WATCH: Thrilling Footage of Cruise Ship Braving Rough Seas in the Gulf of Mexico Amid Hurricane Challenge

Gulf of Mexico (Oct. 10, 2024) — The Harmony of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean, encountered turbulent seas in the Gulf of Mexico on October 8, 2024, as Hurricane Milton impacted its scheduled journey.

The intense storm generated waves reaching up to 20 feet, compelling the ship to temporarily alter its course.

This cruise, which set sail from Galveston, Texas, on October 6, was planned to dock in Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Roatán, Honduras. However, due to the fierce winds and perilous conditions brought by Hurricane Milton, Royal Caribbean made the decision to change the ship’s itinerary to ensure the safety of its passengers.

Brandy Gostin Prince, traveling with her children, recorded her experience, revealing that the storm had necessitated the closure of all outdoor decks, making it nearly impossible to walk amidst the fierce winds.

“Many people were falling ill, and the waves were enormous,” she remarked.

The challenging weather conditions continued throughout the day, with waves so powerful that one reached all the way to the fourth deck during lunchtime, leaving passengers in awe of the ocean’s might.

The footage captures a moment inside the main dining area of the Harmony of the Seas, where travelers, including a young boy, are seen gazing at massive waves crashing against the fourth deck window during Hurricane Milton. This underscores the storm’s tremendous force as the ship navigates through turbulent waters. The waves create a striking scene, rising high enough to be seen through the large round window, with passengers reacting with astonishment at the spectacle.

By mid-morning on October 8, the crew made the decision to turn the ship around as the storm’s path slowed, making it increasingly challenging for the vessel to navigate out of the Gulf.

During the night of October 8 into the early hours of October 9, the ship resumed its planned trajectory, although the seas continued to be turbulent.

In light of the challenging conditions, Royal Caribbean took proactive steps to ensure the safety and enjoyment of its passengers.

Gostin Prince shared that the crew organized a range of indoor activities, and passengers were offered a partial refund to compensate for the inconvenience. By the afternoon of October 9, the weather began to improve, with sunny skies returning, much to the relief of the passengers who had been on edge.

The rapid response and commitment to passenger safety by Royal Caribbean have garnered appreciation from those on board, as the ship and its crew adeptly faced the trials brought on by Hurricane Milton.

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