Unexpected Squall Interrupts Transatlantic Voyage on Explorer of the Seas
A routine transatlantic voyage turned into a shocking and terrifying ordeal for passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas on November 7, when the ship was unexpectedly struck by hurricane-force winds from a sudden squall. The incident caused widespread damage across the ship and left many guests shaken. While the crew acted swiftly to manage the situation and ensure safety, the chaos left an unforgettable mark on the voyage.
The Explorer of the Seas, which had departed Barcelona on November 2 for a 12-night transatlantic cruise to Miami, was navigating through rough seas off the coast of Africa when the squall hit. With the ship listing sharply to one side, unsecured items were sent flying, and chaos ensued in public areas. Despite the fear and confusion, quick thinking by the captain and crew averted a worse outcome, as passengers were swiftly ushered to their cabins to wait out the storm.
The Cause: A Sudden and Powerful Squall
Squalls, defined as sudden and intense wind bursts, are notorious for their unpredictability. These brief but violent storms can cause rough seas, heavy rain, and drastic shifts in atmospheric pressure. In the case of the Explorer of the Seas, the squall struck unexpectedly as the ship was sailing off the coast of Morocco, roughly 750 miles from the Canary Islands. According to reports, the ship was hit with hurricane-force winds that caused it to list severely for between five and ten minutes, scattering furniture, glassware, and even merchandise across the decks.
The rapid onset of this squall was not something that the onboard meteorologists could have predicted. Royal Caribbean’s Craig Setzer, who monitors storms and advises the fleet, had mentioned in a recent interview that the greatest challenge in keeping cruise ships safe isn’t tracking known storms but rather unexpected weather events that don’t show up on radar models, like microbursts or gust fronts. These events can catch even the most prepared ships off guard.
Crew and Captain’s Swift Response to the Crisis
Despite the chaos caused by the squall, the captain of the Explorer of the Seas was quick to take action. After the ship listed, he ordered all passengers back to their cabins as a precautionary measure to ensure that everyone was accounted for. All decks were closed, and the crew worked tirelessly to clean up and secure the ship.
Passengers reported that once the ship began to stabilize, the captain made a drastic course change to avoid further danger. The ship slowed down, and its direction was altered to mitigate the effects of the squall. According to onboard sources, the captain’s quick thinking likely prevented even more serious damage or injuries. Many passengers took to social media, expressing their relief that the situation was handled as well as it was, especially given how unpredictable the storm had been.
Damage and Chaos Aboard the Ship
The aftermath of the squall left the Explorer of the Seas in disarray. Images shared by passengers on social media show widespread damage, particularly in the bars, retail shops, and common areas. Glassware was shattered, bottles of liquor spilled, and merchandise—including clothing and perfume—was scattered across the ship. In the casino, tables were flipped over, and chairs were tossed around by the ship’s severe tilt.
While these images painted a chaotic scene, passengers reported that the crew worked tirelessly through the night to restore order. Many commented on how impressive and efficient the crew was under pressure, cleaning up the mess and securing the ship so the voyage could continue safely. Thankfully, there were no reports of serious injuries, although some passengers did require medical attention for minor injuries sustained during the incident.
The Aftermath: Course Changes and Delays
As if the squall wasn’t enough, the Explorer of the Seas also had to adjust its course due to a medical emergency. The ship’s original itinerary had already been altered due to other weather-related disruptions, such as Tropical Storm Patty. Now, in addition to the damage caused by the squall, the ship had to divert back to the Canary Islands to refuel, restock, and drop off some injured passengers.
This detour will delay the Explorer of the Seas’ arrival in Miami by several days. Originally scheduled to arrive on November 14, the ship is now expected to reach port on November 17. Passengers have expressed their understanding, particularly given the circumstances, and many have praised the crew and captain for handling a highly challenging situation with professionalism and care.
Bravo to Captain and Crew for a Job Well Done
The unexpected squall that struck the Explorer of the Seas on November 7 serves as a reminder of how quickly weather can change at sea. Despite the significant challenges it posed, the swift response of the ship’s crew and captain ensured the safety of everyone aboard. While the damage to the ship and the course diversion may have disrupted the voyage, passengers’ safety remained the top priority. In the unpredictable world of cruising, incidents like these are rare, but they highlight the importance of preparation, quick thinking, and adaptability in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience at sea.
