(Source: CBS) A Royal Caribbean cruise was thrown into chaos on Thursday, November 7, 2024, when an unexpected wind gust hit the Explorer of the Seas near Tenerife, one of Spain’s Canary Islands. According to the cruise line, the strong gusts caused the vessel to experience “sudden movement,” disrupting both passengers and crew onboard.
Jonathan Parrish, a passenger aboard the ship, shared his experience with CBS News, explaining that he was in the ship’s theater when he felt the vessel make a sharp “hard right turn” followed by a second, even more intense turn. The performance was abruptly halted, and passengers evacuated to the ship’s common areas, where they were met with scenes of disarray.
“Everybody kind of walked around a little bit, just gawking at all the bottles from the bar that had fallen,” Parrish said. “All the merchandise in the Royal Promenade was just all spread out throughout the floor.” Bottles, goods, and furniture were reportedly scattered across several decks as a result of the sudden, violent movement.
The ship’s captain later addressed passengers, explaining that the winds had increased dramatically—from 46 miles per hour to a dangerous 86 miles per hour—causing the unexpected jolt. Parrish told CBS News that the captain’s announcement helped restore calm among passengers, providing clarity amid the confusion.
In the aftermath, passengers were asked to return to their cabins for accountability checks, a process that took about an hour.
The Explorer of the Seas, a massive 1,020-foot vessel that can carry up to 4,290 guests and 1,185 crew members, also reported that one passenger was injured during the incident and requires additional medical care. The ship is now heading to Las Palmas, Spain, for a medical disembarkation, though details on the injured passenger’s condition have not been released.
Royal Caribbean has not disclosed further specifics on the extent of the damage, but several areas on the ship were reportedly affected, including the bar area and the shopping promenade. Despite the unsettling experience, Parrish expressed confidence in the crew’s handling of the situation, noting that passengers were well-informed and supported by the captain.
The Explorer of the Seas, which has been in service since 2000, is known for its extensive amenities, including an ice skating rink, mini-golf course, and rock-climbing wall, offering a range of activities for guests onboard. The ship is currently registered in the Bahamas.
