Cruises have long been considered one of the most luxurious ways to see the world. They provide a stress-free way to explore multiple destinations while only unpacking once and often come with a variety of amenities included in the price, such as dining and entertainment right there at your fingertips.
However, a viral video has exposed the harsh reality of being on a cruise ship during a storm. Despite advanced technology and skilled navigation to avoid bad weather, ships can still be impacted by turbulent waters and in such scenarios.
The captain and crew are committed to safeguarding both the ship and its passengers, but that doesn’t mean conditions on the boat can’t get a bit rocky.
And a recent video from TikTok account Days Out Worldwide – who provide tips on cruises and holidays – showed the state of a cruise ship’s pool in stormy conditions.
When encountering rough seas, ships are equipped with stabilizers to minimize movement, but even so, fierce gales whipped the water into a frenzy, leading to what viewers have called “crazy” scenes.
The TikToker said: “Did you know that when the seas are rough on a cruise, you cannot go in the swimming pool. Look how rough it gets, the end bit is crazy.”
The clip sparked a wave of comments, with one user joking: “All I see if a fun wave pool.”
Another nostalgically shared: “One cruise let us swim and it was so much fun,” while someone else reminisced: “I was on a cruise as a kid and the waves from the pool reached the second floor.”
Another asked: “What’s the point of the net? The water is going to go through.”
A viewer raised safety concerns, commenting: “I’m assuming that net is supposed to stop you drowning in the pool except it’s more an entanglement risk.”
Days Out Worldwide previously noted the challenges of visibility at sea during storms, stating: “the sky gets so dark” at night on a cruise that it can be hard to see.
Speaking on behalf of the industry, a spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) stated: “For Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its Cruise Line Members, the safety of guests and crew is the highest priority and is fundamental to their operations.”
They also highlighted the industry’s commitment to safety: “Even with an increase in cruise capacity, cruise lines have maintained an exceptional safety record making cruising one of the safest ways to travel. In fact, cruise travel is safer than virtually every other form of travel.”