Although being on a cruise during the middle of a storm is generally safe, it can be absolutely terrifying, even for those used to being at sea. During a storm, the pool deck is often closed, and the pool may be emptied for safety reasons.
The ship will likely rock side to side and you may hear increased creaking and squeaking which is normal in tough water. The captain will provide instructions and announce when rough weather is expected. Ships are built to withstand strong seas and have advanced weather monitoring and stabilisation systems.
However, it is helpful to know the safest place to go during a storm and a cruise liner officer has lifted the lid on exactly where this is.
Answering the question ‘Where is the safest place on a cruise ship during a storm?’ James Abbgy, who reportedly works on Royal Caribbean, wrote on Quora that your cabin is the best place to take shelter, with lying on your bed being the safest place to do.
He says: “We avoid storms wherever possible. But if it cannot be avoided, your cabin is plenty safe. Lying on the bed would further enhance safety. We design ships with movement in mind, so there aren’t many things that will shift or fall.”
Staying inside protects you from strong winds and the risk of falling or being hit by flying debris from the deck.
James says lower deck cabins are generally safer than other cabins as they are less affected by any rocking motions and offers protection from potential hazards.
He says: “Going a step further, I would probably say the lower deck crew cabins might be the safest spots on the ship. Much more utilitarian than the guest accommodations. Lower, so you are less affected by roll.
“Find one that is more or less central, and you will minimize the impact of pitch as well. And the stairs tend to be central, so if the worst should happen, you’d have a direct route to the muster stations.”