are carefully integrated into the construction of the ship, taking into account the expected operating conditions and the forces exerted by large waves.

1. Hull design: Cruise ships feature a modern hull design that helps them withstand the forces of waves. The hull is typically wider and flatter, which improves stability by providing buoyancy and reducing the impact of rolling. Additionally, the shape of the hull is designed to minimize resistance and optimize the ship’s performance in challenging sea conditions.

2. Bulkheads and compartments: Cruise ships are divided into multiple watertight compartments and are equipped with bulkheads, which are vertical partitions installed throughout the ship. These structural elements help to maintain the integrity of the ship’s structure and prevent water from flooding the entire vessel in the event of damage caused by rough seas or other unforeseen circumstances.

3. Strengthened superstructure: The superstructure of a cruise ship is the upper portion of the ship that houses cabins, restaurants, entertainment venues, and other facilities. To improve stability, the superstructure is reinforced with high-strength materials and structural supports, reducing the risk of excessive rolling and swaying caused by wind and waves.

4. Stabilizer systems: Stabilizers are retractable fins or wings located beneath the waterline on either side of the ship. These systems can be extended during rough sea conditions to counteract the rolling motion caused by waves. By generating forces that oppose the natural rolling motion, stabilizers help reduce the impact of large waves and maintain stability, enhancing the comfort of passengers on board.

5. Advanced monitoring and navigation systems: Cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring and navigation technologies that provide real-time information about wave height, wind speed, and other relevant data. This allows the ship’s crew to make informed decisions regarding speed, course adjustments, and other operational measures to mitigate the effects of big waves and optimize stability.

6. Ballast systems: Cruise ships utilize ballast systems, including specially designed tanks, to adjust the ship’s weight distribution. By strategically filling or emptying these tanks with water, the ship’s trim and stability can be optimized, providing better control and handling in challenging sea conditions.

These design features work in concert to ensure that cruise ships can handle big waves and maintain stability. By utilizing advanced technology and incorporating robust construction techniques, cruise ships are well-equipped to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience for passengers, even in rough sea conditions.

Case studies of cruise ships encountering large waves

While cruise ships are designed to handle big waves, there have been instances where vessels have encountered exceptionally rough sea conditions. These case studies highlight the resilience of modern cruise ships and the measures taken to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.

1. Queen Elizabeth 2: In 1995, the Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) encountered a severe storm in the North Atlantic with waves reportedly reaching heights of 90 feet. Despite the tumultuous sea conditions, the ship successfully weathered the storm without sustaining any major damage or injuries to passengers or crew. This incident showcased the robust design and stability of the QE2, which was renowned for its ability to handle rough seas.

2. Norwegian Breakaway: In early 2019, the Norwegian Breakaway, a large cruise ship sailing in the Atlantic Ocean, encountered a powerful winter storm with waves around 30 feet high. While the ship experienced significant rolling and pitching, it remained stable throughout the ordeal. The ship’s advanced stabilizer systems and knowledgeable crew played a crucial role in maintaining stability and ensuring the safety of all onboard.

3. Anthem of the Seas: In 2016, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas encountered a severe storm off the coast of Cape Hatteras, with wind speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour and waves reaching heights of 30 feet. Despite the challenging conditions, the ship’s design features, including its strengthened superstructure and stabilizer systems, allowed it to withstand the storm and safely return to port. This incident prompted further safety protocols and increased weather monitoring measures for the cruise industry.

These case studies highlight the importance of robust design and advanced technologies in ensuring the resilience of cruise ships in the face of large waves. The meticulous planning and engineering that goes into creating these floating resorts are evident in their ability to navigate through challenging sea conditions while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers.

It is important to note that cruise lines prioritize the safety of their passengers and crew above all else, and will adjust itineraries or alter course if severe weather or exceptionally large waves are anticipated in the ship’s intended path. The industry has stringent protocols in place to minimize risks and prevent accidents.

Safety measures and protocols for navigating rough seas

When it comes to navigating through rough seas, cruise lines have established robust safety measures and protocols to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew. These precautions are designed to mitigate the risks associated with challenging sea conditions and enhance the overall safety of the voyage.

1. Weather monitoring and communication: Cruise ships have sophisticated weather monitoring systems that track weather patterns in real-time. This enables the ship’s crew to anticipate and plan for adverse weather conditions. Additionally, constant communication with onshore meteorological services allows for up-to-date weather forecasts, helping the ship’s captain make informed decisions regarding the ship’s route and speed adjustments.

2. Crew training and emergency procedures: Cruise ship crew members undergo rigorous training in emergency procedures and safety protocols. This includes drills and simulations to prepare them for various scenarios, including rough sea conditions. The crew is equipped with the necessary skills to handle challenging situations, ensuring passenger safety and minimizing potential risks.

3. Stabilizer systems: As mentioned earlier, modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizer systems that help reduce the rolling motion caused by waves. These systems can be deployed to counteract the effects of rough seas, enhancing the comfort and stability of the ship.

4. Navigation adjustments: The ship’s captain and navigation officers continuously evaluate sea conditions and adjust the ship’s speed, course, and route when necessary. This allows for optimal maneuverability and ensures the ship avoids areas of severe weather or exceptionally large waves.

5. Passenger safety briefings: Prior to setting sail, passengers are required to attend a mandatory safety briefing. During this briefing, important safety information is provided, including instructions on how to respond to emergencies and locate life jackets and evacuation routes. These briefings empower passengers to take an active role in their personal safety while onboard the ship.

6. Enhanced ship construction: Cruise ships are built to stringent safety standards, with reinforced structures and modern materials that enhance their ability to handle rough seas. These design features, such as watertight compartments and strengthened superstructures, provide additional safety measures in case of unexpected events or extreme weather conditions.

7. Regular maintenance and inspections: Cruise ships undergo routine maintenance checks and inspections to ensure that all systems, including navigational equipment and safety features, are functioning properly. This proactive approach helps identify and address any potential issues that could compromise the ship’s safety during rough sea conditions.

By implementing these safety measures and protocols, cruise lines prioritize the well-being of their passengers and crew. The combination of advanced technology, crew training, and meticulous planning helps to mitigate risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage, even in challenging sea conditions.

Cruise ships are marvels of modern engineering, designed to provide a luxurious and enjoyable experience while navigating the vast oceans. Understanding how these colossal vessels handle rough seas and big waves is essential for all who embark on a cruise adventure.

Through meticulous design, advanced technology, and rigorous safety protocols, cruise ships are built to maintain stability and ensure passenger safety in a wide range of sea conditions. Factors such as hull design, stabilizer systems, and weight distribution all contribute to a ship’s ability to handle big waves and provide a comfortable journey for passengers.

Case studies have demonstrated the resilience of cruise ships when faced with challenging sea conditions. The industry’s commitment to safety is evident in the implementation of weather monitoring systems, crew training, navigation adjustments, and enhanced ship construction features. These measures work together to ensure the well-being of everyone onboard.

As technology and engineering innovation continue to evolve, cruise ships are becoming even more equipped to handle rough seas. Cruise lines are constantly improving their safety protocols and investing in the latest advancements to enhance passenger comfort and safety.

However, it’s important to note that while cruise ships are designed to handle big waves, there are limits to what they can endure. Cruise lines prioritize the safety of passengers and crew above all else, and adjustments to itineraries or course changes may be made to avoid severe weather conditions.

So, the next time you embark on a cruise adventure, you can have confidence in the knowledge that cruise ships are well-prepared to handle various sea conditions. From the design and construction of the ship to the crew’s training and the implementation of state-of-the-art technology, the safety and comfort of passengers remain paramount.

Now that you have a deeper understanding of cruise ship stability and its ability to handle big waves, you can embark on your next cruise adventure with peace of mind, knowing that your journey will be both safe and unforgettable.

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Terrifying moment monster 50-ft wave devours ship at sea

This looks like a whole new level of sea sickness.

Jess Battison

Usually when you’re just out sailing the seven seas - as you do - you’re riding the waves.

Maybe you’re bobbing along in a little dinghy looking for fish, or perhaps relaxing on a cruise ship or even on one of those catamarans on a day trip on your holiday .

Either way, the waters under the boat and you’re staying pretty dry.

But in a terrifying moment during a storm , a monster 50-ft wave ended up absolutely devouring a ship out at sea.

Captured from an upper deck on the boat, the horror film-like footage shows the boat bouncing up and down along rocky waters in the North Sea.

And then, a humongous wave towers over the ship before crashing down onto it, making most of it disappear from view.

Filmed several years ago now, the camera (protected by being inside) then seems to be under water momentarily as the boat reappears below, flooded by the water.

SCIENTISTS ON EXISTENCE OF MEGALODON SHARKS

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS GO OVERBOARD

It’s pretty scary to imagine and I’m cowering in fear just watching it – let alone how most of us would react being there.

Just think – you’re chilling on a boat and see this absolute wall of water crashing towards you and taking you under.

Except, the bloke filming the moment seems to be absolutely loving it.

He lets out a laugh as the ship approaches the wave and in a seemingly British accent says: “That’s f**king awesome!”

The wild video has racked up millions of views on YouTube and users commented to admit: “I’m in the Navy and I would sh*t my pants if I saw that.”

Others joked: “It’s not even a nervous laugh, he’s clearly loving it!!”

As another added: “Lol he is laughing his a** off while I would be throwing up.”

Many said that ‘only sailors are crazy enough’ to be laughing in this kind of scenario.

Others pointed out: “The thing I never realized until recently is that it's not simply getting hit by the big wave that's bad, it's that you are lifted up into the air 60 ft from the previous wave and then dropped 60 feet when you pass over it only to be hit by a 60-foot wave when you hit the bottom.”

Plenty said they were sat at their dry homes absolutely sh**ting themselves while the bloke in the video was ‘having the time of his life’.

Well, I think I’d rather just be watching it than experiencing, that’s for sure.

Topics:  Travel , Weird

Jess is an Entertainment Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include keeping up with the Twitter girlies, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021 and has previously worked at MyLondon.

@ jessbattison_

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These 3 lesser-known cruise lines offer amazing voyages on sail-powered ships

There is nothing quite as magical — or romantic — as a cruise on a sailing ship.

To stand on the deck of a vessel topped with dozens of billowing sails, propelled through the waves by the power of the wind alone, is to go back in time to an earlier age of travel, when crossing the world's oceans was as adventurous as it was challenging.

It's an experience that's all about the feeling of the wind in your hair, the lean of the vessel (known as the heel) as it's pushed by the wind and the sway from the waves (which is actually smoother than what you get on a motor ship).

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In contrast to what you'll find on so many motor-powered ships, cruising on a masted ship is about the simple thrill of traveling across the sea and not about all the many attractions you'll find on board.

Only a handful of small cruise brands — so small that you might never have heard of them — offer trips on sailing ships. Here, we look at the three biggest players in this niche subset of the cruise industry.

Sea Cloud Cruises

If it's an authentic, old-style sailing experience you want, then Sea Cloud Cruises is the line for you. The Germany-based company operates three large sailing ships where the sails are unfurled by hand, just as they were on sailing ships centuries ago.

On the biggest of these three vessels, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit , 18 deckhands scurry high into the rigging on sea days to manually untie and prepare the sails, an amazing sight. Unveiled in 2021 , it's a full-rigged, three-masted sailing ship of the sort that hasn't been common on the world's oceans for more than a century.

Related: Why Sea Cloud Spirit is a sailing vessel you'll want to try

Sea Cloud Cruises' two other vessels — Sea Cloud 2 and Sea Cloud — are smaller but offer a similar show as the sails are set by hand the old-fashioned way. The former is a 23-year-old, three-masted barque propelled by 23 sails (five fewer than Sea Cloud Spirit); the latter is a 93-year-old, four-masted barque with 30 sails and a storied past.

Now configured to carry 64 paying passengers, Sea Cloud was originally the private yacht of Postum Cereals heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post and her husband, the famed financier E. F. Hutton. At the time, the vessel was the largest private yacht in the world. It later served the U.S. Navy as a weather ship during World War II, after which it became the presidential yacht for the Dominican Republic. It only began sailing as a cruise vessel in the 1980s.

If you have money to spare, you can still book Post's opulent private quarters on Sea Cloud, now its owner's suite. It'll set you back around $5,000 per day per couple. Her husband's slightly smaller quarters are also available to book at a similar rate.

Post, the wealthiest woman in the U.S. during her lifetime, notably also built Mar-a-Lago, the massive estate in Florida that is now the official residence of Donald Trump.

Sea Cloud Cruises is the most all-inclusive and upscale of the three brands listed in this story, with pricing to match. Expect to pay nearly $1,000 per person per day or more for many sailings.

Sea Cloud Cruises' three vessels offer a diverse array of sailings in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Canary Islands and Morocco, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Cruising Costa Rica, Panama with Sea Cloud Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Founded in the 1980s, Windstar Cruises got its start as a sailing ship line. While it now operates traditional motor-powered ships, too, voyages on sailing ships are still a big part of its business.

Three of the Seattle-based brand's six vessels — Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf — are sailing vessels, and they all offer a similar yacht-like, small-ship experience.

Two of the three vessels (Wind Spirit and Wind Star) are particularly intimate, measuring 5,407 tons and carrying just 148 passengers with every berth full.

Related: The 2 types of Windstar ships, explained

The line's third sailing vessel, Wind Surf, is nearly three times the size at 14,745 tons. It's one of the biggest sailing ships in the world (only a sister vessel that sails for Club Med is bigger). Wind Surf carries 342 people, an enormous number for a sailing ship.

Unlike on the vessels operated by Sea Cloud, the sails on Windstar's sailing ships aren't unfurled by hand in the old-fashioned way but by the push of a button from the bridge. It's a fully automated system that is much more modern, if less dramatic.

Still, the experience of slicing through the waves by the power of the wind alone on Windstar ships is as glorious and romantic as it is on the Sea Cloud ships.

Windstar Cruises is less all-inclusive and pricey than Sea Cloud but still offers a relatively upscale experience. Its dining program is done in partnership with the food-focused James Beard Foundation, which also brings James Beard Award-winning chefs to the ships regularly for food-themed itineraries.

For an extra $89 per person per day, passengers can also make the experience more all-inclusive with included Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine and cocktails, and gratuities (three things that aren't included in regular fares).

The line's three vessels typically spend nearly all of their time sailing in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or along the west coast of Central America.

Related: Read more about Windstar's itineraries

Star Clippers

Like Sea Cloud and Windstar, Star Clippers operates three sailing vessels that are among the biggest and most elegant sailing vessels in the world.

The belle of the ball at the line is Royal Clipper, a stunning five-masted ship that is billed as the largest square-rigged ship in the world. Its enormous array of 42 sails has a sail area of 56,000 square feet — significantly more than the sails atop any of the Sea Cloud or Windstar vessels. (Only Sea Cloud Spirit comes relatively close with a sail area of 44,100 square feet spread across 28 sails.)

Built to resemble Preussen, a legendary tall ship of the 19th century, the 24-year-old Royal Clipper shares the spotlight at Star Clippers with two smaller sister vessels, Star Flyer and Star Clipper.

Carrying 166 passengers apiece, the smaller vessels were designed to resemble the speedy clipper ships of the 19th century, which were known for their narrow profile and large sail area. Each vessel has a sail area of 36,000 square feet spread across 16 sails, a large amount for the size.

When it comes to the setting of sails, Star Clippers vessels offer a level of old-style authenticity that is in between the ships of Sea Cloud and Windstar. Like on Sea Cloud vessels, the sails are pulled into position by a team of deckhands using hand power and winches to tighten the "sheets," or ropes.

Unlike on Sea Cloud vessels, the deck hands don't climb high into the rigging to untie and prepare the sails for winching. That part is done automatically at the push of a button from the bridge, as it is on Windstar vessels.

In one key difference, though, Star Clippers lets passengers harness up and climb into the crow's nest of its vessels — a thrilling experience. Just be prepared for your knees to go a bit wobbly as you get to the top; it's way up there.

Star Clippers sailings are the most affordable option among the three sailing brands, in part because the onboard experience is less all-inclusive and upscale.

The three Star Clippers vessels mostly operate sailings in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean and along the west coast of Central America.

Bottom line

It's still possible to get a taste of what traveling the world's oceans was like in the days before motor power. Three small cruise companies — Sea Cloud Cruises, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers — offer voyages on large sailing ships that are as majestic as anything that has sailed the seas in centuries past.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.