Has a Cruise Ship Ever Been Hit by a Hurricane?

By Robert Palmer

Cruise ships have been around for decades and have become a popular vacation choice for people from all walks of life. But one thing that many people don’t consider when booking a cruise is the possibility that their ship could be hit by a hurricane. While it’s rare, it does happen and can be a frightening experience.

The most famous example of a cruise ship being hit by a hurricane was in 2005 when Hurricane Wilma struck the Caribbean Sea. The Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas was in the middle of its voyage when Wilma made landfall.

The ship was caught in winds up to 190 mph and experienced 30-foot swells as it tried to make its way back to port. Fortunately, no one was injured and the ship arrived safely.

More recently, in 2017, Hurricane Irma caused damage to multiple cruise ships in the Caribbean. The Disney Fantasy, Carnival Liberty, and Norwegian Escape were all affected by the storm, with some passengers reporting high winds and heavy rain. Again, no passengers were injured but some reported feeling scared and anxious during the ordeal.

Cruise companies take every precaution to ensure that their ships are safe from hurricanes by monitoring weather conditions closely. If there is an impending storm, they will reroute the ship or return to port as soon as possible. They also have protocols in place for if a ship does get caught in a hurricane such as securing all loose items on board, closing public areas and having passengers remain in their cabins.

Conclusion:

Yes, it is possible for a cruise ship to be hit by a hurricane but it is very rare due to careful monitoring of weather conditions by cruise companies. When it does happen, safety protocols are usually followed to ensure that passengers remain safe. As long as you stay informed about weather conditions before setting sail on your next cruise vacation you should be fine.