royal caribbean cruise ship in rough seas

'Things flying all over the place': Royal Caribbean cruise ship rocked by rough weather

A Royal Caribbean International cruise ship was rocked by rough weather that shook guest cabins and caused flooding around the ship, according to travelers on board.

The line’s Voyager of the Seas was on its way back to Galveston, Texas, as part of a round-trip, five-night sailing that visited Cozumel, Mexico. The cruise originally departed on Jan. 22.

Passengers told USA TODAY the ship sailed through three bouts of rough weather that brought rain, hail and high winds beginning late in the day on Friday.

Chelsea Ireland and her husband noticed the ship was approaching dark skies and rain around 2:30 p.m. The pair decided to stay in their balcony cabin, which seemed the safest place to be but felt the ship tilt heavily to one side.

“When we tried to walk across our room, it felt like we were walking up a very steep hill,” said the 30-year-old, who lives in Frisco, Texas. “And that lasted for about five minutes.”

When they eventually left their cabin, they saw some passengers walking around in lifejackets, and praying and comforting one another in the halls.

Elaina Escobedo, 21, was around the ship’s Royal Promenade when she heard what sounded like metal dishware hitting the ground. When she and her boyfriend arrived at her grandparents’ cabin, among several family members traveling with her, she found her grandmother’s wheelchair had rolled across the room and cups of lemonade and water had spilled (her grandmother was safe on her couch).

“There were just things flying all over the place,” said Escobedo, who lives in Port Arthur, Texas. She had been on eight cruises before and felt ships rock “but nothing to this extent.” Escobedo also posted a video on TikTok that her sister filmed, showing a chair being blown across an outer deck.

Both Ireland and Escobedo said their staterooms flooded as water filled their balconies, as well, though neither were as severe as some other staterooms they saw.

Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.

The news comes after another Royal Caribbean ship, Serenade of the Seas, also faced flooding last month. The vessel, which is currently operating the line’s nine-month Ultimate World Cruise , got caught in rough weather off the coast of South America.

For Escobedo’s part, the experience wasn’t enough to prevent her from taking another cruise – eventually. “I don’t think it’d be anytime soon,” she said.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected] .

Footage shows moment Royal Caribbean cruise ship was flooded during storm in the Gulf of Mexico

Water flowed into rooms and sunbeds were strewn across the deck as the vessel was battered by the fierce weather conditions.

Friday 2 February 2024 12:39, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Footage has emerged of a cruise ship being flooded during a storm in the Gulf of Mexico - causing water to flow into people's cabins.

Travis Hair, a passenger on the Royal Caribbean vessel, filmed as the balcony of his room on the Voyager Of The Seas was swamped.

Mr Hair said he captured the video while the vessel was "sailing through a thunderstorm" on 26 January.

He added there were "high winds on the deck… platters of food crashing to the floor in the buffet, liquor and other glass breaking, water coming in through the balconies and flooding."

The footage also shows sunbeds piled up on the deck after being tossed around in the powerful storm.

The vessel was on its way back to Galveston, Texas, as part of a five-night trip to Cozumel, Mexico, according to USA Today.

Passenger Chelsea Ireland told the newspaper she felt the vessel tilt as it was battered by heavy winds.

She said: "When we tried to walk across our room, it felt like we were walking up a very steep hill."

Read more from Sky News: CIA leaker jailed for 40 years Three killed after exploding gas cylinders spark inferno Democrats turn on Biden over Israel support

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Fellow passenger Elaina Escobedo, 21, went to her grandparent's cabin to check on them during the storm. "There were just things flying all over the place," she said.

Ms Escobedo added that her grandmother was safe on the sofa, but her wheelchair had rolled across the room and cups of lemonade had been knocked over.

The footage emerged after another Royal Caribbean ship, Serenade of the Seas, reportedly flooded last month.

Sky News has contacted Royal Caribbean for comment.

Related Topics

• cruise ships

• Watch ABC7 newscasts on demand Full Story
• ABC7 Bay Area 24/7 live stream Watch Now
• hurricane hermine

WATCH: Passengers on cruise ship document rough seas, massive waves

Post-Tropical Cyclone Hermine has essentially spun out of our way, and while there is not much visual evidence of rough surf in some areas, it is anything but smooth sailing for those out on the ocean.

A passenger on Royal Caribbean's 'Anthem of the Seas' cruise ship heading from New Jersey to Bermuda posted a video online, and said they recorded gusts of about 90 knots.

"All was good until about early morning, that was when the ship started swaying a bit here," said Derek Biedermann, "we saw some swells about 40-50 feet at one point."

Biedermann, who is from Brick, New Jersey says that dishes were going 'all over the place' in the restaurant on the boat.

"Exciting for me, but half the ship is in their room right now over the toilet," Biedermann adds.

The 'Anthem of the Seas' ship set sail from Port Cape Liberty on Saturday night.

Related Topics

• HURRICANE HERMINE
• TROPICAL STORM
• U.S. & WORLD
• CRUISE SHIP

Hurricane Hermine

All tropical storm warnings for Hermine canceled

Footage shows Hermine causing damage after making landfall on Gulf Coast

Top stories.

Protesters take over condemned hall at UC Berkeley: police

• 23 minutes ago

Students for Gaza at SFSU scale back encampment; reach agreement

• 3 hours ago

Alameda County DA responds after recall election date set

Protesters removed after disrupting regents meeting at UC Merced

• 2 hours ago

Mirage hotel-casino on Las Vegas Strip to close this summer

Bay Area business owner grateful to community after burglarized twice

Here are the locations that Red Lobster is closing in the US

Alameda orders stop to climate change experiment on USS Hornet

Cruise ship hit by 100 mph winds, suffers damage

MIAMI (AP) -- The Latest on a cruise ship that was damaged in bad weather in the Atlantic Ocean (all times local):

Royal Caribbean says a cruise ship that suffered minor damage as it sailed through a storm, sending passengers to their cabins overnight, will turn around and head back to its home port of Cape Liberty, New Jersey, instead of continuing on its way to Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Royal Caribbean announced the news on its corporate Twitter account Monday. Passengers say the storm started midafternoon Sunday, and the captain of the ship Anthem of the Seas ordered them to their staterooms for their safety.

The cruise line says in its tweets that the decision was made for guests' comfort because of weather forecasts that would have affected the ship's itinerary.

The tweets say guests will receive full refunds and certificates toward a future cruise.

The cruise line also tweeted: "We appreciate our guests' patience and cooperation. We know it was tough day on Sunday."

A Port Canaveral official says a cruise ship that was damaged as it sailed through a storm will arrive there early Tuesday morning - nearly 24 hours later than originally planned.

Port Canaveral spokeswoman Rosalind Harvey says in an email that officials there been told the ship Anthem of the Seas will arrive at 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Royal Caribbean has not released a docking time for the ship, and spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez has said via email that she doesn't have an updated arrival time. Originally, she said, the ship was supposed to arrive at noon Monday.

According to a cruise line statement, no passengers were injured as the ship encountered high winds and rough seas. Royal Caribbean says the ship was damaged in some public areas and staterooms but was safe to remain at sea. The ship had departed from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, on Saturday.

The executive editor of the Detroit Free Press is aboard a cruise ship that suffered minor damage as it sailed through a storm, forcing passengers to their cabins for safety, and he's been posting to social media since the inclement weather hit.

Robert Huschka is on the Royal Caribbean ship Anthem of the Seas with his wife, son and friends. About 11 a.m. Sunday, before the worst of the storm, he posted a photo on Instagram of his son. The caption reads: "Someone likes the bouncy boat,"

Then, a few hours later, he tweeted: "Well, our cruise ship drove right into a storm. It's so rocky they are making us stay in our cabins."

Monday morning: he posted: "The good news? They never lost the Super Bowl signal. Perfect TV picture throughout storm!" He also posted photos of shattered glass panels on a pool deck.

A passenger says she was "shaking all over" and suffering panic attacks as her Royal Caribbean cruise ship experienced high wind and rough seas while sailing from New Jersey to Port Canaveral in Florida.

The storm struck the ship Anthem of the Seas on Sunday, and Royal Caribbean officials say it was damaged but still safe to be at sea.

Shara Strand of New York City says she's been on 20 cruises but never experienced that kind of weather. She said via Facebook that she "thought we were done for," describing 30-foot waves rocking the ship.

Strand says passengers haven't been notified when they'll arrive at Port Canaveral. Royal Caribbean has said the ship will be delayed, arriving later than its original scheduled time of noon, but hasn't given other details.

A passenger aboard a cruise ship that was damaged in rough seas says the weather forced people to stay in their cabins as items flew across the rooms, but she says the storm calmed less than 12 hours later.

Gabriella Lairson said via Facebook on Monday that the storm started about 3 p.m. Sunday. She says the captain of the Royal Caribbean ship Anthem of the Seas instructed everyone to go to their staterooms. Sixteen-year-old Lairson and her father - - of Ocean City, New Jersey - heard glasses in their bathroom shatter, and they put belongings in drawers and closets to prevent them from flying across the room.

Video that her father, Sam Lairson, shot shows wave after wave rising outside the balcony.

He says in an email, "The winds were so strong that I thought the phone would blow from my hands."

Gabriella Lairson says that by about 1:30 a.m. Monday, the storm had calmed.

She praised the captain and crew and says the ship held up well, with damage in only a few places.

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship ran into high winds and rough seas in the Atlantic Ocean, forcing passengers to stay in their cabins, but no injuries were reported.

Royal Caribbean said in a statement Monday that the ship Anthem of the Seas was damaged in some public areas and guest staterooms. Royal Caribbean didn't describe the damages but says the ship's safe to be at sea. The statement doesn't say where or when the ship encountered the bad weather.

The ship was headed to Port Canaveral, Florida. Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez says in an email that a noon arrival had been planned, but the weather caused a delay. She says she doesn't have an updated arrival time. She says passengers were asked to stay in their rooms and given complimentary access to their minibars.

According to Royal Caribbean's website, the ship departed from Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

...and some more. #anthemoftheseas #overthis #rocktheboat pic.twitter.com/pvBjYa6CrM — Leanna Petrone (@LeannaPetrone) February 8, 2016

just a little bit of the damage so far. boat is still rocking. #anthemoftheseas #overthis #150mphwinds #rocktheboat pic.twitter.com/veRMtGzBbE — Leanna Petrone (@LeannaPetrone) February 8, 2016

3:10 PM Eastern time, the calm before the Hurricane. #anthemoftheseas #royalcarribean pic.twitter.com/YI7qXxTv4k — Jacob Ibrag (@jaybrag) February 8, 2016

Don't think I've ever missed land this much. In other news, wish I took those swimming lessons... #anthemoftheseas #royalcarribean — Jacob Ibrag (@jaybrag) February 8, 2016

Sign up for the South Florida Sports Headlines Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Now signed up to receive the south florida sports headlines newsletter..

HURRICANE GUIDE

• ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream Watch Now
• THE LOOP | NYC Weather and Traffic Cams Watch Now

Cruise ship headed to Florida encounters rough seas, will return to New Jersey

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A Royal Caribbean cruise ship headed from New Jersey to Florida encountered rough seas and high winds in the Atlantic Ocean Sunday, forcing frightened passengers into their cabins overnight as their belongings flew about and winds howled outside. Those onboard described waves as high as 30 feet, but the cruise line says no one was injured and the ship suffered minor damage and was safe to remain at sea.

It was initially expected that the ship would continue to Port Canaveral, but officials announced Monday that the Anthem of the Seas would turn around and sail back to Cape Liberty, New Jersey.

Video posted on Twitter by a passenger shows furniture overturned by the rocking ship. (Courtesy Twitter/@LeannaPetrone)

The same passenger tweeted pictures of broken planters.

The ship left Cape Liberty Saturday afternoon and is due to arrive in Florida sometime Monday.

Royal Caribbean issued a statement:

"On Sunday, February 7, while sailing to Port Canaveral, Florida, Anthem of the Seas experienced extreme wind and sea conditions, with wind speeds higher than what was forecasted. In an abundance of caution, the captain asked all guests to stay in their stateroom until the weather improved. At this time there have not been any serious injuries reported. The ship has sustained some damage to the public areas and guest staterooms, which in no way affect the sea-worthiness of the ship."

There appears to be some damage to the ship:

This video shows what the conditions are like outside the ship:

Despite the ordeal, the ship's crew kept serving passengers:

Sixteen-year-old Gabriella Lairson says she and her father, Sam, could feel the ship begin to sway by 2:30 p.m. The captain directed passengers to their cabins. There, the Lairsons heard glasses shatter in the bathroom, and they put their belongings in drawers and closets to prevent them from flying across the room. They ventured out on the balcony, where Sam Lairson shot video showing wave after wave rising below them.

"The winds were so strong that I thought the phone would blow from my hands," Sam Lairson, of Ocean City, New Jersey, said in an email. "After that we had to keep the doors to the balconies sealed."

The ship, with more than 4,500 guests and 1,600 crew members, was scheduled to arrive in Port Canaveral around noon Monday. It is unclear when it will arrive back in New Jersey.

Gabriella Lairson says that by early Monday morning, people were out and about on the ship, checking out the minor damage in some public areas. Some staterooms also were damaged, according to a Royal Caribbean statement.

Lairson praised the crew and captain. "They did everything they could to make us feel comfortable even though they were not allowed to be out around the ship that often," she wrote to The AP on Facebook. "The Captain regularly gave us updates."

Martinez confirmed that passengers were asked to stay in their rooms and said they were given complimentary access to their minibars.

Robert Huschka, the executive editor of the Detroit Free Press, was aboard and started tweeting when the inclement weather hit. He told USA Today that the ordeal was "truly terrifying." He described the cruise director nervously giving updates, and he later posted photos of shattered glass panels on a pool deck.

But Huschka was among passengers who found a silver lining in the storm. On Monday morning, he posted: "The good news? They never lost the Super Bowl signal. Perfect TV picture throughout storm!"

And despite her own worries, Strand said her daughter, 8-month-old Alexa, slept through the entire episode.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Related Topics

• CRUISE SHIP

Top Stories

12-year-old girl shot in Jamaica, Queens

• 2 hours ago

Family says 16-year-old was breaking up fight when he was killed

TV chef faces eviction over tens of thousands in unpaid rent

Video shows man breaking windows of Upper East Side Kosher restaurant

WABC's Sandra Bookman, Art Moore honored at Dance to Unite Gala

Jets and Giants full schedules released

Man repeatedly stabbed during fight with two other people in Queens

NYPD investigating string of robberies tied to Facebook Marketplace

Cruise ship battered by nine-metre waves – video

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship runs into high winds and rough seas in the Atlantic Ocean, forcing passengers into their cabins overnight as waves rise as high as nine metres and winds howl outside. Footage shot by passengers shows the terrifying conditions that toppled furniture inside the ship

Source: AP / Twitter - Angelikoula / Twitter - Jacob Ibrag / Instagram - Sgraby83

Tue 9 Feb 2016 06.55 GMT Last modified on Fri 14 Jul 2017 21.03 BST

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email

Most popular

How Cruise Lines Handle Storms, Fog, Bomb Cyclones, and More

By Fran Golden

Water sloshing across the deck, waves lapping at cabin windows, furniture flying, dishes smashing. We’ve all seen terrifying videos of what happens when a cruise ship gets caught in a major storm. But the toughest reality might be this: generally, it looks worse than it is. Though we can’t control Mother Nature, when bad weather strikes, cruise lines are prepared. Want to know their strategies—how they handle it, and what that means for when you cruise? We talked to the cruise lines directly to find out.

Ships are made for moving

When in the throes of a storm—whether in a plane, a car, or a ship—it’s easy to get nervous about the turbulence and forget that today’s methods of transportation are fairly capable of enduring bouts of bad weather. “Ships can go through rough seas,” says captain Ben Lyons, who helmed small ships for Lindblad Expeditions for years, and is now CEO of Expedition Voyage Consultants, which advises cruise lines on best practices for planning and executing expedition sailings. “It’s more uncomfortable for the guests, but ships can take it.”

Cruise ships are made of heavy steel that’s even heavier with a full load of passengers and crew onboard. With all that weight, they can roll with the waves. In the roughest seas a ship may list, or tilt to one side, but even that’s unlikely—shipbuilders test things such as buoyancy and center of gravity during construction, which includes putting scale models of ships through all sorts of storm simulations. In short, those ships are built to handle storms, even in hurricane season.

Monitoring the weather

Take heed, budding armchair meteorologists: Modern cruise ships have the latest and greatest weather forecasting equipment—far beyond what you can look up on your phone. The bridge (the command center where the captain works) has an entire arsenal of weather maps, satellite images of storms, even computer models from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and third-party meteorologists. The crew and officers monitor it all constantly.

Safety is a priority for all cruise lines, and even with these on-ship set-ups, many companies add additional layers of precaution. In January 2017, Royal Caribbean hired James Van Fleet as the first-in-the-industry dedicated cruise line meteorologist; he previously worked as a TV meteorologist for more than 20 years. During the hurricane and typhoon season, which is June to November, he’s in the Miami headquarters monitoring a 25-foot wall of weather screens and sharing information with the company’s 26 ships and the executive team.

In most cases, he says, he can see storms seven to 10 days out, and advise ships on avoidance strategies. “I know what the models are suggesting, and they [the crews] are getting the word sooner so they don’t have to scramble,” Van Fleet says. “If there is a typhoon in the western Pacific and we may need to reroute a couple of ships, I can be talking to them two or three times a day.”

Carnival Cruise Line , meanwhile, monitors weather from a multi-million-dollar command center that it opened last year. “One of the many ways that we keep our guests, crew, and vessels safe is through our new state-of-the-art Fleet Operations Center (FOC) at our Miami headquarters,” says Lars Ljoen, executive vice president of marine operations for Carnival Cruise Line.

The first facility of its kind in Southern Florida, the 35,000-square-foot operations center is staffed 24/7 and has a 74-foot-long video wall with 57 LED screens that shows the status of all the line’s 27 ships, including weather, itinerary, and safety updates—some captured by a software called Argos, a management tool developed in-house.

“During hurricane season, our Fleet Operations Center is an invaluable tool as it provides a comprehensive, at-a-glance look at the exact locations of our ships, allowing us to closely monitor their position in relation to the path of the storm and ultimately deploy vessels elsewhere,” says its director, John Rowley.

When to reroute a ship

Cruise ships tend to stick to destinations where they can avoid bad weather, such as the Caribbean in winter and Alaska’s inside passage and the Mediterranean in summer, but there are exceptions: cruising in the Caribbean in summer when the kids are out of school has become popular for families, for example, even though it’s during hurricane season. At any time of year, too, the weather can be unpredictable.

Rachel Chang

Sophie Morgan

Lale Arikoglu

When seas get rough, modern cruise ships have onboard technology that helps stabilize them. But if it looks like a more serious storm is in their path, cruise ships generally try to outrun or avoid them.

“We’ve steered our ships around typhoons, hurricanes, fog, massive storms with rapid intensification—which gets the term ‘bomb cyclones,’” Van Fleet says. “But we’ve moved. If you are on our ship and there’s a hurricane out there, I can move you. I can get you to better weather,” he adds, noting that land-based hotels and resorts don’t have that option.

There are situations where a ship may have no choice other than encountering some weather, such as during a North Atlantic crossing in the fall. But even in these cases ships try to find the calmest patch of sea. If adverse weather is unavoidable, the cruise line may change your itinerary , possibly switching your Bermuda cruise with one along the coast of New England and Canada, or shortening or lengthening your cruise by a day or two.

Those decisions are made collaboratively with captains, with guest comfort in mind, Van Fleet says. For instance, to avoid heavy rain, he might suggest a ship stay at sea and arrive at a port a few hours later than planned. By contrast, a port may be skipped altogether if seas are too rough—especially if the port doesn’t have a deep-water dock, meaning passengers have to board tenders, or small boats to get to shore, which is a difficult and dangerous operation in windy conditions.

In those cases, the ship may dock at an alternative port, possibly one you didn’t expect to visit; change the order of the ports that are on the itinerary; or seek a sunny spot at sea. Cruise lines are adept at handling these situations and outline this possibility for guests, along with their policies for how they handle them. If this happens to you, talk to the cruise line directly about refunds or other means of recompense—especially if your ship’s return to its homeport needs to be delayed and affects your flights home.

What to expect if your ship hits bad weather

If you’re already on a ship and meet rough conditions, listen to the instructions of the captain and crew. It’s common for the crew to put down non-slip mats and add signage reminding you to exercise caution when walking. Van Fleet says part of his job is communicating with the crew when such procedures may be necessary.

Every day, listen to the captain’s report from the bridge, which includes a description of sea conditions, to decide what preparations you may need to make for the day. If you get seasick , be prepared with over-the-counter motion sickness medications, homeopathic remedies, or a prescription patch from your doctor.

Note that attractions such as the pool and waterslides may shut down, or the outdoor decks may be closed altogether. In very rare situations, the Captain may require all passengers stay in their cabins. In general, you’ll likely feel some rolling—but that goes for the entirety of your trip, too. “You’re on a ship on the ocean; you’re signing on for some movement,” Van Fleet says. “But my job is to make sure it’s an acceptable, safe amount that you can enjoy your vacation with.”

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

TURN UP THE WANDERLUST

Brilliance of the seas.

Discover new experiences on every shore — and on every deck.

If you love next-level thrills, world-class dining and stellar entertainment, you’ll love a vacation getaway onboard Brilliance of the Seas ®. This headliner levels up adventure with exciting destinations and favorite onboard activities. Reach new heights and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall 40 feet above deck. Sip craft cocktails at a rotating bar with spectacular views. And catch non-stop entertainment that will make you sing along and laugh out loud.

Stop Scrolling, Start Wandering

Unforgettable new experiences are just a click away — book now and save big on all your favorite itineraries onboard Brilliance of the Seas.

{{error.text}} {{error.link.label}}

SIGN UP TO STAY IN THE LOOP

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

TIME FOR A LATITUDE ADJUSTMENT

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind ways to experience distinct cultures, savor exotic flavors and soak up views that’ll give even the most seasoned travelers wanderlust, this is the cruise ship for you. Brilliance of the Seas ® offers year-round adventures for every kind of explorer.

ALL ABOUT THE VIEWS

No matter what sailing you choose on Brilliance of the Seas, every destination you visit is a show stopper. Fortunately, the ship offers endless opportunities to scope out the scenery and appreciate the sights — whether you’re rocking out forty feet above deck on the rock-climbing wall or hanging out in one of the Solarium’s serene whirlpools.   

EXPLORE ONBOARD ACTIVITIES

A JOURNEY FOR YOUR TASTEBUDS

Add a stop in Asia to your itinerary with fresh-rolled sushi and made-to-order Far East flavors at Izumi Japanese Cuisine. Or tuck into New American delicacies like prime hand cut steaks and tender Maine lobster at Chops Grille℠. 

EXPLORE ONBOARD DINING

SIPS BETWEEN SIGHTS

Classic cocktails crafted by a pro in the retro-inspired R Bar. Reds, whites and rosés from around the world at Vintages. A perfectly-poured pint at the King & Country Pub. On this ship, you’ll never run of places to say, “Bottom’s up” as you sail to each incredible destination. 

EXPLORE BARS & NIGHTLIFE

ADVENTURE FROM ALASKA TO THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN

Explore the wilderness of the Last Frontier or discover the exotic beauty of the  Western Caribbean  onboard Brilliance of the Seas®. From dog sledding in Juneau to exploring the sunkissed shores in Mexico , this Radiance Class headliner takes you to your coolest adventure or your hottest vacay yet.

ANSWER THE CALL OF THE WILD

Brilliance of the Seas ® gets you up close and personal to the glacial giants of The Last Frontier — from the expansive Hubbard to the calving Dawes. Explore the best of Alaska like wildlife spotting in Juneau, peak-seeking in Sitka, and culture-craving in Ketchikan. And since the adventure sails roundtrip from Vancouver , crossing Alaska off your adventure bucket list is easier than ever.

EXPLORE ALASKA CRUISES

GO BOLD FROM THE BAYOU

Nothing compares to a weeklong, western Caribbean island-hop from beautiful New Orleans . Snorkel among colorful reefs in Cozumel . Sip Cayman Mama’s while sunbathing at the Seven Mile Beach in George Town . And venture to the Kohunlick ruins to see the famous Temple of the Masks. Packed with more ways to play, full throttle thrills are always on the itinerary onboard and offshore.

EXPLORE WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISES

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Adventure shines bright on this Radiance Class headliner.

Max out memories like never before onboard  Brilliance of the Seas® . From rock climbing 40 feet above deck to finding serenity in the Solarium’s whirlpools, you can do it all — or do nothing at all. And when you’re ready to refuel, send your tastebuds on a globetrotting expedition with indulging options from Italy to Japan. Plus enjoy spectacular views and craft cocktails at a rotating bar. And don’t miss out on showstopping entertainment including dazzling Broadway-inspired productions.

The Best Free Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

April 12, 2024

Brilliance of the Seas, smaller than Oasis Class cruise ships, offers an intimate low-key vibe that has kept a strong fanbase among vacation travelers.

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Brilliance of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

CRUISE SHIP BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS REVIEWS

Explore more.

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Watch CBS News

Passenger: I Thought Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Was 'Going To Tip'

February 8, 2016 / 11:15 PM EST / CBS New York

MIAMI (CBSNewYork/AP) --  A Royal Caribbean cruise ship ran into high winds and rough seas in the Atlantic Ocean on Sunday, forcing frightened passengers into their cabins overnight as their belongings flew about, waves rose as high as 30 feet, and winds howled outside. The cruise line says that although no one was injured and the ship suffered only minor damage, it's turning around and sailing back to its home port in New Jersey.

The Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas cruise ship is expected to return to Cape Liberty in Bayonne on Wednesday morning.

Pictures and videos from passengers showed the damage that happened aboard the ship.

"I was shaking all over,'' Shara Strand, of New York City, wrote to The Associated Press via Facebook on Monday. "Panic attack, things like that --- I've been on over 20 cruises, I've been through a hurricane, it was never like this. Never.''

That's not the inside of a washing machine! That's what it looked like inside a cabin on the Anthem of the Seas when it hit rough seas... . Read more here: http://cbsloc.al/1Sc2bgZ Posted by CBS New York on Monday, February 8, 2016

Passenger Scott Tonback spoke with CBS2 by phone and said he was stuck in his cabin on the Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas for over 12 hours.

"I'm on the seventh floor and literally had waves up to my deck," he said, "They said, 'Oh, help yourself to the minibar free of charge, and we'll give you free movies.'"

Tonback was angry about the decision to attempt to outrun a storm that produced hurricane force winds and 30 foot waves.

"When we boarded the ship the captain said, 'Well, we're going to put the ship full speed ahead and try to outrun the storm,'" he said.

George Sycip told CBS2 that his vacation soon became a nightmare.

"You could hear the waves crashing, metal twisting, all night long. It was scary," he said. "There was a point where I was like this thing is going to tip."

Passenger Jared Johnson shot video after the captain ordered everyone back to their rooms.

"At one point, people were falling over and they said, 'Hold the wheelchair,'" Johnson described to CBS2. "Myself and others were standing over holding the wheelchairs so they weren't going to be sliding around."

Sen. Bill Nelson has called for the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate.

"The thing about this storm was that it was forecast for days. So why in the world would a cruise ship with thousands of passengers go sailing right into it?'' Nelson said on the Senate floor on Monday, according to a news release from his office.

The National Weather Service's Ocean Prediction Center had issued an alert for a strong storm four days in advance, said Susan Buchanan with the weather service. The first warning was issued Saturday for possible hurricane-force winds in the area the ship was scheduled to sail through.

The massive cruise ship was headed to Port Canaveral, Florida from its home port of Cape Liberty, New Jersey on Saturday and ran into high winds and rough seas in the Atlantic Ocean.

As CBS2's Alice Gainer reported, giant waves crashed into windows, knocked the ship around, and damaged anything that wasn't bolted down.

A noon arrival had been planned, but the weather caused a delay. Passengers were asked to stay in their rooms and given complimentary access to their minibars.

Luckily, only four passengers were injured during the event, though none seriously, according to spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez.

We appreciate our guests' patience and cooperation. We know it was tough day on Sunday apologize for their discomfort. #AnthemoftheSeas — Royal Caribbean Group (@NewsfromRCgroup) February 8, 2016

The 4,905-passenger ship is billed as the most technologically advanced cruise vessel ever. It boasts fast internet speeds, an all-digital check-in process, a skydiving simulator at sea and the first bumper cars at sea.

"Anthem of the Seas will turn around and sail back to Cape Liberty, New Jersey," Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Cynthia Martinez said. "This decision was made due to weather forecasted for the next few days that is likely to impact the ship's original itinerary. We are also sensitive to the fact that our guests have already been through an uncomfortable ride. Returning to Cape Liberty minimizes the risks of further bad weather affecting our guests' voyage; we are optimistic that they will have a smooth sail home."

Who knew "ocean view" was going to be literal? #anthemoftheseas https://t.co/hMvM6hZC4U — Greg (@flatgreg) February 8, 2016

"We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our guests. We know it was tough day on Sunday and apologize for their discomfort. We also thank our captain and crew for guiding the ship safely back to better weather," Martinez added.

WEB EXTRA: 'ANTHEM OF THE SEAS' FAST FACTS

Passengers posted dramatic photos and video featuring broken vases, and overturned tables and chairs on social media. One passenger videotaped what it looked like outside his cabin, with a view that WCBS 880's Kelly Waldron said "looked like the inside of a washing machine."

Gabriella Lairson said via Facebook that the storm started about 3 p.m. Sunday. She said the captain instructed everyone to go to their staterooms.

finally moving, winds still feel strong but nowhere close to the chaos 12 hours ago. #anthemoftheseas #rocktheboat #guessimnotgoingtodisney ???? — Leanna Nicole (@LeannaPetrone) February 8, 2016

Sixteen-year-old Lairson and her father, of Ocean City, New Jersey, heard glasses in their bathroom shatter and they put belongings in drawers and closets to prevent them from flying across the room.

Video that her father, Sam Lairson, shot shows wave after wave rising outside the balcony. He said in an email, "The winds were so strong that I thought the phone would blow from my hands.''

Lairson said that by about 1:30 a.m. Monday, the storm had calmed. She praised the captain and crew and said the ship held up well, with damage in only a few places.

Royal Caribbean International said it will give each guest a full refund of the fare paid for their cruise.

"We will also provide each guest with a future cruise certificate for 50% of the cruise fare paid. Safety is our highest priority and ships are designed to withstand even more extreme circumstances than Anthem of the Seas encountered. While the weather was unpleasant, the ship remained seaworthy at all times," Martinez said.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Featured Local Savings

More from cbs news.

GWB reopens after police activity causes major delays

2 students hurt following fight inside Manhattan high school

Video shows school bus in flames in New Jersey

Rockaway ferry reservations open this week for summer 2024

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

17 Royal Caribbean Cruise Tips for First-time Passengers, According to Experts

Here's how to maximize your Royal Caribbean cruise, whether it's your first or fifth time on board.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruise

If you’re shopping for a traditional cruise, chances are you’ll consider Royal Caribbean. The household name among big-ship cruise lines is the second-largest carrier on the seas (after Carnival). It has 27 ships in its fleet, including the new Icon of the Seas , the world’s largest cruise ship, with room for 7,600 passengers. Another four mega-ships are under construction. Even Royal Caribbean’s smallest vessels hold more than 2,400 passengers, so by any definition, they’re big.

If you’ve never sailed with Royal Caribbean, it can take a while to learn the ropes — nautical reference intended. And since your vacation time is precious, we asked some cruise line experts how to make the most of your first voyage. Here are their tips and tricks for first-time Royal Caribbean guests.

Don't wait to book.

It’s a piece of advice that goes for most cruise lines. Matt Hochberg of Royal Caribbean Blog , a fan and information site that's not affiliated with the company, says to book your Royal Caribbean cruise “as early as possible — as in now. It’s not like airfare where you can wait on the chance that prices will go down. Cruise prices stay where they are and only go up, and right now, demand is as high as it’s ever been. Your best bet is to book as early as you can, like 12 to 24 months out, to lock in the lowest price.”

Make show reservations in advance, too.

“Would you show up in New York for a theater weekend and simply cross your fingers and hope you get tickets to the shows you want?” asks Rob Clabbers, a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel . The answer is probably not, so use the "Manage My Cruise" feature on the Royal Caribbean website and book the shows you don’t want to miss. “You’re more likely to get the reservations you want and you’ll avoid having to scramble for seats or stand in line on your first day on board,” he adds.

Study the ship layout before your cruise.

If you’re like me, the anticipation of a cruise is half the fun. Use the weeks and months before your sailing to study deck plans and hone in on your favorite amenities. The largest Royal Caribbean ships are like small cities — the Icon and Oasis class ships even have their own neighborhoods. If you already have your bearings before embarking, you’ll waste less time riding the wrong elevator or wandering the wrong deck when trying to get to your destination — or back to your stateroom.

Get a jump on online check-in.

As soon as you book, access the "Manage My Cruise" portal on the Royal Caribbean website (the Royal Caribbean app has some of the same features). Then, as soon as online check-in opens, get right on it so you can secure the earliest possible window. “It makes the cruise terminal experience way faster,” says Hochberg. “About 30 days in advance, they’ll give you a check-in window. Arrive right around that time and you’ll breeze through — you don’t even stop moving.”

Opt for a drinks package.

You won’t go thirsty on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but free drinks are limited to standard coffee and tea, tap water, hot chocolate, milk, and a few other basics. Everything else costs extra — often a lot extra. “Even if you don’t drink alcohol, it may be worth checking out the options in advance, if you’re into premium coffees, sodas, juices, or bottled waters," says Clabbers. “Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions on the ‘Manage My Cruise’ [portal] that may save you money on certain beverage packages.”

Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on.

“Royal Caribbean ships have so many great pools and water features,” says Hochberg. And they get really crowded. Get ahead of the other passengers by packing a swimsuit in your daypack or carry-on. You can enjoy the pools, water parks, or the popular FlowRider surf simulator while you wait — often several hours — to access your cabin. “Embarkation day is one of the best times to go to the pools,” Hochberg adds. If you’re traveling with kids, you'll be glad you stashed those suits in your bag.

Splurge on a suite.

“Royal Caribbean ships can feel large and busy, so maybe you want to upgrade to a suite,” says Clabbers. Most suites start at around 300 square feet and go up from there — both in dimensions and price. You can expect to pay about twice as much for a suite, but the additional space may offer a welcome break from all the hubbub on board. Clabbers adds, “Depending on the category and ship you choose, you may enjoy suite-only restaurants and lounges, VIP treatment and embarkation, and even Royal Genie butler service.”

Asses how much drinking you’ll really do.

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package — the only one that includes alcohol — follows a dynamic pricing model between $56 and $105 per day, per person, with prices varying depending on the ship, itinerary, and other factors. Alcoholic and soft drinks are expensive on board, but you still have to indulge a lot to make the package worth the investment. If you’re not sure how much you'll drink (and don’t want to feel obligated to do so simply because you’ve paid for a package), consider going a la carte for the first few days of your cruise. You can always add a drinks package later, as long as you still have at least four days left on your sailing.

Find your place in the sun.

If you want a poolside lounge chair, you'll have to arrive by 10 a.m. at the latest on most Royal Caribbean ships, according to Hochberg. “People who sleep in and roll up at noon are not getting a chair by the pool,” he says. That said, the ships do have plenty of outdoor space, even if it’s not right by a pool. “If you just want to be outside, there are other chairs. Walk to the front or back of the ship. The further away you are from the pool, the more chairs you’ll find,” he adds, noting the promenade deck on any Royal Caribbean ship is always a great spot to read.

Consider a balcony cabin.

Like most cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is adding more balcony cabins and suites on its ships, and that’s, of course, due to customer demand. “Balconies are the most popular option,” says Hochberg. Though they cost more than an interior or non-balcony room, they’re still reasonably priced compared to suites. Hochberg adds, “They offer more space and fresh air, and if you do get seasick, the view and fresh air help.”

Choose an older ship.

If your vacation is more about the destination than the journey, you should consider an older, smaller Royal Caribbean ship, especially given the demand for their newer Oasis and Icon vessels. Radiance and Vision classes are among the oldest and smallest in the fleet, but still offer plenty of big-ship amenities without the “city at sea” feel. Hochberg calls these ships “much more manageable,” to the point that you probably don’t even need to make show or specialty dining reservations in advance — though you might still want to book once you’re on board.

Look for no-kid zones.

Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line — there are a slew of facilities and programs made just for kids. But if you prefer a more adult experience, Royal Caribbean offers options. “Certain areas are adults-only, such as the casino and nightclubs,” says Hochberg. While bars and lounges technically allow children to enter, he says it’s rare to see kids in these areas in the evening. Later dinner seatings also mean fewer young kids. Almost every ship in the fleet offers the Solarium, an adults-only section with a pool and whirlpool, a sundeck, and a bar. On the brand’s private Caribbean island playground, Perfect Day at CocoCay , Hideaway Beach is the adults-only pool and beach, though entrance is for a fee. Hochberg also says that “on longer sailings — those past seven nights — the amount of kids drops precipitously.”

If you can’t snag a show reservation, try walking in.

Because booked passengers scoop up show reservations as soon as they’re offered online, you may not get your first choice when it comes to the many show offerings, which include ice-skating performances, aqua theater, and Broadway-quality productions. But don’t give up, says Hochberg. “Show up at least 30 minutes before the show, even if it's sold out,” he says. “You’ll almost certainly be able to get in, as people blow off their [advance] reservations.”

Cost out The Key program.

Clabbers says Royal Caribbean cruisers should look into The Key program , the paid upgrade that’s akin to the Genie+ service at Disney theme parks. “It provides priority boarding access, a welcome lunch, high-speed internet access, fast lane access to onboard activities, private time at the FlowRider surf simulator, dedicated theater seats at shows, and other niceties.” Prices fluctuate, though, so before you purchase, compare the cost of The Key versus that of Royal Caribbean’s Voom Surf & Stream internet package. If there’s not much difference in cost (remember, it’s per user, per day), The Key benefits are worth springing on. However, if there’s a big price difference — or you want to disconnect during your cruise — you can skip The Key.

Look into third-party excursions.

Shore excursions must also be reserved in advance, and depending on when you book, you might not get your first choice of activity or time slot. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay on board or near the port all day. “Of course, Royal Caribbean offers shore excursions wherever they go,” says Clabbers. “But if you like more options and potentially smaller groups or lower fares, take a look at excursions offered by third-party providers.” Clabbers likes Shore Excursions Group and Project Expedition . “If you prefer private [excursions], Context Travel offers cultural and historical tours and activities in cities around the world.”

BYOB — to a point.

Perhaps you don’t want to buy a beverage package, but you’d like to have a glass of wine or two during your cruise. Royal Caribbean lets you bring one 750-milliliter bottle of wine per cabin guest, per cruise, and for many light drinkers, that’s plenty. Don’t try and bring more than this, and don’t put it in your checked luggage — it will be confiscated and returned at the end of your journey, as will any alcohol you buy in ports of call. You can also bring up to 12 containers (bottles, cans, or cartons) with up to 17 ounces each of soft drinks per stateroom. If you bring your bottle of wine to a restaurant or other public area, you’ll be charged a corkage fee.

Skip the transatlantic cruise if you're a first-timer.

Transatlantic repositioning cruises are not ideal for first-time Royal Caribbean passengers, according to Hochberg. “Transatlantic cruises are like a fine wine. Once you’re more acclimated and know you like the shipboard experience, they offer great value priced per night,” he says. But you don’t want to get on board and find that you don’t like the brand, or worse, don’t like cruising. “They are long cruises with lots of sea days, and are very susceptible to the weather.”

Related Articles

Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ship 'Utopia of the Seas' Begins 5-Day Sea Trials with Over 900 Experts on Board — See Photos!

The new cruiser will be available for short getaways starting in July

The Royal Caribbean’s latest ship is nearly ready for its debut!

In September 2023, the Utopia of the Seas hit the open ocean for the very first time. Now, starting May 7, the cruise ship is slated to undergo five days of sea trials ahead of its launch this summer.

During this testing period, the ship will cover over 1,000 miles before docking in France for its final phase of production at Saint-Nazaire’s Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard.

Over 900 experts are currently on board the Utopia , Royal Caribbean says.

Architects, engineers and more specialists are all working to ensure that every detail of the massive cruiser — from its engine to its navigation systems — will be ready to set sail from Port Canaveral in Orlando, Fla., on July 19.

Utopia will offer “more pools than the days to count, thrills like the longest dry slide at sea; and showstopping entertainment across air, ice, water and stage,” according to Royal Caribbean.

Related: What the World’s Largest Cruise Ship Is Really Like, from a Passenger Aboard Its First Voyage (Exclusive)

By the numbers, the ship boasts five pools, three waterslides and two casinos — plus, 21 places to dine and 23 places to drink.

Highlights of its dining options include the Pesky Parrott, a Caribbean-inspired bar, and Royal Railway, “a first-of-its-kind immersive train car dining experience,” per the company.

And, to work up an appetite, the cruiser features a “FlowRider surf simulator,” plus recreational classics, including from rock climbing and mini golf and to an indoor ice arena.

Notably, every Utopia cruise also stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay — Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island in The Bahamas.

In addition to the ship’s myriad hangouts, guests aboard the new ship can enjoy Perfect Day, which opened in 2019, and its many amenities, from the “tallest waterslide in North America” to the “Caribbean’s largest wave pool.”

Plus, passengers over 18 can visit the island's recently opened Hideaway Beach, a brand-new “adults-only oasis” with a private beach and live music.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

Utopia will debut with short getaway options including three-night weekend and four-night weekday cruises, which start at $369 per person and are currently available to book at royalcaribbean.com.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People .

• Cruise News

Family Says Gambling Debt on Cruise Caused Man to Jump

• May 15, 2024

The family of a man who passed away after going overboard during an Australian cruise last week has a hit out at the cruise line’s gambling policy.

Shane Dixon, 50, went overboard just ten nautical miles from docking in Sydney on the Elvis-themed sailing aboard P&O Cruises Australia ship, Pacific Adventure.

The man overboard alert was triggered at around 4:30 a.m. local time, less than two hours before the ship was scheduled to dock in Sydney at the end of the cruise. Mr Dixon’s body was recovered a few hours later. The New South Wales Police Marine Area Command said the search operation was hampered by rough seas with five-meter waves.

Man ran up Losses of $9,000

Dixon was on the cruise with his mother, and his family says the cruise line bears some responsibility. Brother Scott Dixon, who wasn’t on the cruise, told  Daily Mail Australia his brother had racked up a sizable debt in the onboard casino.

He had originally lost A$5,000 and then borrowed money from his mother to pay this off. Dixon then lost another A$4,000 the following night.

“Our mother is devastated. Broken,” Scott Dixon said. “Mom said they were having fun, everything was good. But the casino – they use all of these incentives to tell people, ‘Come back, come back.'”

What the Cruise Line Said

Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO Carol Bennett told Travel Weekly that the cruise industry shouldn’t be exempt from local gambling laws just because it operates in international waters.

“They do have a responsibility to ensure that people are gambling in a way that is not going to leave them completely out of pocket and without support or assistance when they most need it.”

“There is still as responsibility on the company to provide a safe environment for gambling and to reduce the levels of harm that are experienced. They should be compliant with the laws of the land of which they left.”

Recent Posts

Royal caribbean adds 10,000 employees for cruise ships and private island, alaska trip report: setting sail on holland america’s koningsdam, margaritaville at sea cruise ship fails surprise cdc inspection, share this post, related posts.

Port Canaveral Announces Plans for a Brand New Cruise Terminal Coming in 2026

Princess Relocates Cruise Ship from Australia to Puerto Rico

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.   

Quick links

Cruise Radio, LLC © Copyright 2009-2024 | Website Designed By   Insider Perks, Inc