WATCH: Cruise ship battles rough seas in Gulf of Mexico during hurricane

Gulf of Mexico (Oct. 10, 2024) — The Harmony of the Seas , a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, faced rough seas in the Gulf of Mexico on October 8, 2024, as Hurricane Milton disrupted its scheduled voyage. The massive storm caused waves as high as 20 feet, forcing the ship to briefly turn back from its intended course.

The cruise, which departed from Galveston, Texas, on October 6, was supposed to include stops in Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Roatán, Honduras. However, Hurricane Milton’s powerful winds and dangerous seas led Royal Caribbean to alter the ship’s route, prioritizing passenger safety.

Brandy Gostin Prince, a passenger on board with her children, shared her experience in a video, stating that the storm closed all outdoor decks, and walking became nearly impossible due to the strong winds. “Lots of people were getting sick, and the waves were just massive,” she said. The rough conditions persisted throughout the day, with waves so large that one splashed up to the fourth deck during lunch, leaving passengers in awe of the ocean’s power.

The video captures a moment in the main dining area aboard the Harmony of the Seas, where passengers, including a young boy, are seen observing massive waves crashing up to the fourth deck window during Hurricane Milton. This highlights the immense power of the storm as the ship battles rough seas. The waves create a dramatic scene as they rise high enough to be visible through the large round window, with passengers expressing amazement at the sight.

By mid-morning on October 8, the crew decided to turn the ship around as the storm’s trajectory slowed, making it difficult for the ship to exit the Gulf. The ship resumed its original course during the night of October 8 into the morning of October 9, although seas remained rough.

Despite the unsettling conditions, Royal Caribbean took measures to keep passengers safe and entertained. Gostin Prince noted that the crew provided a variety of indoor activities, and passengers received a partial refund for the disruption. By the afternoon of October 9, the weather began to calm, and sunny skies returned, providing some relief to the shaken passengers.

Royal Caribbean’s quick response and dedication to passenger safety have been praised by those onboard, as the ship and its crew navigated the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton.

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