Imagine setting sail on a luxurious cruise, the ocean breeze in your hair, the promise of adventure on the horizon. Now, picture that serene scene turning into a heart-pounding thriller as the ship you're aboard suddenly tilts sideways, sending everything – and everyone – into a state of chaos. This isn't the plot of a maritime disaster movie; it's what passengers aboard the Crown Princess experienced during what was supposed to be a tranquil journey from Sydney to New Zealand.


The Crown Princess, a majestic vessel known for its grandeur and stability, was on a 14-day round trip when it encountered the wrath of the sea in the form of tumultuous waves and fierce winds in Milford Sounds, a stunning fjord on New Zealand's South Island. The date was February 26, and the passengers were about to endure a harrowing 40 seconds that would etch itself into their memories forever.


As the ship began to navigate through the rough seas, it was struck by a powerful 75-knot wind gust, causing it to list dramatically. Inside, the scene was one of utter disarray. A video that has since gone viral shows the ship's kitchen staff grappling with the laws of physics, desperately clinging to countertops as utensils and equipment became airborne projectiles. The floor was a canvas of spilled food and shattered crockery, painting a picture of the sudden and violent shift that had the 290-meter-long ship leaning at a precarious 14-degree angle.


Passenger Martin Wise, who was dining on the sixth floor at the time, recounted the ordeal to a New Zealand publication, describing how the vessel tipped significantly, sending cups, glasses, and plates flying. The sound of crashing from the kitchen and the sight of the sea rising ominously outside the restaurant windows added to the terror. 'On a frightening scale, I'd put it at 8.5 to 10,' Wise said. 'This is our seventh Princess cruise and nothing's ever happened like this before.'

Despite the fear-inducing incident, Wise and many others aboard the Crown Princess have not been deterred from future cruising. It's a testament to the resilience and spirit of adventure that defines so many travelers.

The chaos wasn't confined to the kitchen. Elsewhere on the ship, luxury items from the stores were strewn across the carpeted floors, and water from the onboard pool spilled out, adding to the pandemonium. In total, the ship was carrying 3,090 guests, with 13 passengers and three crew members sustaining minor injuries, according to a Princess Cruises spokesperson.


Thankfully, the ship itself emerged unscathed, with no structural damage, and continued on its scheduled journey. The crew's swift response helped correct the situation, and the safety of the ship was never compromised. The Lido Deck pool's water that had briefly entered the Horizons food court was quickly cleaned up, and the area was reopened.

Princess Cruises expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and appreciated the understanding of their guests. The voyage continued as planned, with the Crown Princess remaining fully operational and safe.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of safety on the high seas. It also highlights the resilience of both crew and passengers, who, despite the scare, were able to continue their journey with stories that will last a lifetime.

For our members who are avid cruisers or considering their first voyage, let this story be a reminder that while cruising is generally a safe and enjoyable way to travel, the ocean is an unpredictable force. Always listen to the crew's safety instructions, and don't let fear put you off from experiencing the wonders of the sea. Have you ever experienced rough seas on a cruise? Share your stories with us in the comments below – we'd love to hear about your adventures and how you navigated through them.