Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Tilts 45 Degrees in Sudden Storm
Passengers on board the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas were left clinging for their lives on November 7, after a freak squall off the coast of Africa caused the massive cruise ship to tilt dramatically. According to eyewitness accounts and viral footage circulating on social media, the ship reportedly tilted around 45 degrees, throwing furniture, dishes, and even passengers across its interior as chaos erupted on board.
The Explorer of the Seas, a 137,308-gross-ton vessel, encountered the sudden squall—a fast-forming storm characterized by sharp, sustained winds that can reach hurricane speeds—while carrying more than 5,000 passengers and crew members. Although Royal Caribbean has yet to release an official report on the storm’s intensity, initial estimates suggest that the winds reached hurricane strength, putting considerable strain on the ship’s stability.
Viral Footage Captures Shocking Scene Onboard
Footage shared on X (formerly Twitter) has amassed over 22 million views, showing the terrifying moments as the ship tipped into the Atlantic. In the video, passengers can be seen struggling to hold on as tables, chairs, and other loose objects slide uncontrollably. Plates and glasses were strewn across the floor, leaving shattered glass and spilled food in their wake. Crew members, attempting to calm panicked guests, navigated the chaos with steady but strained urgency.
One passenger described the scene on Facebook, posting, “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.”
Another passenger shared similar sentiments, describing a frantic scramble to find safety as the ship continued to tilt. “It was like something out of a movie,” they said, adding that crew members instructed everyone to remain calm and try to secure themselves.
Royal Caribbean Responds to the Crisis
As the situation unfolded, crew members reportedly advised passengers to return to their cabins for their own safety. According to reports from Beaumont Enterprise, this was partly done to ensure that everyone could be accounted for and that any injuries could be immediately addressed.
Royal Caribbean has since confirmed that, despite the alarming nature of the incident, there were no major injuries. However, some passengers and crew did suffer minor cuts and bruises, mostly from falling objects or slips during the ship’s abrupt tilt. Onboard medical staff provided first aid where necessary, and additional staff were deployed to assist passengers.
Royal Caribbean has issued a brief statement reassuring the public that safety protocols were followed and that the ship’s crew responded in accordance with emergency procedures. The cruise line also stated that weather-related incidents are rare, and they have systems in place to monitor and manage severe weather conditions. Nevertheless, questions are being raised about whether advanced warning systems could have better predicted the storm, giving the crew more time to prepare.
Passengers Share Harrowing Accounts Online
As news of the incident spread, passengers began to share their harrowing experiences on social media, posting images and videos that vividly captured the extent of the chaos. One video in particular shows a bustling dining area transformed into a scene of destruction, with food, dishes, and even some furniture strewn across the floor. “It was horrifying,” another passenger wrote, adding that the sudden shift in the ship’s angle made it difficult for anyone to stand without support.
Several passengers expressed frustration with the lack of advance warning about the squall. “We understand that weather can be unpredictable, but it felt like there could have been more preparation or at least a heads-up,” one guest posted. Others, however, commended the crew for their swift response and efforts to keep people calm despite the frightening circumstances.
Experts Weigh In on Maritime Safety
The incident on Explorer of the Seas has reignited discussions on cruise ship safety protocols in extreme weather. Maritime safety experts note that modern cruise ships like Explorer of the Seas are equipped with stabilizers to counteract rough seas and unpredictable shifts in weather, but squalls present unique challenges. Unlike hurricanes, which can be tracked over several days, squalls can appear suddenly and without sufficient time for evasive action.
According to Cruise Hive, while ships can’t always avoid such rapid weather changes, the vessel’s ability to return to a steady state after a tilt suggests that Explorer of the Seas remained fundamentally stable, despite the alarming conditions onboard. Cruise companies routinely conduct emergency training for all crew members, allowing them to manage the ship and passengers safely in even the most unexpected situations.
Looking Ahead
While the incident has no doubt left a lasting impression on those aboard Explorer of the Seas, it also serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of emergency preparedness. For Royal Caribbean, the experience highlights the potential need for enhanced weather-monitoring systems, particularly on routes prone to sudden storms.
As viral footage of the incident continues to circulate, passengers and crew are processing the frightening experience and commending the efforts that prevented what could have been a far more serious incident. Although shaken, the majority of passengers were relieved to make it through without major harm, and Royal Caribbean is likely to review its protocols to ensure passenger safety in any future unexpected weather event.
For now, Explorer of the Seas continues its journey, while passengers and crew alike look forward to calmer waters ahead.
