Royal Caribbean Cruise Caught in Storm
Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas experienced terrifying moments when a massive wave struck the ship and caused it to tilt dramatically. The vessel sailed from Baltimore to Bermuda in September 2025 and ran into hurricane-force winds that reached 85 mph. Massive swells caused the ship to list sharply between 40-45 degrees. The scene turned chaotic in the Windjammer buffet as dishes, glasses, and food trays slid everywhere. Many passengers captured this frightening ordeal on TikTok. The situation forced Royal Caribbean to make an emergency stop at Port Canaveral, Florida to avoid Hurricane Erin’s path. This wasn’t the first time such an incident occurred. Back in early 2016, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas faced a powerful Atlantic storm during what should have been a peaceful journey from New Jersey to the Bahamas. The ship battled hurricane-force winds of 120 mph and encountered waves that reached 30 feet high.
Royal Caribbean ship diverts course after storm hits
The Vision of the Seas became the latest Royal Caribbean cruise to face storm concerns when the company changed its course in August 2025. The cruise line redirected the vessel from Bermuda because Tropical Storm Erin was approaching. This showed how seriously Royal Caribbean takes its safety protocols.
Emergency stop made to avoid worsening weather
Royal Caribbean officials were quick to act when they tracked Tropical Storm Erin moving westward through the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The cruise line changed the ship’s schedule before passengers boarded. The Vision of the Seas would have crossed the storm’s expected path to reach its original destination. The company put passenger and crew safety first when Erin’s maximum sustained winds hit 45 miles per hour. The storm was expected to reach hurricane strength by late Thursday or early Friday.
The National Hurricane Center predicted the storm would grow stronger by late Wednesday, August 13. They warned it could affect northern Caribbean islands over the weekend. Royal Caribbean made a smart choice to keep the ship away from these dangerous weather conditions.
Ship rerouted from Bermuda to Port Canaveral
The Vision of the Seas headed south instead of making its planned overnight stop at Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda. The Baltimore-based cruise ship reached Port Canaveral early Sunday morning on August 17. It stayed there from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
“We’d rather be safe. It is disappointing because we wanted to be in Bermuda. But I see the hurricane is heading right there,” passenger Sherry Teycer said about the change.
The new schedule gave passengers extra time in Nassau, Bahamas. The ship would now arrive at 7:00 a.m. instead of 1:00 p.m. Royal Caribbean gave full refunds for pre-booked Bermuda shore excursions to passengers’ original payment method.
Passengers needed to be back on the ship by 8:30 p.m. during the Port Canaveral stop. This allowed the cruise to continue toward the Bahamas. The change kept everyone safe while minimizing disruption to the cruise experience.
Captain’s decision based on live storm tracking
The ship’s captain and Royal Caribbean’s Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, carefully watched the storm before changing course. The company explained in an email to passengers: “Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, our Captain has been monitoring Tropical Storm Erin and its expected track that will take it near Bermuda during our sailing. In the interest of safety, we have decided to avoid the storm and head south”.
This matches Royal Caribbean’s weather policies. Their official website states: “We try to avoid operating any ship in the vicinity of a tropical system, and we will monitor the progress of these storms very closely. If there is a potential threat to any of our guests or ships, the itinerary may be altered to try to avoid any interruptions”.
Royal Caribbean told affected guests about the change before the August 14 departure date. They explained the situation and apologized for the last-minute change needed due to weather. This open communication helped set proper expectations while showing that safety remained their top priority.
Passengers describe chaos during storm encounter
The Royal Caribbean cruise ship plunged into chaos when storm conditions turned the voyage into scenes straight out of a disaster movie. Passengers found themselves in terrifying situations that went beyond the planned course changes mentioned before. The weather patterns caught everyone off guard as guests scrambled to safety in rough seas.
Furniture and dishes tossed as ship listed
The ship tilted at dangerous angles, reaching up to 45 degrees at times. The vessel made what passenger Jonathan Parrish called a “hard right turn” followed by a second, “more intense” turn that stopped a theater show mid-performance. The dining areas became danger zones as plates, glasses, and food flew across rooms while tables flipped over. A passenger said it looked like “a scene from the movie Twister” with chairs flying through the air.
The ship’s severe tilt left destruction everywhere:
- Bottles of alcohol and glassware smashed across bar areas
- Items from Royal Caribbean’s Royal Promenade scattered on floors
- Digital displays came loose and almost hit passengers
- Wind scattered umbrellas and lawn chairs across the deck
Canadian passenger Dan So captured footage of people struggling to stay upright, saying “it was like the Titanic”. His video showed wind speeds jumping from 46 mph to over 80 mph. Some ships stayed at alarming angles longer than expected, with one witness noting, “It held its position for around three minutes”.
Children cried, elderly fell—no major injuries reported
The ship’s violent movement created scary moments for vulnerable passengers. Children’s cries echoed throughout the whole ordeal. One witness saw “a little boy was tipped over and sent flying across the room in a Little Tikes toy car”.
Older guests struggled the most, with many falling as they tried to keep their balance. The experience left deep marks on families. One passenger described it as “completely horrifying and traumatizing,” and added she was “literally just lying in bed shaking and crying and trying to stay calm so I didn’t scare my 20-month-old son”.
Royal Caribbean reported no serious injuries among guests or crew members. Most people escaped with just cuts and bruises. The cruise line confirmed that just “one passenger was injured and ‘requires additional medical care'”.
Social media videos show onboard panic
Videos of these scary moments spread faster across social media. Footage showed passengers crawling on decks while heavy winds and rain pounded the ships, sending chairs flying overhead. Someone yelled “Oh my God, that guy fell!” in one clip as a passenger lost balance.
A TikTok video reached 7.8 million views showing passengers gripping railings and furniture to stay upright. Dan So’s footage left even him with “shivers” when he watched it later. He thought “this could be the end and the ship was going to fall into the water”.
More viral clips captured:
- Crew members linking hands to steady service carts
- Guests holding onto tables and chairs
- Screaming passengers sliding across windswept walkways
Some guests thought the chaos was part of the entertainment at first. One passenger said, “We realized and looked at the crew’s faces that this isn’t special effects,” before panic took over. The crew’s quick response impressed many guests, with one noting that “staff had everything cleaned up and reopened all the food within 20 minutes”.
Crew responds swiftly to stabilize ship and reassure guests
The royal caribbean cruise crew showed their professional training and readiness when they handled storm conditions with military precision. While passengers panicked, the ship’s team proved why regular maritime emergency drills play such a vital role in cruise operations.
Crew closed off affected areas and cleaned up damage
The crew jumped into action right after the storm hit. They quickly blocked off parts of the ship with damage. The team worked systematically to secure loose furniture and broken items in public areas. Passenger safety stayed their top priority.
The Vision of the Seas crew worked quickly to:
- Block access to dangerous areas with broken glass and damaged fixtures
- Send cleaning teams to clear debris
- Fix up public spaces to make them usable again
- Secure loose equipment to stop more incidents
The teams worked on multiple decks at once to fix extensive damage that included flipped tables, scattered merchandise, and broken digital displays. Their quick response stopped more people from getting hurt beyond a few cuts and bruises.
Captain issued updates and safety reassurances
The ship’s captain kept talking to passengers over the PA system during the whole ordeal. He told everyone soon after that an “unexpected wind gust” had hit the ship – one strong enough to count as hurricane-force winds. His straight talk helped worried travelers feel better.
“I think there were about five minutes where everyone was wondering what was going on,” one passenger said, adding that “the captain’s reassurance helped to calm nerves”.
The captain told guests that:
- Deep water was the safest place for the ship
- Royal Caribbean stayed in touch with the U.S. Coast Guard
- The ship’s structure was completely safe
- The ship “handled the weather very well”
“You are always, always on my mind,” the captain told guests. He stressed that passenger safety, crew welfare, and ship integrity were his main concerns. Once things calmed down, he showed care for passengers’ feelings, saying there was “no need” to make guests who had “already been scared or been in fear… to have that show again”.
Food service resumed within 20 minutes
The crew’s most impressive response was getting food service back up quickly. Dining areas opened just 20 minutes after the incident. This quick recovery showed the crew’s training and Royal Caribbean’s dedication to getting things back to normal fast.
Royal Caribbean later talked about what happened: “We are sensitive to the fact that our guests went through an uncomfortable ride”. But they pointed out that “the Anthem team managed to keep a safe environment, continued to deliver needed services, and did their best to reassure worried guests”.
This incident proves how well cruise staff are trained. Company rules say that “crew members undergo rigorous training in emergency response procedures”, which lets them handle safety measures well even in tough conditions.
Royal Caribbean defends decision amid criticism
Royal Caribbean leadership defended their safety measures after facing criticism about their handling of Hurricane Erin. The backlash came mostly from passengers who were upset when their Bermuda stops were switched to other destinations.
Company cites unpredictable storm path
Royal Caribbean used their 20-year-old weather protocols to justify changing course. “In the event of strikes, lockouts, riots, weather conditions or mechanical difficulties, or for any other reason whatsoever, Royal Caribbean may, at any time and without prior notice, cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing”. These policies help protect passengers during unpredictable situations like Hurricane Erin. The company believes passenger safety matters more than sticking to the original schedule.
Meteorologist team monitored Hurricane Erin closely
Royal Caribbean backed their decision with professional weather tracking data. “Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been closely monitoring Hurricane Erin as she continues moving north”. The weather team gave regular updates that helped the captain decide to change course. The cruise line explained that “the storm is not expected to directly impact our location, its projected path will pass near our itinerary, generating much larger waves ahead of its track”.
Some passengers felt communication was lacking
Many passengers weren’t happy with how the company handled these changes, despite the explanations. “Royal Caribbean didn’t offer us anything of any options. They said this is the itinerary change. That’s it,” said passenger Sherry Teycer. New cruisers felt especially let down because they saw no other choices.
This whole ordeal reminds us of other weather-related controversies involving Royal Caribbean. Back in 2016, the company admitted, “If we knew that we were going to have those kinds of winds… we would not have sailed into that”. They later promised to make their “storm avoidance policy” stronger after sailing through rough weather.
How this incident compares to past Royal Caribbean storms
Royal Caribbean’s encounter with Hurricane Erin adds another chapter to the cruise line’s history of battling severe weather. Their past incidents show how they learned valuable lessons, though challenges at sea continue to test them.
Anthem of the Seas 2016: storm underestimated
The most notorious storm incident in Royal Caribbean’s history happened in February 2016. Anthem of the Seas sailed straight into an Atlantic storm that packed hurricane-force winds up to 122 mph. The captain ordered 2,224 passengers to stay in their cabins as the ship fought through 30-foot waves. The violent weather overturned furniture, shattered glassware, and collapsed ceiling sections, which left four passengers with minor injuries. Weather forecasters had warned about the storm days earlier. Royal Caribbean faced heavy criticism and admitted they “would not have sailed” if they had known the actual conditions. The cruise line updated their storm avoidance policy after this incident.
Explorer of the Seas 2024: hurricane-force winds
Explorer of the Seas ran into a sudden squall near Tenerife that caused a terrifying 40-45 degree list. The wind speeds shot up from 46 mph to 86 mph. This unexpected tilt sent bottles, merchandise, and furniture flying across the ship. Some passengers were so scared they sent emotional goodbyes to their loved ones, thinking the ship might capsize. The severe listing lasted just 5-10 minutes, but one passenger needed medical evacuation at Las Palmas.
Grandeur of the Seas 2013: fire and storm combo
Grandeur of the Seas faced a dangerous situation in May 2013 when fire broke out during rough seas. Flames spread from the mooring deck to crew areas, and passengers thought they were sinking because “there was a pretty bad storm” rocking the vessel at the same time. High winds made it harder for 2,224 guests to reach their muster stations during the emergency. Royal Caribbean managed to contain the fire without serious injuries, but they had to cancel the May 31 sailing to make repairs.
Royal Caribbean’s recent storm encounters show how unpredictable ocean travel can be, even with advanced weather technology. The Vision of the Seas had to make an emergency stop, and dramatic listing incidents proved how fast maritime conditions can worsen. These events put thousands of passengers at risk. The situations were scary for everyone on board but showed how well-executed emergency protocols work.
Royal Caribbean’s choice to redirect ships away from Hurricane Erin’s path shows they learned from past events. The cruise line’s 2016 Anthem of the Seas incident made them admit they had underestimated the storm conditions. Safety now comes before keeping to original schedules, though some passengers aren’t always happy about it.
In spite of that, problems still exist with how changes in routes are communicated. Passengers didn’t mind the focus on safety but felt frustrated by limited choices and information during disruptions. The gap between what passengers reported and what the company said reveals ongoing friction between keeping people safe and meeting customer expectations.
The crew’s quick response during emergencies stands out. These trained professionals showed why strict maritime emergency protocols matter as they secured damaged areas and got food service running again within minutes. Their quick thinking and action stopped more people from getting hurt.
Looking at previous incidents, Royal Caribbean has improved parts of their storm management but still gets caught off guard by severe weather sometimes. Atlantic storm patterns keep getting harder to predict. Cruise lines need better weather tracking systems and emergency responses. Passengers should remember that ocean trips, even with modern technology, ended up at nature’s mercy—which sometimes reminds everyone just how powerful it can be.
Here are some FAQs about Royal Caribbean cruise caught in storm:
Did a Royal Caribbean ship get caught in a hurricane?
While Royal Caribbean ships have encountered storms, there is no widely reported recent incident of one being caught in a hurricane. The cruise line closely monitors weather and will alter itineraries to avoid severe systems, making a royal caribbean cruise caught in storm 2025 scenario highly unlikely with modern forecasting.
Has a cruise ship ever been caught in a storm?
Yes, cruise ships have occasionally been caught in storms, though modern vessels are designed to handle rough seas. The story of a royal caribbean cruise caught in storm new jersey might circulate online, but such events are rare due to advanced weather avoidance protocols.
What happens if a cruise ship gets caught in a storm?
If a cruise ship encounters a storm, the captain will typically alter course to avoid the worst weather and secure all outdoor areas. Passengers might experience rough seas and be asked to stay in their cabins during a royal caribbean cruise caught in storm situation for safety.
What is the 3 1 1 rule on Royal Caribbean?
The 3-1-1 rule refers to the liquid policy for carry-on luggage, allowing containers of 3.4 ounces or less that fit in one quart-sized bag per person. This security measure is unrelated to weather and any royal caribbean cruise caught in storm update would focus on passenger safety, not baggage rules.
Can a cruise ship survive a hurricane at sea?
Yes, a modern cruise ship is engineered to survive hurricane conditions at sea, though the experience would be extremely uncomfortable for passengers. The design of a royal caribbean