Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas Hit by Sudden Wave, Tilts Dramatically During Transatlantic Voyage

Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas experienced a dramatic and terrifying incident on November 7, 2024, when the ship was hit by a sudden squall during its Transatlantic voyage. The 137,308-gross ton vessel, which embarked from Barcelona, Spain on November 2, encountered hurricane-force winds that caused a massive wave, making the ship tilt significantly to one side.

The unexpected event sent loose items such as plates and cutlery in the dining venues flying, and passengers reported chaotic scenes. “On Explorer now. We hit a squall that was unexpected. We tipped to one side pretty bad. Definitely scary,” shared one passenger on Facebook, along with a photo of fallen bottles in a messy bar onboard. Another guest described the dining room as “scary as hell” with plates smashing everywhere and people screaming.

Despite the frightening experience, no major injuries were reported, although a few passengers and crew members suffered minor injuries. The captain managed to slow the ship’s speed and turn it, righting the vessel within five to ten minutes. The incident did not delay the sailing, and the ship continues on its itinerary, which includes stops at Ponta Delgada, Azores, before arriving in Miami, Florida on November 14.

The ship’s crew followed established protocols to ensure everyone’s safety, asking guests to return to their staterooms until it was verified that everyone was accounted for and unharmed. The incident highlights the challenges cruise ships face in predicting and avoiding inclement weather, even with advanced weather tracking systems in place.

The Explorer of the Seas, launched in 2000, is equipped with stabilizers and designed to handle rough seas, which helped in stabilizing the ship during the incident. Royal Caribbean also employs a Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, to monitor weather patterns and advise on how to navigate through adverse weather conditions.