Royal Caribbean Ship Rocked by Sudden Wave: Dramatic Tilt Captured on Camera

On November 7, 2024, passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas experienced a harrowing moment when the ship was unexpectedly hit by a squall. This sudden gust of intense wind generated massive waves, causing the vessel to tilt at a significant angle, which alarmed guests and scattered items such as plates and cutlery in the dining areas.

Social media echoed with the accounts of passengers who described the incident as terrifying. One wrote, “On Explorer now. We hit a squall that was unexpected. We tipped to one side pretty bad. Definitely scary,” accompanied by images of fallen bottles from the ship’s bar. Another stated, "I’m on the ship too, scary as hell in the dining room with plates smashing everywhere, people screaming and tables & food all over the place!" Videos shared by guests showed seated individuals sliding across corridors in the Royal Promenade.

Despite the frightening circumstances, no major injuries were reported, with only a few passengers and crew sustaining minor injuries. The captain managed to reduce the ship’s speed and turn the vessel, righting it within five to ten minutes. Following the squall, the ship continued its Transatlantic voyage, originally departing from Barcelona on November 2. Its itinerary included stops in Valencia and Málaga, Spain, with the next call planned at Ponta Delgada in the Azores before arriving in Miami, Florida, on November 14.

Cruise ships typically have measures in place to avoid severe weather, but in this instance, the squall was unpredicted and not represented on weather tracking systems like those from the National Hurricane Center. Nevertheless, the Explorer of the Seas was equipped to handle the incident. The approximately 1,185 crew members promptly asked all guests to return to their staterooms while they conducted safety checks.

Cruise ships are designed for stability, featuring heavy steel construction that helps them withstand rough seas. The Explorer of the Seas, launched in 2000, is also fitted with stabilizers that provide additional support in turbulent conditions. The ship’s captain and officers closely monitor weather forecasts, assisted by Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, who analyzes weather patterns and advises on fleet operations.

For passengers, such incidents can be disconcerting, but the vessel’s design and the crew’s preparedness play key roles in ensuring safety during unexpected weather events.

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