Cruise Ship Battered in Storm; Dozens of Passengers Injured

Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Brilliance of the Seas, was caught in violent storms over the weekend while trying to get to port in Alexandria, Egypt.

Seventy-knot winds and rough seas in the Mediterranean tossed the ship back and forth causing passengers and furniture to fly about the ship. Passengers report that furniture along with waves smashed glass all over the ship, the casino machines toppled over and the gym was left in shambles, equipment tossed all over the room.

Around 2 a.m. the ship tilted and listed several times, knocking some passengers out of bed.

In a statement released by Royal Caribbean the company says the heavy seas and winds were “nearly double what had been forecasted.” As for injuries, the company says, “some guest injuries were reported, the most serious of which were two guests with fractures. The medical facility onboard is fully operational and our medical team is diligently caring for guests”.

Royal Caribbean reports that despite damage to some public areas of the ship and some loss of electricity the ship remains “fully seaworthy.” Three guest venues have been closed for the remainder of the voyage due to damage: the beauty salon, video arcade and disco.

Due to the violent weather, Alexandria closed off its port forcing the 2,110-passenger ship to proceed to the next port of call in Valetta, Malta where it arrived early Tuesday morning. The ship will finish its trip in Barcelona on Friday as scheduled.

Royal Caribbean says that dry dock will not be necessary to complete the repairs needed and that all subsequent Brilliance of the Seas cruises will sail as scheduled. In addition the company has refunded guests the full amount of their cruise and has issued an onboard credit.

Photos from passengers onboard