So many comments about the storm being predicted makes me question not the judgment of the Captain or the Corporation (they're in business to sail, ppl! And this particular sailing proves that, sail they will -- in case you had any doubts!) Rather, what were all these 6,000 pax thinking/planning, as they themselves saw the weather forecast for the area they were due to sail into. Speaks to the tendency of ppl to believe in the fantasy, rather than acknowledge the reality. Myself; I adore cruising. But I *carefully* monitor the seas where I'm heading (via the NOAA website is a good place for info) and you can know that, in this instance, I would *not* have been aboard. Refund or no refund.
I don't usually agree with Republican senators, but this incident needs to be investigated, documented, reviewed and made public. Anthem held her own throughout this high powered storm, but why did the ship persist on a deadly course when its barometer HAD to be showing EXTREMELY LOW barometric pressure on its barometer. Shouldn't the barometer reading set off an alarm to wake up those on the bridge. Was the captain listening to his bridge instruments or to corporate headquarters?
My guess is that Anthem came much closer to a disaster of TITANIC proportions than Royal Carib will ever admit publicly.
The real question is - do we, the cruising public, have to wait for the disaster to happen before strong measures are taken to insure that the failure of decision-making on board the Anthem, and would have likely happened on other cruise ships as well, is prevented from happening by stringent regulations. being put in place.
PS to the NY Times and other media, if 9/11 with 3K plus deaths was a big story, how big would this one have been with the sinking of the Anthem and the 6K souls on board? Do the investigation, do the work, don't let the "story" die so we cruisers won't have to in order to insure that at sea SAFETY comes first.
My guess is that Anthem came much closer to a disaster of TITANIC proportions than Royal Carib will ever admit publicly.
The real question is - do we, the cruising public, have to wait for the disaster to happen before strong measures are taken to insure that the failure of decision-making on board the Anthem, and would have likely happened on other cruise ships as well, is prevented from happening by stringent regulations. being put in place.
PS to the NY Times and other media, if 9/11 with 3K plus deaths was a big story, how big would this one have been with the sinking of the Anthem and the 6K souls on board? Do the investigation, do the work, don't let the "story" die so we cruisers won't have to in order to insure that at sea SAFETY comes first.
When I was a child (some 50 years ago!), my family went to Nantucket for the summer. In those days, Nantucket was not like today. It was still a charming backwater without celebrities and millionaires, fancy restaurants and giant houses. The only way to get there was on the ferry, which we would take from Woods Hole, MA. The crossing was short, and there were no cabins onboard. You just walked around the deck or sat inside on a bench. One of the favorite stories in my family was of a crossing that my grandparents experienced when the ferry was caught in a storm. The winds were so high and the ferry was tossing and turning so much that my grandmother and other ladies were actually tied to the benches that were bolted to the floor so they wouldn't be swept overboard. Of course, they would have all drowned if the boat had gone down, so that probably wasn't the kindness it was intended to be.
As a child, I was terrified of the ferry ride and often had to be carried on board by my father because I would refuse to board. I am still skeptical of boats and would never board a cruise ship. Mr. Dykes and the other passengers will now have a survival story to be passed down in their own families.
As a child, I was terrified of the ferry ride and often had to be carried on board by my father because I would refuse to board. I am still skeptical of boats and would never board a cruise ship. Mr. Dykes and the other passengers will now have a survival story to be passed down in their own families.
I was surprised that there was no video of the storm. Did I miss it? Surely some passengers recorded everything?
My comment is just two words: The Poseidon Adventure (well that's three words but I've made my point)
I've never been on a cruise ship but I did take a car ferry from the Port of Rome to Sardinia and back. It was terribly overcrowded and the was nowhere to even sit for the overnight trip. I felt like a refugee. Never again will I take a car ferry. As for a cruise ship you can count that out too. Drowning is not in my future plans.
A friend who went on the trip said it was the worst vacation ever. Had it not been for the captain who guided the ship back to shore, there is a strong chance that it would have capsized. To prevent it from tipping over (esp bc of it's tall height) he kept steering the ship around the waves do that the ship was hit with waves from the front and not the sides. The wind/water also damaged one of the propellers. Thank god everyone got off the boat safely...!
2
As a veteran of many cruises, I am amazed that a ship carrying 6,000 people on a pleasure ride would find itself anywhere near a storm of that size and intensity. Clearly, a horrible error in judgement on the part of the captain and the cruise line to put so many in danger regardless of the outcome.
Second, 'free movies' and 'free mini-bar' as a shipboard reward for risking your life? Again, the pleasure of a cruise once was that every whim would be catered to--without seeing a bill for the courtesy. The modern cruise is more like an MBA course in 'yield management.' The cost of admission is low but every aspect of life aboard ship is designed to extract additional dollars from the hapless guests. From stupid drinks in giant plastic 'keepsake' glasses being hawked at poolside to game rooms which encourage your children to spend hundreds of dollars on games conveniently--and slyly- billed to their room card. You won't know a thing about it until you settle up at the end of the cruise.
Enjoy-- I don't think we are going back.
Second, 'free movies' and 'free mini-bar' as a shipboard reward for risking your life? Again, the pleasure of a cruise once was that every whim would be catered to--without seeing a bill for the courtesy. The modern cruise is more like an MBA course in 'yield management.' The cost of admission is low but every aspect of life aboard ship is designed to extract additional dollars from the hapless guests. From stupid drinks in giant plastic 'keepsake' glasses being hawked at poolside to game rooms which encourage your children to spend hundreds of dollars on games conveniently--and slyly- billed to their room card. You won't know a thing about it until you settle up at the end of the cruise.
Enjoy-- I don't think we are going back.
2
Am not into cruising but these huge cruise ships always look top heavy unlike trans-Atlantic liners of the past. Are the cruise ships more vulnerable? Would like to know. Friends who cruise always opt to fly south to pick up a cruise as they say winter seas along eastern seaboard are not always the best.
1
with all the information available to the Captain and the cruise line, that cruise should have been canceled.
Although the Captain and the crew did a magnificent job, the engine room and all its moving parts is what helps you survive such a pounding from the sea. If the propeller and/or the rudder system is damaged in such a storm you are at the mercy of the sea.
I believe the cruise line used this storm as a way to test their ship's capabilities, why else would you go out there? They ended up coming back, lost money and probably lost customers.
There should be an inquiry so this cruise line does not make this mistake again. If that ship would have capsized in that storm, all hands would have been lost, no doubt.
Although the Captain and the crew did a magnificent job, the engine room and all its moving parts is what helps you survive such a pounding from the sea. If the propeller and/or the rudder system is damaged in such a storm you are at the mercy of the sea.
I believe the cruise line used this storm as a way to test their ship's capabilities, why else would you go out there? They ended up coming back, lost money and probably lost customers.
There should be an inquiry so this cruise line does not make this mistake again. If that ship would have capsized in that storm, all hands would have been lost, no doubt.
1
We just got back from a 7 day cruise out of New Orleans to the usual ports (Cozumel, Belize, Roatan, etc) and on the way back to nola we went through a spot of rough weather and seas. It was our third cruise out of nola (the others were Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica) but this one night the weather seemed almost hurricane like. The ship was shuddering, all the glasses in the glass cabinet (we were in a suite) fell down (nothing broken, but that kind of noise at 3am when you already can't sleep due to rolling and pitching is scary). There was one particularly noisy, intense shudder where you get that fleeting image in your head that the ship might be starting to rip in two. Honestly, I think we felt and heard more because we were in an aft facing suite above where the engines are. People at breakfast the next day with cabins mid-ship said they did not experience the same noise and lurching about as we did. Conversely, people staying in forward facing suites had an even rougher time than us, and experienced brutal pounding with each oncoming giant wave.
It's open water (in our case, the Gulf of Mexico). Stuff happens. The captain announced the next morning that it was unexpected; the intensity of the bad weather was much greater than predicted, and he further told us that we had lost two hours of time because he had to slow the ship down to safely get through the battering waves and tropical storm speed winds. Generally, these experienced captains know what they are doing.
It's open water (in our case, the Gulf of Mexico). Stuff happens. The captain announced the next morning that it was unexpected; the intensity of the bad weather was much greater than predicted, and he further told us that we had lost two hours of time because he had to slow the ship down to safely get through the battering waves and tropical storm speed winds. Generally, these experienced captains know what they are doing.
1
On a cruise ship that the wife and I were on a few years back the captain delayed leaving port for 10 hours to avoid traveling through a storm. Sounds to me, and I confess not to have all the details, that the captain of the Anthem of the Seas might have made a better decision than he did and delayed sailing. I have looked at the weather maps and he had all the information he needed to make such a decision.
I am sure that a delay and or rerouting of the cruise would have been better than all the mess that was produced to the ship and passengers experience.
I am sure that a delay and or rerouting of the cruise would have been better than all the mess that was produced to the ship and passengers experience.
1
If not totally avoidable it should have been about 99% avoidable. With all the electronics available, satellite weather and the corporate offices double checking everything this was a full blown at sea disaster from which passengers and crew lucked out. However, the captain should not "luck out." Considering the resources he seems to have exhibited a level of dereliction that cannot be supported. He probably should be relieved. Being falsely cavalier about what the ship went thru is no answer for the mistakes made.
1
Again, one of the many reasons,unfortunately,why I will never take a cruise. Besides reading about passengers stories of getting sick,engines catching on fire,causing power loss which in turn causing inhabitable conditions for passengers as the ship limps back to port,now to the stupid stuff,tearing you ship apart,causing death and injuries just so you can get closer to a scenic shoreline so you can show off and then be one of the first ones off the ship while your passengers are trying to stay alive and now this incident,which could have been prevented because the captain knew about the storm prior to sailing,but decided to sail anyway because he is the captain of the "3rd largest cruise ship in the world?" I rest my case.
2
The most shocking aspect of this story is that anyone would choose to vacation by themselves on a cruise ship when they have friends inviting them to do actual fun things.
4
Two admittedly nit-picking items:
1. The writer claimed that everything in the room had been secured except for two glasses in the bedroom. If so, why would there be glass all over the bathroom floor? Did something else break? Did the glasses shatter a mirror? What happened, or is this a bit of an exaggeration?
2. He says that he "rotated between" sitting on the bed supported by his hands on the bed and his feet on the floor. what? Doesn't rotate suggest that he assumed another position?
Curious read aside, but I can't help but think that someone at corporate is/has already paid the price for the terrible decision to head out into a storm with a ship full of passengers. Spending seven hours locked up in a cabin is definitely not my idea of a fun and relaxing cruise, even with full access to the stale snacks and tiny bottles of liquor in the mini-bar to watch to the Super Bowl. As it turns out, RCL's offer of a full refund and a 50% discount on a future cruise sounds like good PR at work. When the story is told ten years from now, the winds will be in excess of 200 mph and the waves 100 ft tall.
1. The writer claimed that everything in the room had been secured except for two glasses in the bedroom. If so, why would there be glass all over the bathroom floor? Did something else break? Did the glasses shatter a mirror? What happened, or is this a bit of an exaggeration?
2. He says that he "rotated between" sitting on the bed supported by his hands on the bed and his feet on the floor. what? Doesn't rotate suggest that he assumed another position?
Curious read aside, but I can't help but think that someone at corporate is/has already paid the price for the terrible decision to head out into a storm with a ship full of passengers. Spending seven hours locked up in a cabin is definitely not my idea of a fun and relaxing cruise, even with full access to the stale snacks and tiny bottles of liquor in the mini-bar to watch to the Super Bowl. As it turns out, RCL's offer of a full refund and a 50% discount on a future cruise sounds like good PR at work. When the story is told ten years from now, the winds will be in excess of 200 mph and the waves 100 ft tall.
2
Think about it : going to sea to get from point A to point A.
1
Just back from the Anthem. It was rocking, yes, but I never felt unsafe. The captain had told us we were heading into a storm and what the predictions were as far as wave heights. This storm was not as predicted. The captain and the crew did a great job keeping us informed and safe. Royal Caribbean gave us free movies, free internet, and finally a free cruise (plus 50% extra towards another).
8
ok look at the brite sidee the cruise line is gonna make u feel good about what you gonna see and do the rest of the way like a private island free drinks one extra desert each at dinner, but just for the weekends; u gonna get to keep your cabin bathrobe and u gonna get an extra picture for just half price on captain nite dinner; oh wait since the lines and u did survive winds of up to 160mph and waves and waters battering the ship like an enemy vessel firing upon it....u gonna get a free certificate saying "I survived a near reallife PoseidonAdventure and all I got was this lousy teeshirt...."...the cruise staff onland gonna meet u when u dock and give u a goodie bag with suntan lotion, handfan, some oatmeal raisin cookies and a bottle of warm water and some seasick meds....and u gonna be offered a one weeks future cruise which must be taken exact same week, same ship, same itinerary and during identical weather forecasted stops and u gonna get this for 6% off of regular prices plus tax state tax and port tax and tips....so smile scooter.....the cruise line know s u flirted with death at sea but they are here for YOU. DMAAbonddjamesbondsobe/
1
We live in a natural world beset with unpredictable weather and turbulence in the air. As much as the travel industry would like you to believe in their artificial environments (like the air bridge that transports you from the lounge to the plane - without actually seeing the whole airplane you're boarding) or the artificial world of cruise ships (that bring the multiplex and mall food court to the open ocean) - it still is a nasty unpredictable world out there. And yes you might get wet...inconvenienced, or sick or hurt in clear air turbulence.
Again, think of the people who are drowning off Greece and would give anything for the lifeboat the cruise ship passengers are likely to never need.
Again, think of the people who are drowning off Greece and would give anything for the lifeboat the cruise ship passengers are likely to never need.
5
Bet the kids had a GREAT time !! Went through a BIG storm on the Lurline in 1968 from SF to Honolulu. My parents were concerned, as my dad who had been in the Navy, said it was a good sized storm. My brothers and I had immense fun riding the cot back and forth across the room. We were practicing for the Hawaiian surf !! Bouncing off the hallway walls was also incredibly fun. The only bummer was when the rocking stopped, our inner ears didn't and the resulting seasickness dimmed the fun factor !!
13
To my mind, the only real cause for concern when large oceangoing vessels hit severe weather is what is going on down in the engine room. It is essential that ships can make way against heavy seas. If perchance the rolling of the hull either interferes with fueling the engines - or damages the rudder or steering mechanism - then a ship at the mercy of storm waves is indeed in peril, particularly of capsizing.
10
I've always preferred to gaze down upon the sea from a comfortable 35,000 feet with a cocktail in hand!!!
1
Pretty sure a storm is high enough to affect you flying if you are "gazing upon stomy sea".
3
I have never had the desire to cruise because it seemed to be all about eating and drinking secondary to dressing up.
My father was a a pilot (pilots are charged with navigating in unfamiliar coastal waters and docking/undocking ships in tight quarters) for cruise ships in South East Alaska. He observed that another way to see Alaska was on the ferries, which had staterooms, and furthermore that the ferries didn't have the all you can eat buffets. This was in the 1970's-1980s, before the cruise ships became much larger and so unlike ships. Go to sea in a floating Las Vegas type-hotel, it hits bad weather, and it is surprising that non-seaworthy amenities are damaged or out of commission and/or the ship barely weathers the storm? The reporter's unawareness of the sea kept me reading. May I recommend John McPhee's "Looking for a Ship" NY Times review here: https://www.nytimes.com/books/98/07/05/specials/mcphee-ship.html
My first, and hopefully last, cruise came while I was aboard the troop ship USS General Mann steaming from San Francisco to Inchon, Korea, to help maintain the truce in Korea. When I read about the troubles of tourists aboard luxurious cruise ships today it only reminds me of the 21 days we 3,000 troops endured while we churned through Pacific storms. And when everyone was barfing in the group toilet facilities while others were barfing above us, as we were stacked 4 high in bunks, I vowed that I would never get on another ship in my life. So far I have succeeded. Today I won't even row a boat. Pay thousands to be battered on a cruise ship! No thanks.
6
A friend also crossed the Pacific on a troop ship to Korea. During a storm, some old salt used some pretext to gather around as many of the miserable, seasick men as he could, in the crowded, smelly belowdecks. Once he had their attention and some quiet, he cracked an egg into a glass and drank it.
Sorry Mr Dwyer but your first and last "cruise" wasn't a cruise. It was a ship built for war, not vacationing and that was over 60 years ago at a time when ship's navigations weren't as technologically enhanced as today's.
What happened to Anthem is a rare event and would have been even a non-event had the ship not sailed into bad weather that was forecast.
As the writer noted, although downright terrifying, all the passengers are fine and the ship came through with flying colors. Helps that the captain and crew are first rate.
Hope you will try cruising since it is one of the more pleasurable experiences one can have while marveling at the expanse of ocean and the heavens above. I can't wait for my next cruise.
What happened to Anthem is a rare event and would have been even a non-event had the ship not sailed into bad weather that was forecast.
As the writer noted, although downright terrifying, all the passengers are fine and the ship came through with flying colors. Helps that the captain and crew are first rate.
Hope you will try cruising since it is one of the more pleasurable experiences one can have while marveling at the expanse of ocean and the heavens above. I can't wait for my next cruise.
2
I would have loved this cruise. My wife and I know how to snuggle in and watch movies all day. And how to dial room service ...
1
I have to agree with 'mobocracy'
a few more of these apparently careless outings on the high seas
with 4000 aboard
and we`re going to be looking at a catastrophic event
a few more of these apparently careless outings on the high seas
with 4000 aboard
and we`re going to be looking at a catastrophic event
2
Take out the words Superbowl, wif-fi and jazuzzi... then think of all those poor souls trying to find a better life out of Syria.
6
Mediterranean Sea so not above storms. Syrian migrants are in more danger in the sea of refugees and terrorists.
1
Wonderful account of a terrifying situation. You are very brave to have gotten through this ordeal, Mr. Dykes. A drink was definitely in order. Thank goodness it all worked out. If anything further could come from the experience, perhaps more writing would be a possibility. You definitely have a gift for detail and humorous timing. Could be a story about Mardi Gras (2017) or your dog? Who knows. So long as it's on terra firma. Probably best for the time being.
5
"You are very brave to have gotten through this ordeal.."
"Brave," seems an odd choice of words. Our narrator did not knowingly volunteer for this ordeal.
"Brave," seems an odd choice of words. Our narrator did not knowingly volunteer for this ordeal.
2
It's meant as a compliment. Perhaps someone less brave would not have seen the humor in the situation. Kudos to Mr. Dykes for his attitude. An example of making the best of a "downright terrifying" situation.
Brave - Ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage: she was very brave about the whole thing. Oxford Dictionaries
Brave - Ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage: she was very brave about the whole thing. Oxford Dictionaries
1
We just returned from a 7 week trans-atlantic cruise to the Mediterranean. While preparing to leave port at Athens, Greece, the Captain of the Maasdam announced that another Holland America cruise ship had radioed in about heavy seas that were tossing his ship, a larger one than the Massdam, around quite a bit. Our ship's captain then announced for the safety of our ship and passengers we would not said that evening for the next port in Greece and that instead we would remain overnight in Athens and then proceed to Italy. The seas the next day were not exactly smooth but after about 3 PM they started to calm. Good call by our captain.
7
you may want to set up an account say of $10.000 +/- depending on age for your retriever; that someone of your trusted family or friends would carry out your wishes as you would.
The taller and larger the vessel, the greater the surface area for wind, to say nothing of waves. Far safer to port these ships as hotels at docks. or for 12 hour gambling cruises just beyond the legal limit.
And to say nothing about the on-board perils of communicated illnesses with 5,000 other passengers and crew from wherever.
If you want to journey the wide open oceans, join the Merchant Marine and get training, or get an app to show what it's like.
And to say nothing about the on-board perils of communicated illnesses with 5,000 other passengers and crew from wherever.
If you want to journey the wide open oceans, join the Merchant Marine and get training, or get an app to show what it's like.
2
Seriously. Was this captain unaware of the weather that was building off the Cape? We do have multiple weather broadcasts and navigational equipment to track storms. What tests do these captains of large cruise vessels take before they are given their licenses? This is appallingly bad judgement to sail into a massive storm like this. Terrible experience for trusting, unsuspecting passengers . The Captain should be grounded for good.
6
Because the weather men are always right, and never change their forecasts? And storms never change direction?
1
I'm glad you weren't sailing with us. We were fine and thankfully not as judgmental as you.
1
Actually, a simple barometer being watched by an alert crew member would have seen a severe drop in pressure taking place before his/her eyes. Then further investigation via internet and other communications would have told the Captain that his ship was heading for disaster and that he should come about and flee IMMEDIATELY.
Someone made the judgment that the vessel "could take it" and in this case, it did. The question here is...will the next ship in such a situation be that lucky? And if not, we have Titanic, 21st century version. And further, will the "powers that be" learn from this near disaster and correct all those things that went wrong?
Someone made the judgment that the vessel "could take it" and in this case, it did. The question here is...will the next ship in such a situation be that lucky? And if not, we have Titanic, 21st century version. And further, will the "powers that be" learn from this near disaster and correct all those things that went wrong?
Kudos to the captain -- having sailed for many years (on open deck boats), no matter how sturdy your vessel is, turning back is one of the wisest things any pilot can do.
13
First, this person is REALLY dramatic. "contemplating whether or not I should start composing goodbye messages to the people I love" and "God, how I wish I were there. Anywhere but here.” "No other human voices" Ugh. I mean, you are in a bad situation but come on, way to dramatic. I think much of this was hyped up for the writing of the article (I hope so, or I would hate to know this person in real life).
2. Why is she alone on a cruise but then had two cocktail classes? Did she have "someone" in the room with her for "company"?
3. I would take ALL the alcohol in the mini bar if it were free, have you see the prices on the drinks for cruises?
2. Why is she alone on a cruise but then had two cocktail classes? Did she have "someone" in the room with her for "company"?
3. I would take ALL the alcohol in the mini bar if it were free, have you see the prices on the drinks for cruises?
2
You are absolutely clueless about a storm of this magnitude.
Two (sic) classes in a stateroom. You must not stay in hotels. Customary to have duplicate glasses,towels,etc.
Two (sic) classes in a stateroom. You must not stay in hotels. Customary to have duplicate glasses,towels,etc.
1
As far as I know, they give you the same glassware regardless of how many people there are in the room. If you want something different, either fewer glasses or more, your cabin attendant will assuredly help you.
1
You're not serious, are you? "Someone" in the room? What, like a stoaway? Or (gasp) a lover?
And so what, if she's being dramatic...this was a very scary experience. Believe me, I might have been thinking the same thing and I am not known to panic. I would have been saying my old Catholic prayers, I assure you. Couldn't hurt...
Anyway,you must have not been to many hotels. Often there glasses both in the bath and bedroom. And don't you think think you'd like a different one for mouthwash than for soda? And take all the alcohol, sheesh...
If I ever take another cruise, I hope I do not run in to you...
And so what, if she's being dramatic...this was a very scary experience. Believe me, I might have been thinking the same thing and I am not known to panic. I would have been saying my old Catholic prayers, I assure you. Couldn't hurt...
Anyway,you must have not been to many hotels. Often there glasses both in the bath and bedroom. And don't you think think you'd like a different one for mouthwash than for soda? And take all the alcohol, sheesh...
If I ever take another cruise, I hope I do not run in to you...
2
Sounds like a great adventure to me! The captain and crew appear to have successfully managed such a huge new ship in some unexpectedly severe conditions. Looking at marinetraffic.com there were other ships in the same waters with hearty crews getting through. Even one other cruise ship - Carnival Pride.
The waters off Hatteras are easy to underestimate by ANYONE. The localized conditions and strengths can vary significantly within a small area. With the HUGE top heavy surface area these new cruise ships have, it is amazing they have any control at all with the gusting winds they endured. Kudos to the Captain and crew.
The waters off Hatteras are easy to underestimate by ANYONE. The localized conditions and strengths can vary significantly within a small area. With the HUGE top heavy surface area these new cruise ships have, it is amazing they have any control at all with the gusting winds they endured. Kudos to the Captain and crew.
3
Clearly the accounting department was skippering this vessel.
3
If that were so they'd be riding out a second storm right now instead of heading back to Bayonne.
2
I'm more surprised that the cabin attendants weren't instructed to secure the glassware. I just got off the Prinsendam, a much smaller ship, and the cabin attendants put a rolled-up towel to pin the glassware at the back of the cabinet.
As for the rest of it, well, sorry, but worse things happen at sea.
As for the rest of it, well, sorry, but worse things happen at sea.
2
I am sure that everyone is welcome to secure their own glassware. One should not need to depend on staff to put breakable objects in a place where they will not slide off a counter or break.
4
Given the fact that the cruise lines have an abundance of weather related, including doppler radar, information, why would the Captain, knowing that he cannot outrun a storm with hurricane winds up to 150 miles per hours, in a vessel with a top cruising speed of approximately 22 knots per hour, go into Harm's Way? This is one of the main questions that the Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board will want to examine.
My wife and I are survivors of 9/11, both having worked, in different directions, and only hundreds of feet from the Twin Towers on that day. As horrible as the events were on that day, being on a ship in hurricane ridden seas poses to me, a far greater risk. On 9/11, I was able to seek refuge in the basement level of a bank. However, on the open seas, you can't run, you can't hide.
I am glad this has come to light so that the situation can be fully vetted, and hopefully lead to significant improvements.
Additionally, I spoke with an aide in Senator Bill Nelson's office today. Kudos to him for being proactive in this matter.
My wife and I are booked on this vessel, for a trip later in the year. At this point, the jury is still out.
My wife and I are survivors of 9/11, both having worked, in different directions, and only hundreds of feet from the Twin Towers on that day. As horrible as the events were on that day, being on a ship in hurricane ridden seas poses to me, a far greater risk. On 9/11, I was able to seek refuge in the basement level of a bank. However, on the open seas, you can't run, you can't hide.
I am glad this has come to light so that the situation can be fully vetted, and hopefully lead to significant improvements.
Additionally, I spoke with an aide in Senator Bill Nelson's office today. Kudos to him for being proactive in this matter.
My wife and I are booked on this vessel, for a trip later in the year. At this point, the jury is still out.
3
I don't know what you'd have them do. A ship in port cannot run and cannot hide and can wind up beached. Cruise ships try to work around weather systems. I was on a transpacific last year and the captain worked around a typhoon that went on to devastate the northern Philippines. We stayed in sunny weather, at least until we hit the haze from those fires in Indonesia, but that's another story.
5
Unfortunately, it appears that the video of the cruise director and the captain, which I previously viewed, was an attempt at "damage control", and may point to something more underlying - the profit motive. Corporations always weigh risk vs. reward. Yes, worse things do happen at sea. However, the safety of the ships passengers should be the first and most important priority, always.
1
Cost and safety are constant trade-offs. Every journey, by land, sea, or air could be safer. Life's a compromise!
I find this piece a bit odd. I'm not a big cruiser, just two, on small ships, 130 and 99 passenger size. One to Antarctica, the last from the Falklands to South Georgia Island (in good weather, two days east of there) and back.
The first cruise was flat water. On the way back last November we hit a storm with 100 knot winds and 30 foot waves, which in comparison to the ship were much larger than those the Anthem was in. It took four days to get back instead of two. 70% of that time was in heavy seas. The waves were high enough that they were very occasionally hitting up to the bottom of the 4th deck above the waterline. (The windows in the lounge on the third deck were covered by steel plates during the storm.) There was no broken glass, only a very few chairs turned over (most were permanently mounted, a few others chained down), the piano survived quite well if not 100% OK, and best of all, all meals were served as planned and about 80% of the passengers showed up (some wine was spilled).
I surely understand what all the fuss was about on the Anthem ... but I don't understand why there was so much (minor) damage.
The first cruise was flat water. On the way back last November we hit a storm with 100 knot winds and 30 foot waves, which in comparison to the ship were much larger than those the Anthem was in. It took four days to get back instead of two. 70% of that time was in heavy seas. The waves were high enough that they were very occasionally hitting up to the bottom of the 4th deck above the waterline. (The windows in the lounge on the third deck were covered by steel plates during the storm.) There was no broken glass, only a very few chairs turned over (most were permanently mounted, a few others chained down), the piano survived quite well if not 100% OK, and best of all, all meals were served as planned and about 80% of the passengers showed up (some wine was spilled).
I surely understand what all the fuss was about on the Anthem ... but I don't understand why there was so much (minor) damage.
3
Underestimating oceanic storms or failing to take into account the possibility a small low pressure system could suddenly bomb (dramatically increase in strength in a short period of time) over the warmer sea surface temperatures of the Gulf Stream off North Carolina gave rise to the areas nickname "Graveyard of the Atlantic." Think back to the ill-fated "El Faro." A hurricane that quickly grew to a Cat 4 and an old ship with apparent mechanical problems. While the Anthem of the Seas is a new ship it was not build to sail through 100-mph plus winds and 30-foot seas. It's no Queen Mary or QE2 which were built for the North Atlantic. Days before the storm that the Anthem of the Seas sailed into the U.S. National Weather Service office in Philadelphia/Mount Holly, N.J. was forecasting an extreme low pressure system forming off the North Carolina coast. That office was concerned the storm could cause serious problems for the Mid-Atlantic states, high winds, pounding surf, snow and coastal flooding. Lucky for us it passed well offshore of N.Y and N.J. -- unlucky for the passengers Anthem of the Seas who obviously experienced a horrific few hours at sea. I'd love to see what data the black box of this ship recorded during the storm, especially how much this apartment building at sea listed in those waves.
5
i was in that ship as well.wind speed was 138 knts max.and air pressure was was 975 hpa..we were at deck 9..i seen many times waves were hitting our window.ws really scary
4
On the bright side, the Anthem of the Seas never lost the Super Bowl satellite signal throughout the storm.
--------------------------
More than a few Carolina fans considering jumping off the promenade deck, their suicide masked by a rogue wave in consideration of the family. "Please turn the signal off, captain!"
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More than a few Carolina fans considering jumping off the promenade deck, their suicide masked by a rogue wave in consideration of the family. "Please turn the signal off, captain!"
9
The only scarier thing would be to dock at Cancun and be taken over by El Chapo's aggrieved narco-terrorists in suicide vests, in some weeks-long hostage situation to swap for Shorty and his Napoleonic complex. Trump will never let that happen! Dock at Aruba instead.
1
Cancun is not a regular port of call for cruise ships. Do you mean Cozumel?
1
?????MX narcotraficantes absolutely don't wear suicide vest. Your attempt at humor is insipid.
2
I was fascinated in my Jersey Shore youth by Monster Waves, usually just before a hurricane arrived, when I could see the wave tops from our front window. Hurricane Hazel, ca. 1956? So long, fishing pier! Accounts of ocean phenomena back often cited:
1) the largest wave ever recorded was by the USS Ramapo destroyer (in the 1930s?), at 112-ft.
2) boulders weighing 1000s of pounds from the breakwater could shatter windows atop light houses 100-ft or so above sea level, lofted there by huge waves.
Also, there was a "Texas tower" oil rig 30 miles or so off the Jersey Shore, it went down in a hurricane ca. 1964 and many drowned. Walter Cronkite on his sailboat nearly sank in a surprise squall once, putting into a Jersey Shore harbor dismasted, etc.
When I sailed from NYC-Bermuda-Azores-Med in summer 1979 we had to return 100 mi. to Bermuda when the owner's paramour got hysterical in a nighttime squall on his 65-ft. ketch, I held her belt while she tried to jump overboard, violently seasick. 3-way seas looming out of the darkness, we wore lifelines to reef the sails. A week later a squall in UK's Fastnet Race cost many lives; I think Ted Turner won the race. I'd read "Kon-Tiki" as a kid, and felt I'd lived a bit of it that summer.
A few years ago I filmed 25- to 40-ft. waves along the coast (last week was the same.) 2 guys in a small boat disappeared, and a surfer drowned. A rogue wave of 100-ft. was seen at Maverick's by a state fisheries warden and crew.
1) the largest wave ever recorded was by the USS Ramapo destroyer (in the 1930s?), at 112-ft.
2) boulders weighing 1000s of pounds from the breakwater could shatter windows atop light houses 100-ft or so above sea level, lofted there by huge waves.
Also, there was a "Texas tower" oil rig 30 miles or so off the Jersey Shore, it went down in a hurricane ca. 1964 and many drowned. Walter Cronkite on his sailboat nearly sank in a surprise squall once, putting into a Jersey Shore harbor dismasted, etc.
When I sailed from NYC-Bermuda-Azores-Med in summer 1979 we had to return 100 mi. to Bermuda when the owner's paramour got hysterical in a nighttime squall on his 65-ft. ketch, I held her belt while she tried to jump overboard, violently seasick. 3-way seas looming out of the darkness, we wore lifelines to reef the sails. A week later a squall in UK's Fastnet Race cost many lives; I think Ted Turner won the race. I'd read "Kon-Tiki" as a kid, and felt I'd lived a bit of it that summer.
A few years ago I filmed 25- to 40-ft. waves along the coast (last week was the same.) 2 guys in a small boat disappeared, and a surfer drowned. A rogue wave of 100-ft. was seen at Maverick's by a state fisheries warden and crew.
4
"the largest wave ever recorded was by the USS Ramapo destroyer (in the 1930s?), at 112-ft."
I have always wondered how they find a reference point for measuring such a wave.
I have always wondered how they find a reference point for measuring such a wave.
The Texas Tower that was toppled in January of 1961 off the new Jersey Coast was not an oil rig, it was one of three early warning radar stations operated and manned by the U.S. Air Force. After the loss of Tower 4, the other two operating towers were eventually decommissioned.
1
Your comments to yourself are so utterly vivid. I, for one, would have been freaking...not screaming per se...but NOT wanting to stay locked in a (windowless?) room where I've no idea what's going on. I'd want to be at-the-ready with my lifejacket and all layers of clothing ON, and ready to go into the water (versus possibly trapped inside a huge vessel with water surging inside). My lord...it sounds like a potential Titanic all over again.
That said, thrilled at the captain's wise decision to turn back. Also nice/smart of them to offer full refunds.
That said, thrilled at the captain's wise decision to turn back. Also nice/smart of them to offer full refunds.
2
"Caine Mutiny" is a good hurricane at sea/will the captain keep us safe sort of film, possibly entertaining viewing in such a scenario.
1
You don't really think the captain should have even considered going on? The ship was damaged and, I'm sure, the passengers traumatized. And, yes, smart to offer refunds. Can you imagine the repercussions if they didn't?
Of course, one can never underestimate stupid. Years ago an Amtrak train crashed in Chase, MD, so could not complete its trip to NYC. My spouse actually witnessed, while waiting for a commuter train in a combined Amtrak/commuter station, a passenger from that train coming for a refund. The clerk, at first, did not want to refund the entire amount, because, after all Amtrak had gotten passengers at least as far as Chase. Really? Really? You cannot make this stuff up....
Of course, one can never underestimate stupid. Years ago an Amtrak train crashed in Chase, MD, so could not complete its trip to NYC. My spouse actually witnessed, while waiting for a commuter train in a combined Amtrak/commuter station, a passenger from that train coming for a refund. The clerk, at first, did not want to refund the entire amount, because, after all Amtrak had gotten passengers at least as far as Chase. Really? Really? You cannot make this stuff up....
3
I wonder if the free movies aboard included "The Finest Hours"? Life imitates art, big time. Maybe they relaxed by watching "The Revenant" instead.
1
Poseidon Adventure?
4
Having been born and raised in Ft. Lauderdale I've seen 135 mph winds in my backyard (Hurricane Cleo 1964) and the power of huge surf, as city work crews had to dig down through several feet of sand just to get to the tops of the shower heads which lined the edge of the beach after the storm.
As a life long surfer I love the ocean but I respect and fear it too.
I think Captain Andersen or Claus (can you have two captains in charge of a ship?) showed himself to be an excellent naval tactician when it came to ensuring that Anthem didn't capsize in the storm. It should have gone over under the described parameters.
Someone on the bridge blew the weather forecast on the Anthem's charted route however because the vessel should have changed course long before the storm became a threat.
I'm a strong swimmer so If I were a passenger on the Anthem I would have taken my chances near the exit to the top deck with a life vest. That way if the ship went into a terminal roll I won't necessarily go down to Davey Jones' locker like a sardine in a can. Trouble is at this time of year the water is too cold for hours of treading water awaiting rescue.
As a life long surfer I love the ocean but I respect and fear it too.
I think Captain Andersen or Claus (can you have two captains in charge of a ship?) showed himself to be an excellent naval tactician when it came to ensuring that Anthem didn't capsize in the storm. It should have gone over under the described parameters.
Someone on the bridge blew the weather forecast on the Anthem's charted route however because the vessel should have changed course long before the storm became a threat.
I'm a strong swimmer so If I were a passenger on the Anthem I would have taken my chances near the exit to the top deck with a life vest. That way if the ship went into a terminal roll I won't necessarily go down to Davey Jones' locker like a sardine in a can. Trouble is at this time of year the water is too cold for hours of treading water awaiting rescue.
3
Hypothermia would have made the strong swimmers die as quickly as the weak swimmers. BTW, a new ketch I sailed to Europe on in 1979 was owned by a Trump-like developer whose family built the Coral Ridge and Galt Ocean Mile sections of Ft. Lauderdale, and Coral Springs FL too. Also "The Village Zoo." The patriarch's visage and bio is on a 6-ft. bronze marker alongside Oakland Park Blvd. just east of Federal Hwy. Three generations of the family reside in Lauderhill Cemetery now.
2
You are much better off on the ship than in the water.
4
Yes, Jack Hunt owned the Village Zoo right across the street from the Parrot. I was a frequent visitor back in the day. His father ruined a pristine section of beach in Ft. Lauderdale that is Galt Ocean Mile today along with Joe Taravella by building condominiums side by side for a mile down the beach..
But for the prescience of Hugh Taylor Birch who gave 7 miles of beach to the City of Ft. Lauderdale, the ocean and beach would be behind condominiums along A!A in Ft. Lauderdale, as it is along Galt Ocean Mile.
But for the prescience of Hugh Taylor Birch who gave 7 miles of beach to the City of Ft. Lauderdale, the ocean and beach would be behind condominiums along A!A in Ft. Lauderdale, as it is along Galt Ocean Mile.
1
When you take a cruise you are on a ship sailing on the ocean. It may get stuck in a storm that was not as predicted. It will be very uncomfortable however that does not make it unsafe. My hats off to the passengers that followed orders and stayed safe and the crew that did their job. Weather is hard to predict even today. Just last week NYC was supposed to get 12" of snow, we got 31".
2
Having been through a North Atlantic hurricane - albeit 51 years ago - one surprising thing that I learned then came back to me as I read these comments, a number of which assumed wholesale seasickness in a violent storm. The reporter's phone notes include, "No idea why I haven't thrown up."
Virtually no one became seasick in that hurricane in 1964. Why? Instead of rocking back and forth a few degrees a number of times a minute in a steady pattern, the ship was being tossed maybe 30 degrees each way but with at least an order of magnitude less frequency and in an unsteady pattern. The former confuses the inner ear balance system of many human beings and causes nausea. The latter not so much.
By the way, I think that my friend who broke her leg early on in that storm (long story, really no one's fault) would have preferred being seasick.
Virtually no one became seasick in that hurricane in 1964. Why? Instead of rocking back and forth a few degrees a number of times a minute in a steady pattern, the ship was being tossed maybe 30 degrees each way but with at least an order of magnitude less frequency and in an unsteady pattern. The former confuses the inner ear balance system of many human beings and causes nausea. The latter not so much.
By the way, I think that my friend who broke her leg early on in that storm (long story, really no one's fault) would have preferred being seasick.
3
No matter how big we build cruise ships, the ocean will always be much bigger.
36
True. The Edmund Fitzgerald ore carrier was a mighty big ship, too, which was what sank it from straddling the troughs of enormous waves, then breaking right in two.
3
Whether on a ship or airplane you have to admire the captain and crew who deal with this turbulence while doing their jobs. It's a testament to what it means to be a professional. Whether or not they should have been sailing on that route is a question for the NTSB but once they were in a such a storm you can't question a captain who keeps cool and focused.
29
True, thank God for good crews. I was on a plane, from Orlando to Cincinnati to connect to our final destination, in which the oxygen masks descended while we were cruising at 33,000 feet. The captain immediately dived down to a safe cruising altitude, lest the cabin had really depressurization. I figured I was a goner and was praying the prayers the nuns had taught me. We were diverted to Atlanta and the captain did a good job, not only piloting the craft but explaining what had happened.
Cannot say the same for one of the flight attendants who freaked out and spent the rest of the flight telling passengers this had never happened in her 25 years of flying while the other FAs were helping passengers stay calm and focused. Not to mention the lack of help on the ground and a the gate agent who told my family we were on standby on all flights to our destination, because after all, we had come into Atlanta while we should have gone to Cincinnati! It took a bit of calm explaining but within earshot of other passengers that his comment was a bit tone-deaf in light of the events I outlined. Yes, we did end up on the next flight out and Delta paid quite a bit of compensation to passengers who voluntarily came off the flight to take a later one.
Cannot say the same for one of the flight attendants who freaked out and spent the rest of the flight telling passengers this had never happened in her 25 years of flying while the other FAs were helping passengers stay calm and focused. Not to mention the lack of help on the ground and a the gate agent who told my family we were on standby on all flights to our destination, because after all, we had come into Atlanta while we should have gone to Cincinnati! It took a bit of calm explaining but within earshot of other passengers that his comment was a bit tone-deaf in light of the events I outlined. Yes, we did end up on the next flight out and Delta paid quite a bit of compensation to passengers who voluntarily came off the flight to take a later one.
5
Reminds me of the space ship in WALL-E full of people getting fatter and fatter.
The bloated super-structure waddling through the ocean, maybe the sea is trying to tell us something?
The bloated super-structure waddling through the ocean, maybe the sea is trying to tell us something?
2
Thank you for sharing this story!! I had been contemplating a cruise but am cured of that thought now. I am sure you learned more about yourself in those 7 hours than ever before in your life! I love your vulnerability and that there was no blame. Sitting on a chair in front of my computer, reading your story I was able to laugh and thank God I was not on that ship! Thank you:)
3
Next to elevators or airplanes, cruise ships are probably the safest way to travel. Other than the app. 30 people killed on the Costa ship, passenger deaths on a cruise ship caused by the ship are rare. Nobody was seriously killed or injured on this ship.
Having said that looks like RC put money ahead of comfort and safety and caused undue misery for the passengers and crew.
Whomever decision it was to go ahead whether it was the Captain or land executives, they should be disciplined.
Having said that looks like RC put money ahead of comfort and safety and caused undue misery for the passengers and crew.
Whomever decision it was to go ahead whether it was the Captain or land executives, they should be disciplined.
13
Glad the ship and everyone is fine, whatever the state of their stomachs happens to be, but my question is how in these days of high satellite technology and weather predictions how did a giant ship like this not stay clear of it?
5
Storms cover a huge area and may move quickly and unpredictably.
2
If I were in the cruise industry I would be seriously ticked off about a story like this that scares people without providing any facts or science as to whether the ship was in any real danger. This reminds me a lot about accounts of flying through severe turbulence. It can be very unpleasant, and passengers who are not belted down or are hit by loose objects may be hurt, but there is very rarely any risk that the craft won't make it through.
12
It would seem you were not aboard.
"without providing any facts or science as to whether the ship was in any real danger."
Was Titanic in any real danger? After all, she was unsinkable.
Damage to Anthem as reported didn't sound that bad, but...the real question is, Should Anthem have been at that location at that time? Ask the 4500 passengers and 1600 crew. I'm thinking 99% of those folks would have chosen to be elsewhere.
This was so, so obviously a dangerous situation, not to be equated with air turbulence. People don't "cruise" to be placed in danger. Celebrity captains always assure us that for the staff, the safety of the passengers is #1. There is a difference between "high seas" - as in 12 - 16 or 20 foot seas, and a level five hurricane.
Why was Anthem there? or even near there? Did the captain decide? Did corporate decide? Did the computer program that runs the ship decide? The public has a right to know.
Was Titanic in any real danger? After all, she was unsinkable.
Damage to Anthem as reported didn't sound that bad, but...the real question is, Should Anthem have been at that location at that time? Ask the 4500 passengers and 1600 crew. I'm thinking 99% of those folks would have chosen to be elsewhere.
This was so, so obviously a dangerous situation, not to be equated with air turbulence. People don't "cruise" to be placed in danger. Celebrity captains always assure us that for the staff, the safety of the passengers is #1. There is a difference between "high seas" - as in 12 - 16 or 20 foot seas, and a level five hurricane.
Why was Anthem there? or even near there? Did the captain decide? Did corporate decide? Did the computer program that runs the ship decide? The public has a right to know.
errors, its not a boat. its a ship. it does not rock , it rolls.
you take a monster ship to sea with all those decks and people who only go for the buffet table, you have a storm and a problem. nothing get secured. the design is wrong. of course people get sick and thrown around.
and you set a schedule that makes the captain go out in bad weather, you have a problem. what did you expect?
you take a monster ship to sea with all those decks and people who only go for the buffet table, you have a storm and a problem. nothing get secured. the design is wrong. of course people get sick and thrown around.
and you set a schedule that makes the captain go out in bad weather, you have a problem. what did you expect?
2
Anyone who thinks that these modern ships(circa 2000 or later) are unstsble, think again.
These ships are architecturally designed to remain upright, under dire conditions, especially if they are in really deep waters(no pun intended).
Just look through the web for luxury cruise ship design... An enormous portion of the "top heavy" (lol) ships is submerged... Top heavy? Think again.
These ships are architecturally designed to remain upright, under dire conditions, especially if they are in really deep waters(no pun intended).
Just look through the web for luxury cruise ship design... An enormous portion of the "top heavy" (lol) ships is submerged... Top heavy? Think again.
4
I wonder what the captain's worst night at sea was. I wonder why it took so long to let passengers enjoy the mini-bar provisions gratis.
3
Maybe drunk passengers in a storm are not really a great idea.
6
It's good every so often to learn to appreciate having professionals at the helm, stick, throttle, or wheel. It's difficult to experience, but for a few dozen people it was hour upon hour of excruciating responsibility that very few of us will ever know.
26
Too bad we have so many voters who are perfectly happy to put an incompetent, inexperienced and foolish captain in charge of our Ship of State.
Which one am I talking about? Take your pick.
Which one am I talking about? Take your pick.
1
Yes, and reading his account, as discomforting as it was, it sounds like the Captain was doing his job and all ended well. The decision to not take another storm was a sound one.
1
IMHO. Why would anyone ( I realize the price point is good) would take a cruise from NYC in the middle of the winter ? Some one could say why take a cruise in the Cariibean in August? Well at least in August you would not need to be bundle up for a few days until you reach warmer weather and you do not have to worry about the Continental divide.
The cruise line weather folks should have seen that there was something out there and you never now how it would develop. Perhaps alternative safe harbor ports on the East Coast should be included as part of the itinerary in the " unlikely event" a storm may occur.
The cruise line weather folks should have seen that there was something out there and you never now how it would develop. Perhaps alternative safe harbor ports on the East Coast should be included as part of the itinerary in the " unlikely event" a storm may occur.
1
August is smack dab in the middle of hurricane season, who would take a cruise then?
In case of a storm, a cruise ship is much, much better off at sea.
1
I SOOOO sympathise, was in a rough one, a typhoon as we headed up to Hong Kong. I was young, it was a game! The ship was a regular passenger ship in those days, everyone KNEW this could happen and that the storm was coming so all was locked or lashed down. The great dining room which stretched the width of the ship was empty of tables and chairs...as the ship tilted from side to side about ten of us kids spent the worst of the storm sliding from side to side. Probably an hour or so. Nobody stopped us.
Apart de ca, I shudder at this description...top heavy cruise ships freak me out. And total admiration for ship's captain, and Brett's style in the telling.
Apart de ca, I shudder at this description...top heavy cruise ships freak me out. And total admiration for ship's captain, and Brett's style in the telling.
2
You should be embarrassed to admit that you were a captive on one of those monsters of the sea that desecrate the beautiful ports of the world.
3
I remember seeing a cruise ship tied up on the west side at Christmas and thinking "who takes a pleasure cruise on the North Atlantic in winter?" What could go wrong? The ocean is a dangerous place in winter and the seas off Cape Hatteras especially so. It has earned its moniker of the Graveyard of the Atlantic.
9
Cruise ships are growing to the length and height of Manhattan but have to stay narrow enough to fit into their berths. Global warming is making storms at sea even bigger and more ferocious. With thousands of people on board paying big money and demanding on-time performance, storms, like ice bergs, are not going to get in the way of the bottom line. My guess is that the bigger the ship, the more likely it is to wind up on the bottom of the sea.
When worlds collide.
Been on several cruises and nothing even vaguely like this. Question: why make paying passengers go thru even one storm? Just get out of the way, if that costs the cruise line gas money so be it, do you think putting people thru that creates word of mouth for Royal Caribbean?
2
This article reads as if the writer is preparing a lawsuit against the cruise line for causing mental anguish. YOU ARE ON A BOAT! AT SEA!!! If you don't like movement, stay on land. What did you expect?
2
Well this might explain the 2 for 1 offers I saw for Caribbean Cruises in today's Palo Alto Post!
Perhaps we should prepare for many more of these kinds of sea stories, as global climate change is creating more serious storms every year.
21
This begs the question: Who in the corporate office pressured a seasoned, well-informed crew to go to sea amidst a building storm, despite all warnings to do otherwise? Having watched the weather data unfold myself, I cannot fathom how this happened without a profit motive behind it.
45
A ship of that size (and the Anthem is huge) is not safer in port in a hurricane. It can't maneuver to avoid having the wind coming directly from port or starboard.
1
That, Here, may be true. But if they knew a storm were coming ashore, maybe they should take the ship out empty to avoid the damage. Anyway, this happened out at sea and some knowledgeable forecasters have said the weather data were there and the severity of the storm was not unexpected.
I suppose you are correct. Because that boat, and indeed the whole cruise industry, wouldn't exist without the profit motive.
With a Norwegian captain at the helm, I can guarantee that nobody was ever in any danger.
7
I agree with several other comments that these new type cruise ships designed for maximizing ocean view cabins appear dangerously top heavy
2
While I know that everything is relative and I completely empathize with the plight of the writer and everyone aboard The Anthem, as an old salt myself, they should be glad that besides the storm, they were'nt also sailing in The Dead Of Night, (and aware that the following would be illogical combined weather conditions) and A FOG too, when those ferocious winds were blowing!
1
From everything I've read about these mega ship cruises, the biggest danger isn't storms, but Norovirus.
2
Very true. I've been through several Code Reds (that is, norovirus above a certain percentage of those aboard). Somehow managed to avoid catching it. Only time I ever got sick aboard I didn't realize it until I disembarked and then was too busy with work to take care of it and wound up in the hospital. Happens.
Brilliant! Hats off to the writer for finding a way to describe such an awful situation with humor. Extra points for submitting the piece while still at sea.
85
This sounds very taxing and upsetting; I'm glad I wasn't on the ship! But it also sounds like the captain, the crew, and the line did a great job under the circumstances. It's nice to hear that everyone was safe and that people were as helpful as humanly possible in the face of unexpected force from Mother Nature.
34
Sea travel is most often safe and boring. Sailors describe sailing as endless hours of boredom interspersed with moments of sheer terror. And so it is. You had a good skipper and crew. You survived a hurricane. You will always have something to talk about now that it is past. There is nothing quite as lifting as seeing the sunlight and calm waters after a brutal storm. You've done that.
89
"…there's got to be a morning after." Lyric from the title song of The Poseidon Adventure. The Writer should be happy that he didn't have to pull a Shelly Winters.
1
The ocean ain't a golf club, kiddo, no matter how big the clubhouse.
39
Are these giant cruise ships top-heavy?
10
What do you think ?
They sure look extremely top heavy. Compare an ocean liner (QE2) with a cruise liner like Anthem of the Seas.
1
I was in a heavy sea once (as a guest) in a VLCC (very large crude carrier) which was anchored off Delaware. We had a rough 25 minute trip to the ship from the shallow coastline, on a motor boat, and at times I thought we would topple. And was not looking forward to spending a night in the VLCC. But what a surprise.. once we mounted the ship, all was calm. There was no sign of any turbulence, even though the sea outside was going all crazy.
Just compared your notes on the storm to Jack London's description of a typhoon in "The Pearls of Parlay."
I'm sure you won't be offended to learn that London is still the undisputed champion.
I'm sure you won't be offended to learn that London is still the undisputed champion.
13
Not offended at all. I need to read "The Pearls of Parlay." I don't recall ever having read it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
1
Reminds me of the time @1970 also off Hatteras the USS Intrepid listed 40 or so degrees to port then to starboard when the Captain ordered the ship to turn away from a storm's high winds. All kinds of unsecured junk came crashing down from the rafters and people and things were thrown across the deck. Not for 7 hours though.
4
I have sailed on the Anthem twice during hurricane season. It is a beautiful ship. Never experienced rough seas. So sorry for the writer that he had to experience a severe storm while at sea. It does sound as if the ship proved herself seaworthy, from the details we are given.
3
Fortunately, the writer did not post this account on a cruising blog. It’s only harrowing when disseminated to land lubbers.
Yes, five hours of very rough seas can seem like “seven or eight.”
Do secure the breakables, even the “two cocktail glasses” that are “trapped in a small room” with you.
Thank Goodness you could watch TV, surf the internet, and text with your friends! The toilet didn’t overflow, nor did the lights go out. Seriously, don’t post a story like this on a cruiser blog unless you’re prepared to be teased, lol.
Don’t worry, you’ll get your sea legs after several cruises.
PS The way to use the bathroom when broken glass is on the floor: Put your shoes on and shuffle your feet. Happy Cruising!
Yes, five hours of very rough seas can seem like “seven or eight.”
Do secure the breakables, even the “two cocktail glasses” that are “trapped in a small room” with you.
Thank Goodness you could watch TV, surf the internet, and text with your friends! The toilet didn’t overflow, nor did the lights go out. Seriously, don’t post a story like this on a cruiser blog unless you’re prepared to be teased, lol.
Don’t worry, you’ll get your sea legs after several cruises.
PS The way to use the bathroom when broken glass is on the floor: Put your shoes on and shuffle your feet. Happy Cruising!
25
@mike: I'll bet you're a real blast at parties.
3
Well, in all fairness, most cruisers and sailboat racers prepare themselves ahead of time by reading up on how to prepare for a storm and practicing heavy weather survival tactics. The average large ship cruise passenger doesn't have that knowledge. I wouldn't want to be on such a large ship in a storm, partly because the cabins aren't outfitted with safety gear such as lee cloths to secure oneself in the bed and hand rails to grab to make your way around, not to mention all that glass in the decor. Also, as someone else pointed out, the lack of real information, such as what the ship is designed to handle, how long it will be in the storm area, etc., contributes to the sense of feeling out of control. Still, being on a large ocean liner beats being on a 40-foot sailboat tossed about like a toy on the waves!
Fair winds!
Fair winds!
Sounds absolutely terrifying .Props to the crew but wouldn't want to be cruising the eastern seaboard in winter. Hope my upcoming cruise is calm despite our El Nino weather on West Coast.
4
‘This storm turned out to be much more violent than anyone could have anticipated ... "
Weather forecasts are public record. Was it incorrectly forecasted or did they just ignore the risk?
As a new state-of-the-art ship equipped with the latest communications, radar, and satellite imagery, it's hard to believe that they did not know much about the storm in their path.
Weather forecasts are public record. Was it incorrectly forecasted or did they just ignore the risk?
As a new state-of-the-art ship equipped with the latest communications, radar, and satellite imagery, it's hard to believe that they did not know much about the storm in their path.
66
Maybe it's less true inland, but sitting in NYC one notices that the 24 hour and less predictions of storm paths and thus severity have gotten noticeably less precise than they were a decade ago. The explanations I have read and heard boil down to the fact that the models of weather patterns developed over several decades by meteorologists are no longer reliable. There is a lot of change going on in, among other things, ocean current patterns in the North Atlantic. I find it believable that the "state of the art" advance information available about the storm's path and intensity were short of reality.
I write as someone who in September 1964 road out a North Atlantic mid-ocean hurricane on an Italian liner that had become a "student ship" after serving as a troop ship in WWII. Luckily for me at the time, the average16-year-old doesn't consider their own mortality so much.
I write as someone who in September 1964 road out a North Atlantic mid-ocean hurricane on an Italian liner that had become a "student ship" after serving as a troop ship in WWII. Luckily for me at the time, the average16-year-old doesn't consider their own mortality so much.
2
Three cheers to the crew and captain for dealing with a very tough situation. Very well done!
24
Not surprised at all by this ordeal. Modern cruise ships are grotesquely top-heavy and under-powered compared with the North Atlantic ocean liners of the past. They look like floating wedding cakes.
Had the MV Anthem of the Seas capsized and sunk the resulting loss of life would have been much larger than the 1,500+ deaths caused by the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912.
Had the MV Anthem of the Seas capsized and sunk the resulting loss of life would have been much larger than the 1,500+ deaths caused by the sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912.
20
"Modern cruise ships are grotesquely top-heavy and under-powered..."
I doubt what you write. These vessels may look top heavy but the superstructure is full mostly of air. The engineers who design them are serious people.
How many of these ships are on the bottom, sunk in storms? The most recent in my memory is the Andria Doria that went down in 1956, after a collision at sea in fog.
I doubt what you write. These vessels may look top heavy but the superstructure is full mostly of air. The engineers who design them are serious people.
How many of these ships are on the bottom, sunk in storms? The most recent in my memory is the Andria Doria that went down in 1956, after a collision at sea in fog.
1
I know the author was only kidding but this is a good opportunity to encourage all pet owners to make arrangements for their pets should anything happen to their owners. Relying on a friend to "find a good home" may burden the friend and your pet may wind up in a less than ideal situation. Don't assume family or friends will be willing and/or able to take your pet. Make a formal arrangement with a person, shelter or breed rescue. Create a document (readily available; Google "Providing For Your Pet") that spells out your wishes and provides lots of detail about the pet. This will help your pet adjust to a new situation. Most important, tell family and friends what you want for your pet if something happens to you. Don't put instructions in your will because wills often aren't read for days or weeks and where will your pet be until then? Thank you!
46
Really? That's all you got out of this?
1
And make sure you leave $$ in your will to provide for the pet's veterinary care.
Bill, this actually is a big concern for older adults who may have to give up pets if they move to older adult communities or assisted living or nursing homes. And many older adults do worry about their pets--often older-- who might outlive them. Consider, too, what happens to pets in disasters such as Katrina. I gave for years to the Houston ASPCA shelter because they took in pets saved from New Orleans.
Yes, in many ways this may be a first-world problem, as may being stuck on a cruise ship in a storm when refugees are on sinking, unseaworthy vessels leaving North Africa.
But people's attachment to their pets and the good that pets do for folks, like older adults who might want companionship, or a routine that helps them socialize whiling walking a dog, cannot be dismissed. Interaction with animals is also a great stress reliever and the good that service dogs of all types do should not be underestimated.
I do not think the author or ch are off-base at all.
Yes, in many ways this may be a first-world problem, as may being stuck on a cruise ship in a storm when refugees are on sinking, unseaworthy vessels leaving North Africa.
But people's attachment to their pets and the good that pets do for folks, like older adults who might want companionship, or a routine that helps them socialize whiling walking a dog, cannot be dismissed. Interaction with animals is also a great stress reliever and the good that service dogs of all types do should not be underestimated.
I do not think the author or ch are off-base at all.
1
What a harrowing experience you had. A few years ago my family and I were on a Caribbean cruise in January and on the way back about 1 1/2 days south of New York we hit a storm. The Norwegian Gem, a huge cruise ship sailed into rough sea, that caused the big ship to rock port to starboard significantly. through most of the day. I quite incidentally take a sleeping remedy that contains doxylamine which is a form of Dramamine and while many passengers were hold up in their bunks, I was having a fine time walking the different deck levels and enjoying the sea spray on my face. There were few of us that remained upright that day and evening and the soiled carpet near the elevators were a reminder that TGFD that was the most exciting part of the cruise. I've not been on a cruise ship since.
5
One point the captain should have made to the passengers is that large, ocean going vessels are entirely component to handle high winds and deep trough seas. In fact, when hurricanes are approaching the coastline, big ships head out to sea to ride the storms out on the ocean waters rather than be battered against objects, like docks, close to shore. The operators believe from experience that they will be safer on the open ocean than near shore.
I am certain that this was a very scary experience for the passengers, but fear of the unknown is what makes matters much worse, not knowing how much the ship can take and, from the reported announcements, getting soft edged, non-informative reassurance from those in charge. Of course, anything can happen.
I am certain that this was a very scary experience for the passengers, but fear of the unknown is what makes matters much worse, not knowing how much the ship can take and, from the reported announcements, getting soft edged, non-informative reassurance from those in charge. Of course, anything can happen.
31
What a nightmare. I don't know how they got into the storm but the Captain sure did a good job in getting them out.
11
I'm no naval architect, but those giant cruise ships don't really look designed for maximum foul weather seaworthiness. They look like giant hotel buildings on barges.
I kind of hate to say it, but I think you got lucky. I think these things are mostly designed for calm passages and maximum profit. Lesser storms have sunk heartier ships.
I kind of hate to say it, but I think you got lucky. I think these things are mostly designed for calm passages and maximum profit. Lesser storms have sunk heartier ships.
97
These vessels are designed to stay afloat (with properly trained Captain and crew) in very rough seas. These are oceangoing vessels. Passenger ships have stabilizer fins and more sophisticated ballasting systems which keep the ride more comfortable than a cargo or container vessel. Bear in mind the internet connection, the satellite TV connection and power remained on during the whole incident. Also bear in mind the author is a novice sailor as would have been most of his fellow passengers, and they all made it through the storm without any major injuries. Sounds like a pretty stable boat to me.
So these "giant hotel buildings on barges" are pretty capable vessels when operated by a good Captain and crew. Lesser storms may have sunk heartier ships because of operator errors or bad luck.
So these "giant hotel buildings on barges" are pretty capable vessels when operated by a good Captain and crew. Lesser storms may have sunk heartier ships because of operator errors or bad luck.
1
"Lesser storms have sunk heartier ships."
Have they? As you say, you're no navel architect and are basing your comment on what they look like to you. Storms happen and the ships are designed to endure them. If they were as top heavy and fragile as some here have said, this story would be a very different one.
With hundreds of ships carrying close to 20 million people annually, my guess is they're pretty good at designing them.
Have they? As you say, you're no navel architect and are basing your comment on what they look like to you. Storms happen and the ships are designed to endure them. If they were as top heavy and fragile as some here have said, this story would be a very different one.
With hundreds of ships carrying close to 20 million people annually, my guess is they're pretty good at designing them.
5
This one obviously was, to have survived the storm. They have stabilizing systems and weight distribution that allows them to remain upright (well, at least to some degree!) despite the top-heavy appearance. Luckily for the author, the ship was very well designed. I'm surprised, though, that the ship was allowed to come so close to the storm. There must have been an unexpected weather shift that caught the crew by surprise.
1
It always amazes me that anyone does this. There is not one aspect of being a captive audience out in the middle of the ocean that appeals, storm or no storm.
55
We went through one of these on the Bering Sea. Lasted almost 48 hours. Terrifying as the ship dropped in and out of canyons of waves. Captain was taken off by stretcher (severe stress) in Japan and replaced by a jaunty Italian.
40
He most likely became too sea-sick to continue!
Oh, those jaunty Italians !
1
Want to hear more!
What a tedious story. A boat at sea in a storm gets tossed around a bit - yep, it happens. Gosh the satellite signal was never even lost, but the horror! water sloshing out of the hot tub!
21
Have you ever been on a cruise ship in rough seas? I was in a storm off the coast of Florida. Nothing like this, but it was plenty scary.
3
I don't think you recognize how frightening that must have been for everyday folks who aren't salty dog sailors.
7
The folks were scared. Why so little empathy? Denying another's fear is quite insensitive
11
I liked this account by Mr Dykes because he did not blame anyone for what happened.
99
Actually he should have blamed someone starting with the bean counters in their warm cozy office looking at the bottom line, profit and lost revenue if the ship delays sailing and the captain for bowing to corporate pressure to sail into a developing weather system that would not give him any opportunity to avoid the storm. If passengers had been injured, then good luck in seeking damages or being readily evacuated off the ship. Imagine rolling around in storm tossed seas if the propulsion plant had failed. That would be a cruise to remember.
1
I've taken the "Ultimate Ship's Tour" and it would take a major disaster to leave a ship without propulsion for any period of time. There are backups that are not connected to the main system. The greatest risk you run in boarding a cruise ship is overeating (which is why I do five miles a day on the promenade deck).
1
I heard there was warning to the cruise line before leaving port, so shame on Royal Caribbean.
I went on one cruise. Claustrophobia trumped any bad storm. Why people subject themselves to these floating dangerous cesspools, remains a mystery!
40
Because there are few things better than sitting on your balcony watching the albatrosses circle above the wake, knowing tomorrow you will land and go see penguins. Wanna see my video of a penguin chick trying to eat my shoe?
1
These very large ships are too top heavy. You are lucky you didn't wind up in a real life Poseidon Adventure. Once you are on board, you are at the mercy of the systems, the food safety, crew competence, etc.
Nature doesn't play favorites. What was the ship doing out there in that weather?
Nature doesn't play favorites. What was the ship doing out there in that weather?
59
Why, to make the buck$ of course!
"The storm created broken glass?" Is that to say, the storm broke glass?
16
Not long ago, 150 m.p.h. winds and 30-foot seas (probably much larger, to rock a behemoth like the Anthem) would have been fatal to any ship that sailed into such a storm. Today, passengers complain that it's uncomfortable.
24
As Dana Carvey's grumpy old man character from SNL of old I'm sure you walked uphill both ways to school in hip high snow as a child and you didn't have any legs, and you liked it. "Sailors used to get scurvy and you're complaining about norovirus". Don't you have a few kids to shout "Get offa my lawn" at?
I'm sure that, unlike the author of this article, you would have had not a shred of dred undergoing 7 hours of nature's fury on a cruise liner, secure in the relatively mundane shattering of glass and being bandied about in 30 foot seas, knowing that 16th century galleons would have certainly been destroyed. I salute your equinamity in the face of a danger you no doubt have never faced in person.
I'm sure that, unlike the author of this article, you would have had not a shred of dred undergoing 7 hours of nature's fury on a cruise liner, secure in the relatively mundane shattering of glass and being bandied about in 30 foot seas, knowing that 16th century galleons would have certainly been destroyed. I salute your equinamity in the face of a danger you no doubt have never faced in person.
1
"...fatal to any ship that sailed into such a storm."
I wonder if that is true. What is your source?
There have been millions of sea voyages and the vast majority have concluded safely, storm or no.
I wonder if that is true. What is your source?
There have been millions of sea voyages and the vast majority have concluded safely, storm or no.
I think that folks forget that cruise ships are just extremely large boats, subject to the vagaries of the sea and weather, like any other boat or ship. Having an experienced captain is what can help make the difference. I'm sorry that Mr. Dykes had to experience such a terrifying ordeal. At the same time, most incidents om cruise ships are related to food poisoning or disease outbreaks rather than storms; having 2,000-4,000 people on board makes them vulnerable to any outbreak. However, to put things really into perspective, think about the refugees crossing in dumpy boats and flimsy zodiaks to get to Greece...
39
And no hot tubs!
1
As a cruise hound and a Navy Veteran, I am very surprised that the Captain didn't see this storm approaching - especially with the most advanced Doppler radar - and reposition his ship earlier. There should be an immediate Coast Guard inquiry
88
Amen...and an effort made to honestly inquire about the pressure he was under from the cruise line to sail. Nevertheless, the captain is the ultimate decision maker and he had thousands of lives in his hands.
The Coast Guard has no jurisdiction in the matter. Anthem of the Seas is not US-flagged.
They knew about it and still sailed into it. Start the investigation.
1
wow, have never been interested in cruising this is scary... probably not the norm
2
These cruise companies can't seem to get anything right these days. Multi-million dollar ships. Dollar store radars and weather systems.
2
I am glad you are safe! Thank you for sharing your story.
RM, on the last repositioning cruise I took, a 15-day sailing from Galveston to Barcelona, the Atlantic was as calm as a lake. It is highly unlikely you will experience any discomfort (although Dramamine is nice to have along, just in case).
I like to remind people that the words "travel" and "travail" descend from the same Old French root. Until relatively recently, travel wasn't expected or supposed to be free from discomfort or, yes, danger. One of the reasons to undertake a long journey was to test one's mettle. Times have changed.
The Anthem of the Seas did just what it was designed to do -- weather a ferocious storm while keeping all aboard safe. The captain and crew responded just as they were trained to respond -- with calm professionalism and constant attention to the needs and safety of the passengers, Bravo, RCL!
And, Mr. Dykes, I can assure you that after the butterflies in your stomach have subsided, you will dine out on this story for decades to come. Every time you retell your adventure, you will enjoy it more.
I like to remind people that the words "travel" and "travail" descend from the same Old French root. Until relatively recently, travel wasn't expected or supposed to be free from discomfort or, yes, danger. One of the reasons to undertake a long journey was to test one's mettle. Times have changed.
The Anthem of the Seas did just what it was designed to do -- weather a ferocious storm while keeping all aboard safe. The captain and crew responded just as they were trained to respond -- with calm professionalism and constant attention to the needs and safety of the passengers, Bravo, RCL!
And, Mr. Dykes, I can assure you that after the butterflies in your stomach have subsided, you will dine out on this story for decades to come. Every time you retell your adventure, you will enjoy it more.
59
No, I must disagree. Cruise passengers do not sail to test their mettle and face a hurricane on the ocean. Who authorized the Anthem's course? When was it put into the Anthem's data banks? What was the "course control system" to do in the face of arising SEVERE weather conditions? Who programmed it? Where were senior officers, responsible for monitoring instrumentation, in the hour or two before the storm was visible on radar and barometer? Why was nothing changed in the sailing route when the storm was recognized? If Royal Carib offices [on land] decided that Anthem should continue on the course as programmed, would it not be a better idea to allow the ship's captain to make these decisions "on site"?
Are cruise ships basically on "auto-pilot"?
Congrats yes to the staff for preventing a sinking, but is there anyone out there who doesn't think that the Anthem was most assuredly in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Methinks that Anthem's survival was more a lucky thing than a result of Anthem being "hurricane proof".
To all who GOVERN ships at sea...act before the disaster happens, and you can rest assured, the Anthem incident was a warning. Act as if all 6,000 had been lost.
Are cruise ships basically on "auto-pilot"?
Congrats yes to the staff for preventing a sinking, but is there anyone out there who doesn't think that the Anthem was most assuredly in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Methinks that Anthem's survival was more a lucky thing than a result of Anthem being "hurricane proof".
To all who GOVERN ships at sea...act before the disaster happens, and you can rest assured, the Anthem incident was a warning. Act as if all 6,000 had been lost.
A friend recently sailed from New York to Rio on the Queen Mary II and in discussing this I realized that there's a difference between cruise ships and ocean liners.
11
Could you elaborate?
1
Seven or eight hours of that??!! I wouldn't have died from drowning...
I live in a city that gets lots of cruise ships, including Anthem's sister ships, and my ferry often docks right beside them. They look enormous and indestructible from that perspective, but out on the ocean they're match sticks. That's why I don't do cruises. And rogue waves. I can't think of anything more terrifying.
I live in a city that gets lots of cruise ships, including Anthem's sister ships, and my ferry often docks right beside them. They look enormous and indestructible from that perspective, but out on the ocean they're match sticks. That's why I don't do cruises. And rogue waves. I can't think of anything more terrifying.
11
Interesting but sailing Lake Superior on a regular basis and crossing the Gulf Stream more than once I am really not all that sympathetic.
5
I went on exactly one cruise during my life. It was from Florida to the Bahamas. In 1991. In the middle of Hurricane Andrew.
Barf bags lined the railings. I played a lot of BINGO and survived seasickness mostly due to the doctor giving me a shot of Phenergan in my butt.
And that is the last time I took a cruise.
Barf bags lined the railings. I played a lot of BINGO and survived seasickness mostly due to the doctor giving me a shot of Phenergan in my butt.
And that is the last time I took a cruise.
3
This illustrates so clearly a severe "first world problem." How could the owners of the cruise line allowed this passenger to suffer so acutely for "seven or eight hours," remanded to his state room and complimentary movies (to say nothing of the fast wi-fi)?
What is this world coming to?
What is this world coming to?
16
I do not understand why this happened? Why can't the presence of the storm be determined before traveling into it? The second storm was avoided- why not the first one?
11
Forecasts are just predictions. They aren't always accurate.
4
You have posed the question. Now with some serious study you may be able to learn the answer. Bon Voyage!
Terrifying, but also, a certainly interesting experience. You have experienced the sea in a way that most travelers never will.
Does anyone remember the 1972 film 'The Poseidon Adventure'?
And Shelley Winters?
And Shelley Winters?
7
I have been on many cruises and have been at sea in much violent weather. It seems clear that this ship was in no real danger, but there was negligence on the part of the crew in not securing a lot of breakable items inside. Also some poor advance planning of the itinerary in view of the weather.
9
I road out a similar storm aboard a destroyer escort in the sixties, definitely a life experience to be forgotten.
3
That ship is huge. The fact that you felt that much turbulence is truly frightening. That storm had been predicted for days and your captain had no business trying to sail through it. I hope he didn't do it because he was being pressured by Royal Caribbean to stick to the schedule no matter what.
19
The point about the storm having beien predicted and the known size of waves, wind speed, etc. was noted by Al Roker on the TODAY show. Scary. Of course, he did not go on to say anything about the cruise line's pressure to sail but it is there, I'm sure. And the coast off NC is well known for storms and sinking ships. Plenty of wrecks off the Outer Banks and the Crystal Coast...
In October several cruise ships were rerouted north to avoid a Carribean hurricane, to the chagrin of passengers who thought they were headed to warmer climes and had only clothes suitable for such ports of call. Don't know why the RC captain persisted in his course. I am no frequent cruiser but took a fall foliage cruise north from NYC last fall on a smaller ship (650 passengers) and saw the Royal Carribean behemoths in port. Scary business. If I ever cruise again, I will think about a river cruise.
The refrigerator in our stateroom had no alcohol--only filled with soda and sparkling and flat water daily. Thank God I was not on this RC cruise, hearing the captain announce that passengers could help themselves to the alcohol free of charge. I have been sober 13 years and that experience, which would have made me fear for my life, might have sorely tempted me to take up on the Captain's offer!
On second thought, why did he suggest free drinks? Abandoning ship while drunk might not be the best idea.
In October several cruise ships were rerouted north to avoid a Carribean hurricane, to the chagrin of passengers who thought they were headed to warmer climes and had only clothes suitable for such ports of call. Don't know why the RC captain persisted in his course. I am no frequent cruiser but took a fall foliage cruise north from NYC last fall on a smaller ship (650 passengers) and saw the Royal Carribean behemoths in port. Scary business. If I ever cruise again, I will think about a river cruise.
The refrigerator in our stateroom had no alcohol--only filled with soda and sparkling and flat water daily. Thank God I was not on this RC cruise, hearing the captain announce that passengers could help themselves to the alcohol free of charge. I have been sober 13 years and that experience, which would have made me fear for my life, might have sorely tempted me to take up on the Captain's offer!
On second thought, why did he suggest free drinks? Abandoning ship while drunk might not be the best idea.
That may have been exactly what happened. Unfortunately, the weather doesn't bend to the will of Royal Caribbean.
1
yes - if you are not a good sailor (ie get motion sickness - get a bottle of Dramamine - and then get into the bed, use the pillows to wedge yourself in, and go to sleep. By the time you wake up - the worst of the storm will be over. I have been aboard ship a couple of times in rough seas. The best thing is to ride it out lying down and drugged with Dramamine - the kind that makes you sleepy.
5
And don't look at the horizon!
2
We are due to go on this ship in May. Making me rethink that decision. How does the captain make a bad call like that knowing there was a storm. I have always traveled on Royal Caribbean and have been rerouted due to storms. Bad call all the way around! I hope they get their act together. This captain has been with RC for 17 years - he should know better!
4
I am taking a repositioning cruise from Florida to Italy next month. I have never been on an ocean cruise of any kind before. I was originally considering a repositioning cruise from Europe to the USA in the Fall, but had concerns about being in that part of the Atlantic during late hurricane season.
I guess I better bring a large bottle of Dramamine.
I guess I better bring a large bottle of Dramamine.
35
I guess you might consider asking for a refund.
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean in winter months is a chancy business.
I learned that the hard way.
Crossing the Atlantic Ocean in winter months is a chancy business.
I learned that the hard way.
And a few extra pairs of pants.
1
Dont get on board. Storms are always out there.
1