Crown Princess Cruise Ship Tilts in Rough Waters, Injuring 16 Passengers and Crew
A terrifying ordeal unfolded aboard Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess on February 25, 2025, as the luxury cruise ship tilted 14 degrees during a voyage through Milford Sound, New Zealand. The violent tilting, caused by gusty winds reaching speeds of 86 mph, left 16 people—13 passengers and 3 crew members—with minor injuries. For those aboard, including veteran cruisers, the incident was both frightening and unexpected. With footage capturing the chaos, passengers and crew scrambled to stay safe as kitchen equipment, furniture, and even food tumbled across the ship. But despite the terrifying tilt, the ship remained structurally intact, and its safety was never compromised.
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A Wild Encounter with Rough Seas
The Crown Princess, embarking on its 14-day round-trip cruise out of Sydney, encountered treacherous conditions near New Zealand’s South Island. On the third day of the voyage, the ship was caught off-guard by a ferocious wind gust of 86 mph, which sent the vessel tilting dangerously to one side. As the ship listed, passengers were thrown into a state of panic as they struggled to maintain their footing. Kitchen staff were seen desperately clutching countertops while equipment flew off shelves, creating a chaotic scene in the galley. The tilt, lasting for about 40 seconds, left both passengers and crew in shock.
Damage and Chaos Aboard the Ship
As the ship tilted, the consequences were immediately apparent. Water from the ship’s pool spilled onto the deck, while food and debris scattered throughout the dining areas. In one of the worst-hit zones, the kitchen, pots, pans, and dishes crashed to the ground, breaking apart in a loud cacophony. Display shelves in shops collapsed, causing merchandise—including designer handbags and glassware—to fall to the floor. Even as passengers sought refuge in their cabins, the disturbance left a trail of damage in its wake. But despite these unfortunate circumstances, no structural damage occurred to the ship, which was able to continue its journey.
Passenger Reactions to the Life-Threatening Tilt
For many passengers, the 14-degree tilt was a frightening experience that pushed their nerves to the limit. One passenger, who was exercising at the time, recalled the moment the ship began to tilt, stating, “Walking along doing my lap, and all of a sudden, the boat was on an angle.” Other voyagers shared their stories, describing how tables and chairs slid across the dining room and passengers were thrown from their seats. Despite the panic, some passengers like Martin Wise, a seasoned cruiser, continued with their journey. “On a frightening scale, I’d put it at 8.5 to 10,” Wise said, adding that he still planned to cruise with Princess Cruises again despite the frightening incident.
Princess Cruises Responds to the Incident
Princess Cruises addressed the frightening situation swiftly, reassuring passengers that the safety of the ship had never been at risk. The captain explained that the gust of wind had temporarily increased the ship’s speed, causing the tilt, and reassured everyone on board that the Crown Princess remained structurally sound. While 16 passengers and crew were injured, they were all reported to have sustained minor injuries, and the cruise continued on its journey. Princess Cruises made sure to assure passengers that their experience, while unsettling, did not compromise the overall safety of the voyage.
