Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas recently experienced a dramatic encounter with a rogue wave. The incident occurred as the ship was returning from a five-night cruise to Bermuda. Although the dining rooms were left in disarray, thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Unexpected Encounter with a Rogue Wave
The Vision of the Seas, a 78,340-gross-ton vessel, set sail from Baltimore on 20th September. As it made its way back to Maryland, a powerful wave struck, causing the ship to list heavily for several minutes. This unexpected event left passengers and crew in a state of shock.
Viral Video Captures the Chaos
A TikTok video capturing the incident quickly went viral. It shows plates and glassware sliding across the floor, with crew members trying to stabilise the situation. Diners clung to tables and chairs to avoid slipping. Liquor bottles smashed in the bar area, leaving glass scattered on the floor.
Despite the chaos, no one was injured. Some passengers lost their balance, and children were understandably frightened. However, the crew acted swiftly, cordoning off slippery areas and reassuring everyone. Their training and experience shone through, prioritising safety over the mess.
Crew Response Earns Praise
Vision of the Seas, built in 1998, is one of the older ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet. It can carry over 2,000 passengers and is equipped with stabilisers to reduce movement. However, even modern technology can’t fully counteract the force of a rogue wave. These waves are rare and often twice the height of surrounding seas, making them hard to predict.
Passengers praised the crew for their calm response. One social media user highlighted a staff member’s “impressive catch” of a sliding cart. Another noted that while the clean-up was overwhelming, “safety clearly came first.” For some, the ship’s motion added to the experience, with one frequent cruiser likening it to being rocked to sleep.
What Exactly Is a Rogue Wave?
A rogue wave is a massive, unpredictable wall of water that appears suddenly. It is much larger than the surrounding waves. Scientists define them as waves at least twice the height of the significant wave height, which is the average of the largest waves in that area. These waves are rare but can be incredibly powerful.
In conclusion, while the encounter with the rogue wave was unexpected, the crew’s quick response ensured passenger safety. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea, even on a modern cruise ship.
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