how many cruise ships capsize a year

'We all suffer from PTSD': 10 years after the Costa Concordia cruise disaster, memories remain

GIGLIO, Italy — Ten years have passed since the Costa Concordia cruise ship slammed into a reef and capsized off the Tuscan island of Giglio. But for the passengers on board and the residents who welcomed them ashore, the memories of that harrowing, freezing night remain vividly etched into their minds.

The dinner plates that flew off the tables when the rocks first gashed the hull. The blackout after the ship's engine room flooded and its generators failed. The final mad scramble to evacuate the listing liner and then the extraordinary generosity of Giglio islanders who offered shoes, sweatshirts and shelter until the sun rose and passengers were ferried to the mainland.

Italy on Thursday is marking the 10th anniversary of the Concordia disaster with a daylong commemoration that will end with a candlelit vigil near the moment the ship hit the reef: 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2012. The events will honor the 32 people who died that night, the 4,200 survivors, but also the residents of Giglio, who took in passengers and crew and then lived with the Concordia's wrecked carcass off their shore for another two years until it was righted and hauled away for scrap.

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“For us islanders, when we remember some event, we always refer to whether it was before or after the Concordia,” said Matteo Coppa, who was 23 and fishing on the jetty when the darkened Concordia listed toward shore and then collapsed onto its side in the water.

“I imagine it like a nail stuck to the wall that marks that date, as a before and after,” he said, recounting how he joined the rescue effort that night, helping pull ashore the dazed, injured and freezing passengers from lifeboats.

The sad anniversary comes as the cruise industry, shut down in much of the world for months because of the coronavirus pandemic, is once again in the spotlight because of COVID-19 outbreaks that threaten passenger safety. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control last month  warned people across-the-board not to go on cruises, regardless of their vaccination status, because of the risks of infection.

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'We all suffer from PTSD'

For Concordia survivor Georgia Ananias, the COVID-19 infections are just the latest evidence that passenger safety still isn’t a top priority for the cruise ship industry. Passengers aboard the Concordia were largely left on their own to find life jackets and a functioning lifeboat after the captain steered the ship close too shore in a stunt. He then delayed an evacuation order until it was too late, with lifeboats unable to lower because the ship was listing too heavily.

“I always said this will not define me, but you have no choice," Ananias said in an interview from her home in Los Angeles, Calif. “We all suffer from PTSD. We had a lot of guilt that we survived and 32 other people died.”

Prosecutors blamed the delayed evacuation order and conflicting instructions given by crew for the chaos that ensued as passengers scrambled to get off the ship. The captain, Francesco Schettino, is serving a 16-year prison sentence for manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning a ship before all the passengers and crew had evacuated.

Ananias and her family declined Costa’s initial $14,500 compensation offered to each passenger and sued Costa, a unit of U.S.-based Carnival Corp., to try to cover the cost of their medical bills and therapy for the post-traumatic stress they have suffered. But after eight years in the U.S. and then Italian court system, they lost their case.

“I think people need to be aware that when you go on a cruise, that if there is a problem, you will not have the justice that you may be used to in the country in which you are living,” said Ananias, who went onto become a top official in the International Cruise Victims association, an advocacy group that lobbies to improve safety aboard ships and increase transparency and accountability in the industry.

Costa didn’t respond to emails seeking comment on the anniversary.

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'We did something incredible'

Cruise Lines International Association, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, stressed in a statement to The Associated Press that passenger and crew safety was the industry's top priority, and that cruising remains one of the safest vacation experiences available.

“Our thoughts continue to be with the victims of the Concordia tragedy and their families on this sad anniversary," CLIA said. It said it has worked over the past 10 years with the International Maritime Organization and the maritime industry to “drive a safety culture that is based on continuous improvement."

For Giglio Mayor Sergio Ortelli, the memories of that night run the gamut: the horror of seeing the capsized ship, the scramble to coordinate rescue services on shore, the recovery of the first bodies and then the pride that islanders rose to the occasion to tend to the survivors.

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Ortelli was later on hand when, in September 2013, the 115,000-ton, 1,000-foot long cruise ship was righted vertical off its seabed graveyard in an extraordinary feat of engineering. But the night of the disaster, a Friday the 13th, remains seared in his memory.

“It was a night that, in addition to being a tragedy, had a beautiful side because the response of the people was a spontaneous gesture that was appreciated around the world,” Ortelli said.

It seemed the natural thing to do at the time. “But then we realized that on that night, in just a few hours, we did something incredible.”

• Cruise Knowledge

Can a Cruise Ship Tip Over? Exploring the Truths

Doug Parker

• September 12, 2023

Here’s an age-old question we receive from readers – can a cruise ship tip over? While technically possible, it is not as probable as you’d think.

The cruise industry hosts over 20 million passengers annually on hundreds of cruise ships. However, some non-cruisers seem fixated on the unlikely possibility of a cruise ship capsizing. 

Despite their ever-increasing size, the design of today’s cruise ships, and advanced technology, there’s no need to spend your cruise worrying about your ship tipping over. 

Understanding the design of a cruise ship will help calm any nerves you may have as a cruiser. The cruise industry is a business, including providing a safe and smooth journey. 

That said, cruise ships are built to withstand rough seas and large waves, and they have a balance between buoyancy and weight. 

The top part of the ship floats and maintains buoyancy, with the bottom part weighing it down. This balance is managed in the middle part of the ship to maintain its centering.

Understanding Cruise Ship Desig n

Ships are not only larger than ever but also incredibly safe. Have you ever wondered how one of the world’s largest cruise ships, the 236,800-ton Wonder of the Seas , doesn’t tip over?

In this case, Royal Caribbean, like other cruise lines, hires teams of naval engineers and architects who run hundreds of buoyancy tests to ensure crew and guest safety.

And with today’s computer modeling, cruise ship safety is light years ahead of just a few decades ago.

During sea trials – which occur well before a ship carries its first passenger – the vessels are put through almost every conceivable scenario concerning stability.

In 2009, the navigational team on Carnival Dream heeled (laid the ship over) the ship 45 degrees. Royal Caribbean did the same thing with Oasis of the Seas. It heeled 30 degrees intentionally during trials.

Marine tests show cruise ships can roll to nearly 60 degrees before they likely hit a point where they won’t return upright. However, you would not want to be on a ship with more than 15 degrees.

Stability Features

One of the most important features is the ship’s center of gravity. The center of gravity is where the ship’s weight is evenly distributed.

The ship’s center of gravity must be carefully calculated and positioned to ensure that the ship remains stable in all conditions.

Another important stability feature is the ship’s ballast, which is composed of a heavy material, such as water or sand, used to help stabilize the ship.

Ballast is located at the bottom of the ship and can be transferred from side to side to help maintain the ship’s balance. Cruise lines can use seawater or fuel for stability during sailing.

When calculating a ship’s center of gravity, the weight of fuel and water, which is several tons, is also taken into consideration for ballast.

Cruise ships also have stabilizing fins extending from the ship’s side, which help reduce the ship’s rolling motion, especially in rough seas, creating a more enjoyable experience for guests.

Stabilizers can be retractable and adjusted based on the ship’s speed and sea conditions.

However, there comes a point when even the stabilizers can’t maintain smooth sailing.  

Weight Distribution

Weight distribution on a cruise ship is critical to maintaining stability as it must be evenly distributed from side to side and front to back. 

Imagine if, at any moment, all of the ship’s bars, lounges, and other facilities were on one side of the ship; this would cause a weight imbalance.

Cruise ship stability is achieved by evenly distributing public spaces and machinery, such as engines, fuel tanks, fresh and wastewater, and cargo throughout the ship.

Cruise ships are designed with multiple decks and heavier components on the lower decks.

This helps to lower the ship’s center of gravity, making it more stable. The ship’s fuel tanks are also located at the bottom, which helps keep the ship’s weight low.

In addition to careful weight distribution, many cruise ships have double-hull construction that provides additional protection if the hull becomes compromised.

If the outside hull is damaged, the secondary hull maintains a watertight seal to keep the boat upright and reduce flooding.

A feature that your average cruiser might not know about, but it can be comforting to someone who may be afraid to try out a cruise for the first time.

If you’re interested in the details, a study conducted at the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland outlines the history and calculations involved in determining buoyancy .

Factors That Could Cause a Cruise Ship to Tip Over

Ultimately it would take an extreme act or carelessness to flip a ship over. In the cruise line’s best interest, its ships are designed to be stable and safe.

However, in the rare case that a cruise ship might tip over, here are a few possibilities for why that may occur. 

Human Error

This was best documented in 2006 when Crown Princess left Port Canaveral and unexpectedly listed up to 45 degrees.

An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) eventually concluded that the likely cause of the Crown Princess accident was the second officer’s erroneous steering wheel commands. 

These were initially made to correct an unexpectedly high turn rate and address the ship’s tilting.

Contributing factors included the captain and staff captain’s improper inputs into the integrated navigation system, while in high-speed, shallow waters, they failed to stabilize the ship.

As a cruise ship moves through shallow water, it creates a low-pressure area underneath its hull. This low-pressure area can cause the ship to sink slightly, increasing its draft and making it more difficult to control.

Severe Weather Conditions

Inclement weather can significantly affect a ship’s stability, as high winds, large waves, and heavy rain can all contribute to a vessel’s pitching and rolling.

When a ship encounters severe weather conditions, the crew will typically take steps to minimize the ship’s exposure to the weather, including changing course, slowing down, or even stopping the ship altogether.

The cruise ship’s captain, navigation team, and engine team are highly trained, and safety is always their priority. 

Mechanical Failure

Mechanical failure is another factor that could cause a cruise ship to tip over. There are many mechanical systems on a cruise ship; if any of these systems fail, it could compromise its stability.

For example, if a ship’s ballast tanks fail to operate correctly, the ship could become unbalanced and tip over. Similarly, if a ship’s propulsion system fails, the vessel could be pushed off course and into dangerous waters. Again, this is extremely rare.

RELATED: Are Cruise Ships Safe?

Cruise ships undergo rigorous inspections and maintenance procedures to prevent mechanical failure,

In the event of a mechanical failure, crew members have a plan in place, and many times, as a cruiser, you may never know there was a problem. 

Most cruises sail without incident, but know there’s always a backup plan.

Can a cruise ship tip over? The safety measures in place

Cruise ships are designed with safety in mind, and many measures are in place to prevent tipping. Here are just a few  of the safety measures that are used:

Advanced Warning Systems

Modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced warning systems that can detect changes in the ship’s stability. These systems use sensors to monitor the ship’s movement and can detect if the ship is starting to lift or tilt.

If the system detects any changes in the ship’s stability, an alarm will sound, and the crew will be alerted. This allows the crew to take action quickly, right the ship, and prevent further tipping.

Cruise Ships That Have Tipped Over

Over the years, a few cruise ships have tipped over. But remember, thousands of cruise ships continue to sail daily without incident successfully. Here are some notable examples:

1. MS Estonia

The MS Estonia was a passenger and car ferry that capsized and sank in the Baltic Sea on September 28, 1994. The ship was on its way from Tallinn, Estonia, to Stockholm, Sweden, when it encountered rough seas and high winds.

The ship’s forward ramp went into the water, allowing water to flood the car deck and causing the vessel to capsize. Of the 989 passengers on board, only 137 survived.

2. Costa Concordia

The Costa Concordia was a cruise ship that sailed for Costa Cruises. It ran aground and capsized off the coast of Italy on January 13, 2012.

The ship hit a rock due to the negligence of the captain and took on water, causing it to fall to one side and eventually capsize. Of the 4,252 passengers and crew on board, 32 died.

Following the incident, the cruise industry undertook an extensive review and, as a result, implemented an array of changes to improve safety. Eventually, this led to the development of the Cruise Passenger Bill of Rights.

Other Notable Accidents

Another accident included the MS Achille Lauro cruise ship, which caught fire and sank in the Indian Ocean on November 30, 1994. The vessel had a history of mechanical problems and had experienced several previous fires.

The MV Explorer was a cruise ship that sank in the Antarctic Ocean on November 23, 2007. The ship hit an iceberg and began taking on water, causing it to fall to one side and eventually sink. All 154 passengers and crew were rescued by nearby ships.

The mentioned incidents have emphasized the significance of implementing safety regulations and procedures in the cruise industry.

Final Thoughts

A cruise ship list is a highly unlikely event and happens very rarely. Today’s massive cruise ships are more equipped to withstand rough seas and high waves and have extensive safety measures and emergency systems to alert staff of potential issues.

Crew members also train regularly on what to do in emergencies, including a ship listing. 

Although cruise ships are designed to endure harsh weather conditions and maintain stability, accidents can still occur.

Cruise lines prioritize safety by taking all necessary precautions to prevent accidents and guarantee the safety of their passengers and crew.

An unsafe cruise ship would significantly harm the cruise industry’s business, so they prioritize ensuring a secure and safe operation.

RELATED: Why Are Cruises to Nowhere Illegal in the United States?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cruise ship survive a rogue wave.

Modern-day cruise ships are designed to withstand rough weather conditions, including rogue waves, which happen from time to time. Cruise ships are built with stabilizing systems that help to keep them upright during storms. 

Has a cruise ship ever tipped over?

Cruise ships can and have tipped over, but it is extremely rare. One of the most notable incidents was the capsizing of the Costa Concordia in 2012, which resulted in the deaths of 32 people. The accident was attributed to human error and resulted in many changes within the industry, particularly in bridge management. 

How many cruise ships have tipped over?

While there have been instances where a cruise ship has tipped over, these incidents are extremely rare. According to the Cruise Lines International Association , there have been only a handful of incidents where a cruise ship has capsized in the past 20 years. During this time, the cruise industry has carried tens of millions of passengers safely.

How does a cruise ship not tip over?

Cruise ships have several features that help keep them upright during storms, including stabilizing systems, ballast tanks, and a low center of gravity. Marine engineers run extensive modeling to test a ship’s stability in all conditions. 

How does a cruise ship float?

Cruise ships are designed to balance buoyancy and weight to maintain stability. The topmost part of the ship retains its buoyancy while the bottommost piece weighs it down. This balance is managed in the middle part of the ship to keep it centered.

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How Often Do Cruise Ships Sink?

This article may contain affiliate links .

“How often do cruise ships sink?” is a question that frequently crosses the minds of potential cruisers as they contemplate embarking on a voyage across the sea.

Cruise ships, renowned symbols of vacationing and exploration, annually transport millions of individuals across the globe. However, fears regarding their safety, often fueled by infamous maritime disasters and dramatic depictions in films, lurk within the consciousness of many travelers.

• 1 How often do cruise ships actually sink?
• 2 What are the main causes of cruise ships sinking?
• 3 How safe are modern cruise ships compared to those from the past?
• 4 What precautions are taken to prevent cruise ships from sinking?
• 5 How are cruise ships designed to withstand rough seas?
• 6 What happens when a cruise ship sinks?
• 7 How many people have died from cruise ships sinking?
• 8 What is the survival rate when a cruise ship sinks?
• 9 Are there any notable historical incidents of cruise ships sinking?
• 10 What is the largest cruise ship that has ever sunk?
• 11 What are the most common misconceptions about cruise ships sinking?
• 12 How does the law deal with cruise ship sinking incidents?
• 13 How are passengers compensated after a cruise ship sinking?
• 14 Are certain routes or destinations more prone to cruise ship sinking incidents?
• 15 How does climate change impact the risk of cruise ships sinking?
• 16 Should You Be Worried?

This comprehensive article aims to address these concerns, offering in-depth insights into the safety regulations, construction aspects, legal considerations, and historical events related to cruise ship sinkings.

How often do cruise ships actually sink?

Cruise ship accidents can make headlines around the world due to their dramatic and often tragic nature. However, the reality is that cruise ship sinkings are relatively rare events.

According to data from 2011 to 2020, an average of about 2-3 passenger ships (including ferries, which constitute a significant proportion) have sunk each year globally. It is important to note that this number does not solely represent cruise ships, which have an even lower frequency of sinking.

What are the main causes of cruise ships sinking?

While the sinking of a cruise ship is rare, when it does occur, it can usually be attributed to one or more of the following reasons:

• Bad Weather: High winds, heavy seas, and storms can lead to structural stress or flooding.
• Grounding: Hitting a submerged object or running aground can cause a rupture in the hull.
• Fire: Fires on board can lead to evacuations, and in extreme cases, loss of the vessel.
• Equipment Failure: Faulty equipment or design can lead to catastrophic failure.

How safe are modern cruise ships compared to those from the past?

In terms of safety, modern cruise ships are far superior to their predecessors. Several advancements have made today’s ships safer:

• Design and Construction: Modern cruise ships are designed with compartmentalization, which can prevent water from flooding the entire ship in case of a breach in the hull.
• Technology: Today’s ships are equipped with advanced navigation and weather prediction technology to avoid dangerous situations.
• Safety Regulations: Enhanced safety protocols, regular safety drills, and strict regulatory inspections have significantly improved safety.
• Life-saving Equipment: There is a legal requirement for modern cruise ships to have enough lifeboats for everyone on board.

These factors have contributed to the decrease in the frequency of cruise ship sinkings over the past century.

What precautions are taken to prevent cruise ships from sinking?

The cruise ship industry takes a multitude of precautions to prevent ships from sinking. Here are some key measures:

• Design: Cruise ships are designed with a focus on stability and buoyancy. They are built with compartments that prevent water from flooding the entire vessel if the hull is breached.
• Training: Crew members undergo rigorous training to handle emergency situations including potential sinking.
• Inspections: Regular inspections are performed to ensure all systems are functional and any necessary repairs are made promptly.
• Technology: Modern navigation and weather tracking technologies help ships avoid dangerous conditions that could lead to sinking.
• Safety Drills: Regular safety drills are conducted to ensure passengers know what to do in case of an emergency.

These measures are fundamental to the cruise ship industry’s safety operations. Each of these components contributes to creating a secure environment for passengers and crew members aboard cruise ships.

How are cruise ships designed to withstand rough seas?

Cruise ships are engineering marvels specifically designed to withstand the challenging conditions of the sea. Some crucial elements of their design include:

• Hull Design: Cruise ship hulls are built with steel and designed to be both strong and flexible to cope with rough seas. The shape of the hull is also crucial – the V-shaped hulls are excellent at cutting through waves, reducing resistance and maintaining stability.
• Stabilizers: Modern cruise ships are equipped with stabilizers – wing-like protrusions that extend from the sides of the ship to reduce roll in heavy seas.
• Ballast Tanks: These are specially designed tanks that take in or release seawater to adjust the ship’s weight and maintain its balance.
• Bilge System: This system pumps out any water that might accumulate in the ship, preventing excessive weight and potential capsizing.
• Weather Monitoring Systems: Modern cruise ships are equipped with sophisticated weather monitoring systems that provide real-time weather updates, helping the crew navigate away from potential storms.

What happens when a cruise ship sinks?

When a cruise ship begins to sink, a series of critical actions are taken:

• Emergency Alarm: An alarm is sounded throughout the ship to alert passengers and crew.
• Instructions: The crew provides instructions over the public address system. These instructions typically guide passengers to muster stations where they’re given life jackets and prepared for possible evacuation.
• Evacuation: If necessary, the captain will give the order to abandon ship, and passengers and crew will board lifeboats in a controlled and orderly manner.
• Rescue: In many cases, coast guard services and other ships in the area will be alerted to the sinking ship and begin rescue operations.

It’s important to note that every incident is different, and the response may vary depending on the specifics of the situation.

How many people have died from cruise ships sinking?

The exact number of people who have died due to cruise ships sinking is difficult to determine due to the varying definitions of what constitutes a ‘cruise ship’, as well as discrepancies in historical data.

However, some notable tragedies have resulted in significant loss of life. The most infamous is likely the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, which led to the deaths of over 1,500 people. In more recent history, the sinking of the Costa Concordia in 2012 resulted in 32 deaths.

What is the survival rate when a cruise ship sinks?

Survival rates when a cruise ship sinks can vary widely based on numerous factors such as the speed at which the ship sank, the weather conditions, the proximity to rescue services, and the execution of evacuation procedures.

In general, the survival rate is quite high thanks to improved safety measures and better ship designs. For instance, despite the tragic loss of life when the Costa Concordia sank in 2012, over 4,000 people were successfully evacuated and survived, representing a survival rate of over 99%.

Are there any notable historical incidents of cruise ships sinking?

There have been several notable incidents of cruise ships sinking throughout history. Some of the most famous include:

• The Titanic (1912): Perhaps the most infamous maritime disaster, the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,500 passengers and crew.
• The Lusitania (1915): This ship was sunk by a German U-boat during World War I, causing 1,198 fatalities.
• The Costa Concordia (2012): This modern cruise ship ran aground and capsized off the coast of Italy, resulting in 32 deaths.

Below is a table showcasing major incidents from the past, along with the reported causes:

Each of these incidents has led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations.

What is the largest cruise ship that has ever sunk?

The largest cruise ship to have ever sunk in terms of passenger capacity is the Costa Concordia. The ship had a capacity of 3,780 passengers and 1,100 crew members. It ran aground and capsized off the coast of Italy in 2012.

What are the most common misconceptions about cruise ships sinking?

Common misconceptions about cruise ships sinking include:

• Cruise ships sink frequently: In reality, sinking is a rare event thanks to modern design, technology, and safety procedures.
• Large waves can easily capsize a cruise ship: Modern cruise ships are designed to withstand incredibly rough seas and large waves.
• If a ship sinks, everyone on board will die: Safety measures, including lifeboats, safety drills, and international rescue services, mean that even when ships sink, the survival rate is often high.

How does the law deal with cruise ship sinking incidents?

In the event of a cruise ship sinking, several areas of law come into play:

• International Maritime Law: This body of law includes various conventions and treaties that regulate safety and establish liability in the event of maritime accidents.
• National Law: The laws of the ship’s flag state, as well as those of the state where an accident occurs, can be relevant.
• Personal Injury Law: Passengers who are injured may be able to sue for damages under personal injury law.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships.

How are passengers compensated after a cruise ship sinking?

Passenger compensation following a cruise ship sinking can depend on a variety of factors, including the circumstances of the incident, the terms of the ticket contract, and applicable laws and conventions.

Generally, cruise lines may be held liable for injuries, losses, or damages incurred as a result of their negligence. Compensation might cover medical expenses, lost belongings, and emotional distress.

In some cases, cruise lines may offer refunds, credit for future cruises, and additional compensation voluntarily or as part of a settlement.

Are certain routes or destinations more prone to cruise ship sinking incidents?

While cruise ship sinkings are rare and can theoretically occur anywhere, some routes and destinations may pose more risks due to factors like weather conditions, sea currents, and the presence of ice or other navigational hazards.

For example, cruising in the North Atlantic during iceberg season, or in Southeast Asia during monsoon season, could potentially increase the risk. However, cruise lines are aware of these dangers and generally take measures to mitigate them, such as altering routes or schedules.

How does climate change impact the risk of cruise ships sinking?

Climate change can potentially increase the risk of cruise ships sinking in several ways:

• Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels could lead to increased coastal flooding and the submergence of hazards that ships can collide with.
• Increased Storm Intensity: Climate change can result in more intense and frequent storms, which could create more dangerous sea conditions.
• Iceberg Calving: Warming temperatures can lead to increased iceberg calving in polar regions, posing navigation hazards.

However, the cruise industry is continually adapting to these changes, investing in better ship designs, advanced weather tracking technologies, and more effective safety procedures to keep passengers safe.

Should You Be Worried?

While the sinking of cruise ships makes for dramatic news headlines and blockbuster film plots, it is a relatively rare occurrence in reality.

Significant advancements in ship design, safety measures, and technology have greatly reduced the risk and increased the survival rate in such unlikely events.

Understanding the facts, being aware of the procedures, and debunking misconceptions are crucial in ensuring a safe and enjoyable cruising experience.

Climate change, however, introduces new challenges that the cruise industry must continue to adapt to in order to ensure passenger safety. Remember, awareness and preparedness can make a significant difference when venturing out on the vast expanse of the sea.

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Dan Claydon

How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk?

The thought of a cruise ship sinking conjures images of historic maritime tragedies, sparking curiosity and concern among modern travelers.

Despite the advancements in safety and technology, the question lingers in the minds of many: How many cruise ships have actually sunk? In this article, we dive deep into the annals of maritime history and safety records to uncover the truth.

By examining the rare instances of cruise ship sinkings, we’ll provide perspective on the safety of cruising today.

Whether you’re a maritime history enthusiast or planning your next vacation at sea, understanding these incidents sheds light on the impressive safety standards that protect millions of passengers each year.

The Titanic Tragedy (April 1912)

The Titanic’s sinking is one of the most well-known maritime disasters. On its first trip across the Atlantic Ocean, the ship hit an iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912. In just over two and a half hours, the Titanic was completely underwater. Sadly, most passengers couldn’t evacuate safely because there weren’t enough lifeboats for everyone.

The disaster led to more than 1,500 deaths, making it one of the deadliest incidents at sea. The freezing waters made survival even harder for those who couldn’t get on a lifeboat. The Titanic’s sinking is remembered as a tragic event in maritime history.

The Empress of Ireland Tragedy (May 1914)

Just two years after the Titanic sank, the Empress of Ireland had its own tragic accident. In May 1914, this ship with nearly 1,500 passengers hit the Norwegian ship Storstad. They could see each other earlier, but then fog made it hard to see.

The crash caused 1,012 passengers and crew to lose their lives. The Empress of Ireland was close to making 1,000 trips without any problems, but this was not one of them. This accident is another sad event in the history of ships at sea.

The Sinking of the Lusitania (May 1915)

Cunard Line has been operating ships since 1940 and is still active today. One of its famous ships is the Queen Mary 2, the last ocean liner still in service.

The RMS Lusitania, built for Cunard Line, was the world’s largest passenger ship for three months. On May 7, 1915, while sailing off the coast of Ireland to Liverpool, England, a German U-Boat torpedoed the Lusitania. The ship started to sink faster than expected, and only six lifeboats could be launched.

Nearly 1,200 people died in the sinking of the Lusitania. This event is remembered as one of the major maritime tragedies of the early 20th century.

The Britannic’s Fate (November 1916)

The Britannic was the younger sister of the Olympic (1911) and Titanic (1912). Although intended to be a passenger ship, the outbreak of World War I changed her purpose. She became a hospital ship in December 1915.

In November 1916, less than a year into her service, the Britannic hit a German naval mine in the Kea Channel between the Greek islands of Kea and Makronisos. She sank 55 minutes later.

Fortunately, the casualties were minimal. Most people on board managed to escape on the 35 lifeboats that were launched. However, around 30 people still lost their lives in the sinking of the Britannic.

The Sinking of the Principessa Mafalda (October 1927)

The Principessa Mafalda was an Italian ship named after a princess. It started sailing in 1909 between Genoa, Italy, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In October 1927, the ship had a big problem when its propeller shaft broke, damaging the bottom of the ship. It sank off the coast of Brazil, and sadly, more than 300 people died.

The Saint-Philibert Tragedy (June 1931)

The Saint-Philibert, a small cruise ship, capsized and sank on June 14, 1931, off the coast of France. This tragic event led to the loss of nearly 500 lives, with only 8 passengers surviving.

Before this disaster, the Saint-Philibert was known for offering summer voyages along the French coast.

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The Sinking of the Georges Philippar (May 1932)

The French ocean liner Georges Philippar sank on the second leg of her maiden voyage near present-day Yemen, resulting in the loss of 54 lives.

The sinking was caused by an electrical fault. A fire started in one of the luxury cabins due to a faulty light switch that sparked and set the wood paneling on fire.

Before setting sail, there were worries about the ship’s safety. The ship’s launch was almost delayed to fix defects. However, these concerns were ignored to avoid penalties for delays.

The Tragedy of the SS Morro Castle (September 1934)

The SS Morro Castle, an American ocean liner operated by Ward Line, was traveling from Havana, Cuba, to New York City when it caught fire and ran aground on September 8, 1934.

The night before the disaster, Captain Robert Rennison Willmott, the ship’s captain, suddenly died after complaining about a stomach ache. Command of the ship was then passed to Chief Officer William Warms.

There were 137 casualties in total. Much of the blame was placed on the crew for not handling the emergency properly. Although the lifeboats could hold up to 408 people, they were launched with only 85.

The Sinking of the Empress of Britain (October 1940)

The Empress of Britain, an ocean liner of over 42,000 gross registered tons, holds the sad record of being the largest ocean liner sunk during World War II, and also the largest ship sunk by a U-Boat during the conflict.

On October 26, she was first bombed from above, then sunk by a torpedo launched by German U-Boats on October 28.

Most of the 416 crew members, 2 gunners, and 205 passengers managed to abandon the ship, leaving few people on board. In total, 45 people lost their lives in this tragic event.

The Collision of Andrea Doria and MS Stockholm (July 1956)

On July 25, 1956, the Andrea Doria and the MS Stockholm collided while on their way to New York City. The accident resulted in 51 deaths. However, this event is also known for one of the largest rescues in maritime history.

Thanks to improved communication systems, the crew of the Andrea Doria was able to quickly start rescue efforts and get help from other ships. Only five people died on board the Stockholm.

The damage to the Andrea Doria was so severe that the ship could not be saved. Those who lost their lives did so because of the initial collision.

The Story of the Bianca C (October 1961)

The Bianca C first sank during World War II when the Germans scuttled her before she was completed. Later, her hull was raised and refitted to become a cruise ship. She was first owned by Panama’s Arosa Line as their flagship but was eventually sold to Costa Line, where she got the name Bianca C after the owner’s daughter.

On October 22, 1961, while docked off the coast of Grenada, an explosion in the ship’s engine room led to fires breaking out. Thankfully, except for one person killed in the initial explosion, everyone was able to evacuate the ship before it sank.

The Journey and End of the Angelina Lauro (September 1979)

The Angelina Lauro didn’t always serve as a cruise ship. She started her journey in 1939 as the MS Oranje. Initially meant to be a passenger ferry, she was kept in Indonesia and turned into a hospital ship. After World War II, she sailed as a passenger liner for around 11 years, making trips around the world from Amsterdam to Australia through the Panama Canal and back via Singapore and the Suez Canal.

In 1964, she was sold to Lauro Lines and refitted as a cruise ship. She embarked on her maiden voyage as the Angelina Lauro on March 6, 1966. In the late 70s, Costa Lines chartered her.

While docked in Saint Thomas, the Angelina Lauro caught fire. The blaze lasted for several days. Before she could be towed to a scrapyard, her weakened hull began to take on water. She finally sank on September 24, 1979.

The Sinking of the MS Mikhail Lermontov (February 1986)

The MS Mikhail Lermontov was an ocean liner operated by the Soviet Union’s Baltic Shipping Company, entering service in 1972. A decade later, it was upgraded to serve as a cruise ship.

On February 6, 1986, the ship left Sydney for a two-week cruise around New Zealand. Ten days into the journey, while sailing past Cape Jackson, it hit rocks. Out of the 743 crew and passengers on board, the majority managed to escape on lifeboats. Tragically, there was one casualty: crew engineer Pavel Zagladimov.

The Tragic Collision of the SS Admiral Nakhimov (August 1986)

The SS Admiral Nakhimov started its journey in 1925 as the SS Berlin, a passenger liner of the German Weimar Republic. It later served as a hospital ship before becoming a Soviet Union passenger ship.

In August 1986, the ship met a tragic end when it collided with another ship in Tsemes Bay. The ship sank quickly, and sadly, 423 people lost their lives in the incident. This marked the third and final time that the ship sank.

The Sinking of MV Jupiter (October 1988)

The MV Jupiter, a Greek cruise ship, started sailing in 1961 as the Moledet. On October 21, 1988, it sank after leaving Piraeus, Greece. An Italian freight ship hit it.

The ship had nearly 400 British students, 84 adults, and 110 crew members on a study cruise. Sadly, one student, one teacher, and two crew members died. About 70 others were injured.

The Sinking of MTS Oceanos (August 1991)

The MTS Oceanos, another Greek ship, sank three years after the MV Jupiter. It was traveling from South Africa to Durban when rough seas hit. A storm made things worse.

The ship’s waste system wasn’t fixed right. A key pipe wasn’t replaced. It’s thought that huge waves broke the pipe, letting seawater flood in.

No one died, but the captain and crew were found guilty of leaving without helping passengers. The ship’s entertainers led all rescue efforts.

The Sinking of MS Estonia (September 1994)

The sinking of the MS Estonia in 1994 was one of the worst maritime disasters of the 20th century. It was the deadliest peacetime sinking of a European ship after the Titanic and the Empress of Ireland. Over 850 lives were lost.

While sailing through rough waters in the Baltic Sea, a metallic bang was heard. Soon after, passengers and crew reported similar sounds. Around 1:15 am, the visor separated, opening the loading ramp and causing the ship to list as water flooded in.

It was difficult for those in cabins to reach the boat deck. Water was entering the ship through the car deck and the windows of public areas and cabins on Deck 6.

The Achille Lauro Incident (December 1994)

The Achille Lauro, originally the ocean liner Willem Ruys, was converted into a cruise ship by Italian businessman Achille Lauro in 1965. It had a series of unfortunate events, including collisions and onboard fires.

In 1985, the ship was hijacked by members of the Palestine Liberation Front. On November 30, 1994, the Achille Lauro caught fire while sailing to South Africa. There were 979 passengers and crew onboard. The majority evacuated the next morning when the ship listed, but two people were killed before it sank on December 2.

The Final Voyage of the Sun Vista (May 1999)

The Sun Vista started its journey in 1963 as the SS Galileo Galilei for the Lloyd Triestino line. Over the years, it sailed for five different cruise lines, including as the first-ever cruise ship for Celebrity Cruises, the Meridian. In 1997, it was transferred to Sun Cruises and renamed the Sun Vista.

On May 20, 1999, a fire broke out in the ship’s engine room. The Sun Vista sank in the early morning hours of May 21 in the Strait of Malacca. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were able to escape safely.

The Sinking of the Britanis (October 2000)

The Britanis began its life as the luxury ocean liner SS Monterey in 1932. It later sailed for Chandris under their “Fantasy Cruises” division starting in February 1971. When Chandris shifted focus to the Celebrity Cruises brand, all Fantasy Cruises operations ceased. In 1998, the ship was sold to AG Belofin and renamed Belofin-1.

Instead of being refurbished, the Britanis was sold to scrappers. While being towed to a scrapyard from Brazil, it developed a leak at the back of the ship. With no one on board, the ship was cut free and capsized off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa.

The Sinking of SeaBreeze (December 2000)

The SeaBreeze, originally named Federico C., was launched in 1958 and sailed for Costa Cruises. In 1983, it was transferred to Premier Cruises and renamed three times.

Premier Cruises went out of business in September 2000, leading to the ship being laid up. While being moved from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Charleston, South Carolina, by its new owner, Cruise Ventures III, the SeaBreeze sank about 225 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia. All 34 crew members on board were rescued safely.

The ship sank due to the boiler breaking off, causing significant damage to the vessel.

The Sinking of MV Explorer (November 2007)

The MV Explorer, originally the MS Lindblad Explorer, began her career in 1969 as the first ship of her kind to sail through the Antarctic Ocean.

On November 11, 2007, she set sail from Ushuaia, Argentina, for a 19-day cruise. After visiting the Falkland Islands, she hit an iceberg in the Bransfield Strait on November 23, causing a gash in the hull that let water in.

All 91 passengers, 53 crew, and 9 guides were able to escape on lifeboats. They stayed there for five hours until the MS Nordnorge rescued them.

The Sinking of MS Sea Diamond (April 2007)

The MS Sea Diamond, originally known as Birka Princess, operated for Birka Line for most of her time at sea. In 2006, she was sold to Louis Cruises Line and renamed. A year later, she ran aground on a reef near Santorini, with 77 students from Paisley Magnet School in North Carolina on board.

Initially, it was believed that all passengers and crew were safe. However, two French citizens, Jean Christophe Allain, 45, and his daughter Maud, 16, were reported missing and never found.

Greek authorities later announced plans to charge the captain and five other officers with negligence.

The Capsizing of Costa Concordia (January 2012)

The Costa Concordia was the first ship of Costa Cruises’ Concordia Class, entering service in 2006. On January 13, 2012, she set sail on a 7-night Mediterranean cruise with 3,206 passengers and 1,023 crew members.

Captain Francesco Schettino veered off course, sailing too close to the island of Giglio. The ship struck a large rock, causing a 174-foot gash in the hull, leading to flooding and loss of power. The ship’s rudder position made it unsteerable, and it began tilting toward the starboard side.

The evacuation took over six hours and resulted in 32 deaths. An investigation focused on the crew’s actions, particularly Captain Schettino’s, as he left the ship while passengers were still on board.

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How Often Do Cruise Ships Sink?

By: Author David Chapman

Posted on Last updated: February 21, 2024

Categories Health & Safety , LEARN

Modern cruise ships are engineered to withstand the toughest conditions and offer the utmost safety and reliability. Nevertheless, people may wonder how often do cruise ships sink.

The short answer: It’s rare. In the last 50 years, a ship has sunk during the course of a cruise less than once per decade.

Nevertheless, while it rarely happens, we can all easily think of terrible disasters where it did happen – such as the century-old disaster of the RMS Titanic or the decade-old capsize of Costa Concordia. So, how often do these modern marvels of the sea meet a similar fate? The best way is to dive into the history of known cruise ship sinkings to understand the probability of it happening to today’s state-of-the-art vessels.

How Often Do Cruise Ships Sink? It’s Rare!

Cruise ships are some of the largest and most luxurious vessels on the water and are designed to be safe and reliable. However, it is not uncommon for cruise ships to encounter problems at sea; in some cases, these problems can lead to the ship’s sinking. Over the past 100 years since the RMS Titanic sank in 1912, only 18 cruise ships and some ocean liners have been publicly known to have sunk. And, over the past 50 years , only four cruise ships have sunk while navigating on a cruise . 

To fully understand the rarity of a cruise ship sinking, let’s examine the known causes of these disasters, beginning with the iconic RMS Titanic.

Exploring Past Sunk Cruise Ships – RMS Titanic In 1912 To Orient Queen In 2020

The RMS Titanic was a luxurious passenger liner known for its grandeur and advanced safety features. Even though the Titanic was an ocean liner rather than a cruise ship , it was the largest ship of its time and was thought to be unsinkable due to its watertight compartments. However, on April 15, 1912 , the Titanic struck an iceberg, broke in half, and sank in the North Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the loss of over 1,500 lives.

The Titanic disaster profoundly impacted the maritime industry and sparked significant changes in how ships were designed and built. One major factor that contributed to the number of lives lost during the sinking was the lack of enough lifeboats on board. 

The ship was carrying only enough lifeboats for about half of the passengers and crew, which proved to be a tragic oversight when the ship began to sink.

As a result of the Titanic disaster, new regulations were put in place to ensure that all passenger ships, including cruise ships, were required to carry sufficient lifeboats for passengers and crew on board. Additionally, new safety standards were implemented to improve ships’ design and construction, including stronger materials and more watertight compartments. 

Fortunately, since 2020, no confirmed cruise ship capsizing or sinking has occurred. The last one was the Orient Queen suffering no crew or passenger casualties, which sank due to a nearby ammonium nitrate explosion while moored. 

Below is a list of some available records of cruise ship sinkings since the iconic Titanic .

Comparing 20th To 21st Century Maritime Disasters

The tale of two disasters – the Titanic and the Costa Concordia – highlights the importance of ship design in terms of safety. When the Titanic collided with the iceberg in 1912, it tore a 300-foot gash in the ship’s hull, sending freezing water flooding into the base of the vessel. 

This caused the back of the ship to tilt upward, leading to a catastrophic breakage that made it harder to evacuate. The lack of lifeboats was also a major factor in the high death toll of over 1,500 people, making it one of the worst peacetime maritime disasters in history.

Fast forward to 2012, and the Costa Concordia disaster (now more than ten years ago) off the coast of Italy provides a modern-day equivalent. When the cruise ship struck a rock reef, it tore a 16-foot gash in the hull around 25 feet below sea level. The ship began flooding, the engines and generators went offline, and it began to sink. 

However, the ship’s design allowed it to lean heavily to its side and sink much more slowly, allowing the crew to initiate a hasty evacuation. Thanks to a sufficient supply of lifeboats, they evacuated the passengers over six hours, ultimately resulting in a death toll of 34 people. Most of these deaths were caused by the ship tilting and passengers falling into the water. 

Three people were even rescued from the ship over 24 hours after the incident, thanks to the slow sinking of the vessel. While the Costa Concordia disaster was one of the worst maritime disasters of the 21st century, it was nowhere near as catastrophic in terms of loss of life as the disasters of the 20th century.

When you compare modern cruise ships to Titanic-era ships , you can readily see that safety has improved considerably. As demonstrated in the table shown above by the low number of cruise ships to sink in recent history, modern vessels are generally better equipped to survive a disaster than their predecessors. And as you saw, the number of lives lost had decreased to nearly zero.

Why Don’t Modern Cruise Ships Sink As Often?

When people buy tickets for a cruise, they’re not just looking for a vacation – they’re also buying safety and peace of mind. They want to know that their needs will be taken care of and that they will be safe for the duration of the trip. And cruise ships are designed with this in mind. These floating resorts are built to withstand all sorts of rough conditions that would have sunk ships of the past.

But it hasn’t always been this way. During the heyday of sea travel, it was fairly common for ships to be lost at sea due to rough weather, enemy attacks, or collisions with icebergs. However, the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 and the RMS Empress of Ireland in 1914 made it clear that something needed to change. 

These were both sturdy ships and were ocean liners built for long-distance travel. But to achieve this reliability, they sacrificed maneuverability. They would be rock-solid if everything went according to plan, but there was little hope of saving the voyage if something went wrong.

Today, however, cruise ships are a different story. These vessels are typically made of lighter materials and are much more agile, allowing them to navigate rough seas easily. 

Cruise Ship Stability: What Keeps Them Afloat?

Have you ever wondered how cruise ships manage to stay afloat despite their massive size and seemingly top-heavy design? This is often a big topic of discussion, and the answer lies in the careful balance of weight distribution and stability.

When you board a large cruise ship, you are stepping onto a floating resort with thousands of staterooms, dozens of restaurants, and endless recreation opportunities. Yet, despite all these amenities, cruise ships remain stable and steady on the water despite their weight. 

This is thanks to a combination of factors, including the ships:

• Machinery’s placement
• Stabilizer fins use
• Modern navigation systems

So how does it all work? First, it’s important to understand that only a small portion of the ship is actually below the waterline. This means that most of the weight is concentrated above the water, making the ship appear top-heavy. But the ship’s design actually works in its favor, pulling down on the water to provide balance and stability.

The key to this balance is the ship’s center of gravity. While the goal is to keep the center of gravity as close to the ship’s middle as possible, this is not always possible due to the weight of the ship’s engines and other machinery. As a result, ships usually have a heavier bottom half than a lighter top half to compensate for this.

What Happens If An Obstacle Is Unavoidable?

Cruise ships will do their best to take detours to avoid rough weather in the event of a storm at sea. But sometimes, a storm comes on fast and hard, and the ship must rely on more than just its center of gravity to stay afloat. That’s where the design of the ship’s hull comes into play.

• Cruise ships have rounded edges on the bottom of the hull, which makes it easier for the ship to roll with the waves and then return to its original position. They also have several ballast tanks, which are water-filled tanks that provide additional stability and distribute the load evenly. These features help the ship handle rough seas in a way that older ships could not.

Of course, no system is perfect, and cruise ships are not invincible. They typically have less hull strength than ocean liners but are equipped with better radars to avoid obstacles like icebergs. If a cruise ship were to hit an iceberg, it could potentially cause serious damage to the hull. 

Are Cruise Ships Failsafe?

There is no possible closer answer than the word “almost.” While the Costa Concordia disaster in 2012 was a shocking reminder that no vessel is invincible, modern cruise ships are designed with safety in mind. From advanced navigation systems to sturdy hulls and ballast tanks, these ships are built to weather even the roughest of storms. 

And in the rare event of a catastrophic disaster, cruise ships have enough safety features in place to allow for a safe evacuation.

As to the ship’s safety, you can rest assured that cruise ship designers have done everything in their power to keep you and your fellow passengers safe.

Closing Thoughts

While cruise ships have sunk or encountered a disaster in the past, the likelihood of your ship sinking is close to minuscule. Modern ship design and protocols are in place to prevent things like weather and obstacles from ruining your cruise or endangering passengers onboard.

David Chapman

Contributor

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How Many Cruise Ships Capsize a Year?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ships are a popular way to travel and explore different destinations around the world. They offer a unique experience, with luxurious amenities and entertainment options that cater to all ages. However, safety concerns have arisen regarding the possibility of cruise ships capsizing.

How many cruise ships capsize a year?

This is a question that many people ask, and the answer may surprise you. According to industry data, there have been an average of less than one capsizing incident per year in the past decade. This means that the likelihood of your cruise ship capsizing is extremely low.

Reasons for Cruise Ship Capsizing

While cruise ship capsizing is rare, it can happen due to various reasons. One common cause is adverse weather conditions such as hurricanes or storms. In these instances, it’s important for cruise ships to follow strict safety protocols and avoid areas with severe weather conditions.

Another factor that can lead to cruise ship capsizing is human error. This can include mistakes made by crew members or passengers, such as overloading a ship or not following proper safety procedures.

Preventing Cruise Ship Capsizing

Cruise lines have strict regulations in place to prevent accidents like capsizing from occurring. They conduct regular safety drills and ensure that crew members are well-trained in emergency procedures.

Additionally, modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced technology such as stabilizers and ballast systems that help keep them stable even in rough seas.

• Stabilizers: These are fins or wings attached to the side of a ship that help reduce rolling caused by waves.
• Ballast Systems: These systems help balance a ship by filling tanks with water or emptying them out depending on the ship’s weight distribution.

Cruise Ship Safety Tips

While rare, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to cruise ship safety. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Pay attention during safety drills and familiarize yourself with emergency procedures.
• Follow all safety instructions given by crew members.
• Avoid overloading a ship or standing in areas that are marked as off-limits.
• Stay aware of weather conditions and avoid areas with severe weather warnings.

In conclusion

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Cruise Ship Passenger Capacity

View cruise ship ratings and learn what is average/normal and max cruise ship passenger capacity. Cruise ships capacity (passengers and crew/hotel staff) and space ratios of the world's most famous ships are sorted alphabetically by the names of their owners (companies, lines, and operators) according to the official cruise ship data.

Most online travel media publish ship ratings based on onboard amenities (dining/entertainment), itineraries/destinations, special/unique facilities, and experiences. Some ratings are based on website visitors' feedbacks and conducted polls. However, while the latter ratings could by easily manipulated, "expert review" based ratings could be only suggestive as top-rated will be always the largest liners and the  newest vessels .

Cruise Ship Capacity

The "full" cruise ship passenger capacity is based on double occupancy (2 guests per cabin). The cabin's capacity varies according to stateroom's type, category, and also by line and ship. A standard passenger ship cabin usually accommodates 2 or 3 guests, but there are some "smaller" and "bigger" exceptions.

Our survey also includes smaller ships (under 500 passengers), and some ships are intentionally omitted from the big table to be included in the small one (about passenger capacity of top luxury cruise ships, with emphasis made on their highest guests-to-crew ratio. If searching for a particular vessel, use the Ctrl+F key combination and type the name in the search box. Good to know things:

• Ships will sail at varying capacities depending on itinerary and season.
• The average cruise ship passenger capacity is around 3,000 guests for ocean liners and around 150 guests for bigger river cruise ships.
• The largest cruise ship passenger capacity is 5,412 (at double occupancy) and 6,318 max capacity if all berths are occupied. And, of course, these big numbers are part of the specifications of the first in the  list of the biggest cruise ships in the world  - the Oasis ship of Royal Caribbean International.
• Single cruise cabins (called also "studios", or "solo cabins"), though rarely available, offer some of the cheapest rates for solo travelers by avoiding the double occupancy policy of all the major cruise ship companies, with the range of single supplement rates being between 50 and 100% (depending on line and ship).
• Family suite cruise accommodations generally have the biggest passenger capacity (up to 6 guests) and are some of the most expensive cabin categories (again, not available on all ships). Cheap suites are available on most Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Costa ships.

Max (largest) passenger capacity of a cruise ship would signify this ideal financial situation, when all the berths, plus all upper and lower bunks, "Pullman" beds and single and double sofa beds (available in types and numbers according to the ship's cabin grades) are all occupied by the most numerous crowd the ship can ever gather on board. However, on most of the sailings, even the full-ship capacity (at double occupancy level) is not reached. This automatically opens the "big ships doors" for great deals, like kids sail for free, buy one get one free, free cabin upgrades, bonus amenities, and also huge price discounts on luxury cruise deals. For more info, you can read our survey on unsold cruise cabins/cheap cruise upgrades .

Cruise passengers-to-space ratio

The ship's "space ratio" (by definition) is the enclosed space (measured in ft3/cubic feet) per passenger. A ship of 45,000 GT (gross tonnage) with capacity 1,000 passengers will have a space ratio 45 (or 45ft3=45000/1000). So if your ship has generally smaller cabins but very large public spaces, she will have a higher space ratio, and the higher the space ratio number, the more guests will enjoy a sense of spaciousness on board.

Average/max cruise passenger capacity

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For boats that are dead and forgotten see at CruiseMapper's Scrapped Cruise Ships hub.

Cruise Ship Ratings

0 (or no Stars) doesn't mean the ship is the worst ever, but not yet rated.

"Specialty" means usually a smaller ship offering deals on adventure or expedition cruises. Emphasis on itinerary/destination and unique experiences rather than onboard services/amenities/activities. Cabins are modest (as size and amenities), but also comfortable.

3 Stars mean "Contemporary" and big resort-like experiences on bigger ships with a multi-generational clientele, a huge variety of family and kids programs, at least 2 swimming pools, huge fitness/spa centers, distinct nightlife (clubs, a casino, deck parties), several dining options. Cabins range from cozy Inside to large family suites and many connecting/adjoining rooms. Itineraries from 3 to 7-night in length (repeating, round-trip) leaving from big and popular ports.

4 Stars mean a "Premium" product, medium-sized ships with higher guest-to-crew ratios compared to similar-sized mainstream ships. The onboard experience - fewer kids, larger than average cabins with upgraded (luxurious) amenities, high-level of service, dining, and entertainment, extensive enrichment programs, a luxury spa, longer itineraries (from 7 to 14 and even 21-night in length).

5 Stars mean a "Deluxe" product, from medium-size to small cruise ships with deluxe staterooms, bedding and cabin amenities, impeccable service, multiple specialties (gourmet) dining options, also less entertainment and onboard activities. The itinerary is mostly port-intensive, and longer than 10 nights, with deals on back-to-back cruises .

6 Stars mean "Best Luxury" on small ships, intimate cruising experiences, highest guest-to-crew ratios (fewer guests). These are mostly ships with all-inclusive cruise deals - gratuities and beverages (often alcohol) and gourmet (specialty restaurant) dining are all included in the fares (often with shore excursions and tours), spacious staterooms and public spaces, the highest level of service. Many of these are all-suite ships (with different category suites). Port-intensive itineraries and exotic destinations, often offering deals on Around the World Cruises .

All cruise ship ratings are based on CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) categorizations, and reviews from "WMPH Vacations" (iCruise, AlaskaCruises, EuropeCruises, HawaiiCruiseOutlet, RegentCruises, and CruiseCheap) specialists and advisors. Cruise ratings also may vary on the ship's age, size, cabins/venues/amenities, passenger feedback, etc. Besides CLIA and WMPH, other cruise vessel rating sources are Berlitz Guide, Fieldings Guide, Sterns Guide, CruiseCritic, CruiseReviews, and CruiseMates.

Cruise ship star ratings meaning

5,5 stars rating - a top luxury cruising, impeccable and highly personalized service, finest quality food & amenities; attention to detail, perfect maintenance, spacious accommodations, gourmet cuisine, the highest level of service, authentic furnishings, top of the line fitness & spa facilities.

5 stars rating - the highest level of food/service in a premium cruising market, high-quality meals, attentive service, well-equipped staterooms (not necessarily large), list of cabin amenities include bathrobes; butler service, public spaces are with beautiful decors.

4,5 stars rating - friendly decor, good maintenance, full range of onboard activities.

4 stars rating - best overall experience, above-average food & service, satisfactory entertainment.

3,5 stars rating - an average overall experience, very small to large accommodations, good service, delicious food, kids facilities without dedicated areas, mediocre entertainment.

3 stars rating - modest experience on an older cruise ship, may not have balcony cabins, mediocre food & lack of proper service, expect interesting destinations/itineraries.

2 stars rating - the ship is comparable to a low-budget hotel, a major refurbishment needed for refit and renovation of public areas and staterooms, lousy service (the staff will only supply the most basic service), itineraries with little or no popular (cheap charging) ports of call.

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Chart: See the Dramatic Rise in the Size of Cruise Ships

How much larger have cruise ships become? Until you are standing next to a modern cruise ship, it’s hard to appreciate just how massive they actually are.

Many times they are called floating cities. That’s not just a cute phrase. It’s accurate. The largest cruise ship in the world — Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas — can hold 6,600 passengers and 2,200 crew. That’s nearly 9,000 people.

Meanwhile, the amenities onboard include everything you need to run a city of that size, from nearly 20 restaurants to medical facilities, from laundry facilities to storefronts.

Growing in Size Over the Years

Gone are the days where a cruise ship was designed simply to be the vessel to get you from port to port. Today, the cruise ship is the destination.

For years there’s been an arms race when it comes to ships. The major cruise lines — including Carnival , Royal Caribbean , and Norwegian — have competed to create ships that not only push their own fleets bigger, but also put them on par with their rivals.

That’s led to the largest cruise ships the world has ever seen… and a steady increase in average size over time.

Consider that from 1990 until 2000, most cruise new ships built were in the 70,000-80,000 gross ton range. (Gross tonnage is a standard measure of a ship’s size.) The average size of all new ships during this time from the major cruise lines was 80,000 gross tons.

But since then the size of ships has soared.

From 2015 until today, the average gross tonnage of a new cruise ship from the major cruise lines is 164,000 gross tons — more than twice the size of a ship built during the 1990s. That includes the Symphony of the Seas, which comes in at a staggering 228,081 gross tons.

Take a look at just how dramatic the increase in cruise ship size has been during the past 30 years:

As you can see from the chart, when it comes to size, all the cruise lines continue to move toward larger ships. Every single cruise line has dramatically increased in size over the past several decades.

However, Royal Caribbean is the line that pushes the envelope the most when it comes to building bigger ships.

The line of ships at the top right of the chart represent the cruise line's Oasis-class of ships, which are the biggest in the world. First launched in 2009, the ships within this class are all at least 225,000 gross tons.

That's about three times the size of the average ship built in the 1990s .

Why Cruise Ships Continue to Get Bigger

So why do cruise ships continue to get larger? For cruise companies and passengers, there are a number of benefits to larger cruise ships.

For passengers, larger ships simply mean more options. With more space comes more restaurants, public areas, activities, and cabin types.

Consider Carnival's Mardi Gras. The new mega-liner is set to debut at the end of 2020, and will have more than 15 spots to eat on board. That's a long way from just having a buffet, dining room and maybe another restaurant or two like you would have found on much older cruise ships.

Norwegian's Breakaway-Plus class of ships like Norwegian Encore have the space to include a number of activities that were unheard of just a few years ago. This includes laser-tag arenas, virtual reality areas, and even go-kart tracks at sea.

For cruise lines, larger ships bring economies of scale come into play. Put simply, it's much cheaper for a cruise line to build and operate one 6,000 person cruise ship than two ships with 3,000 people sailing. It requires less staff, and less cost to build a single large ship than two smaller ones.

With more space, there are also more chances to earn money from passengers. As mentioned by Travel Weekly , "large ships have far greater potential for onboard revenue than smaller ones, with more space for bars, restaurants, and bigger casinos and spas."

Finally, cruise ships act as a marketing tool for the cruise line.

With each new ship comes new media coverage and attention to the ship and the line. In the race to gather attention, bigger and more extravagant lead the way to gather the imagination of potential passengers. There's a very good reason that you never see older ships in the advertisements from the cruise lines.

Limits on Cruise Ship Size

Given the current trend, you might think that cruise ships will continue to increase in size in the future. That's likely not the case. There does come a point to where size becomes a negative instead of a benefit.

Consider that the Oasis of the Seas -- the first of the largest Oasis-class vessels built by Royal Caribbean -- was built in 2009, more than a decade ago. Since then, it's had several sister ships built, that have been marginally larger at most. However, there hasn't been a significantly larger cruise ship built.

Instead, at least for now, this seems to be the upper limit for how large cruise ships will become. As ships get larger, so too do the logistical issues that come with them. Namely, not every port of call can handle the size and scale of the largest vessels.

For example, the Port of Tampa Bay simply can't have the largest cruise ships dock because the height of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at the entrance to the bay is too low.

The Port of Galveston (the busiest cruise port outside of Florida) anticipates welcoming an Oasis-class vessel in the future, but first has to work with Royal Caribbean to build a new terminal that can accommodate ships of that size.

But while the limit on the size of ships may have maxed out for now, there is still room for more vessels to be built up to current standards. Of the 120 cruise ships included on our chart above, 49 of them (41%) are less than 100,000 gross tons.

Given the recent troubles the industry has faced it may take some time to replace those older, smaller ships with larger vessels. But there's no question that the trend definitely is moving that way.

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Posted: 29 February 2024 | Last updated: 29 February 2024

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How steeply can a cruise ship roll before it capsizes?

The recent incident involving Viking Sky is the latest of several weather-related events that have caused discomfort and fear for passengers, and reignited a debate as to whether modern cruise ships are top heavy, and at risk of capsizing in rough seas.

Video still from the forward lounge during the storm aboard Viking Sky

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Whenever passengers are injured aboard a cruise ship due to bad weather, it reignites an ongoing debate. Are modern cruise ships top-heavy, unstable, and therefore at risk of capsizing in bad weather? And are they even sea-worthy enough to ride out a major storm at sea?

Laymen claim they aren’t, and that ocean liners were safer , but real-world experience and naval architecture show that a cruise ship can roll to almost 60-degrees before it’s in danger of capsizing, and can ride out 50-foot seas without danger of sinking.

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But that doesn’t stop ill-informed opinions proliferating online.

According to the maritime lawyer Jim Walker “if it looks right, it is right…and cruise ships don’t look right to me”. He makes this statement in a blog post in which he posits that cruise ships are dangerously top-heavy, using the opinions of laymen to back up that argument.

People incorrectly assume that cruise ships are top-heavy simple because they’re tall

But to European scholars in the Middle Ages, it looked right that the sun was orbiting the earth and that the earth was at the centre of the universe. Science showed us otherwise (unless you’re planning on taking the flat-earthers’ cruise ), and it is because of scientific fact that Viking Sky did not capsize while wallowing without power in 26-foot seas.

Jim Walker’s coverage of the Viking Sky incident focuses on whether she had any valid reason to be sailing out into such conditions in the first place, which is a valid question, and his work in representing cruise passengers and crew after accidents at sea is exemplary. But the stability and seaworthiness of cruise ships is an ill-informed criticism.

Viking Sky’s problems started when she suffered engine failure in a storm off the coast of Norway. Without power, she turned beam-on to the weather and started rolling heavily. All furniture and equipment not bolted down careened across her public rooms and passengers were thrown from their feet in some instances.

https://twitter.com/alexus309/status/1109537029912711168

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Sound familiar? Something similar happened recently aboard Norwegian Escape when she was unexpectedly struck by strong winds equivalent to a Category 3 cyclone. The ship heeled over, sending passengers and furniture flying.

Professional ship manager Neill Conroy from the Nautical Institute says : “By itself, no wind can cause any ship to capsize.”

Norwegian Cruise Line never confirmed just how steeply Escape heeled, but it was probably around the same degree of roll experienced by passengers aboard Viking Sky.

According to a video posted on Twitter during the Viking Sky incident, the degree of roll was around 15 to 20-degress, although it looks and likely felt much steeper.

https://twitter.com/alexus309/status/1109530668290183172

According to Richard Burke, ABS Professor of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering at Maritime College, State University of New York, this is because of orientation.

“If you’ve ever been on a ship that’s listing 20 degrees, you almost can’t walk on the ship. Walking up a 20 degree slope is like mountain climbing,” he told CNN back in 2010 after the cruise ship Louis Majesty was smacked in the face by a 26-foot wave , breaking the glass of her forward lounge windows and killing two passengers.

That incident caused the same debate that has been reignited by the Viking Sky emergency – are cruise ships safe?

Or are they top-heavy and/or unseaworthy in severe storms? According to naval architects interviewed by the BCC as part of their documentary Freak Wave , modern ships, whether they’re merchant vessels or cruise ships, are designed to withstand waves up to 15-metres.

“The largest wave marine architects are required to accommodate in the design strength calculations is 15m from trough to crest,” says the BBC.

This is based on a mathematical system called the linear model to predict wave height that says in a storm with a significant wave height of 12m (such as that experienced by Viking Sky), there will hardly ever be a wave higher than 15m and one of 30m (a freak wave) could indeed happen – but only once in ten thousand years.

The documentary found that waves larger than 15m do actually occur far more often than previously thought – but primarily only off the South African ‘Wild Coast’, where the ocean liner SS Waratah infamously sank in 1910.

SS Waratah is believed to have been sunk by a freak wave off South Africa in 1910 – the only passenger ship since to have suffered this fate

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For context, some 40 or so cruise ships sail around the coast of South Africa every year, and none has ever sank due to a freak wave.

So cruise ships are designed to weather 15-metre (50-foot) waves, which are in themselves rare, and extremely unlikely to be encountered by a cruise ship. According to Harry Bolton, retired captain of the training ship Golden Bear at the California Maritime Academy, a modern cruise ship could hypothetically be capsized by a 70 to 100-foot wave if it took it directly on the beam.

“I guarantee you’re never going to be in those kinds of waves anyway,” he said. “[Cruise ships] avoid bad weather like the plague. They don’t want the passengers in peril, they don’t want to risk any injury or accidents,” he told the BBC.

In situations where cruise ships do find themselves in bad weather, it’s because the cruise ship has been unable to avoid it, such as Viking Sky, which was sailing in the North Sea at the tailing edge of winter specifically to give passengers a chance to the see the Northern Lights (it could be argued she should have stayed in port, though), or because of a misjudgement in forecasting, such as when Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas found herself caught short by Cyclone Hermine in the Atlantic .

The captain was forced to ride out a major storm and although it was uncomfortable for passengers, with the ship rolling and pitching heavily, and leaking due to rain water pushed through deck doors by the wind, she was never in any danger, according to Royal Caribbean.

“Safety is our highest priority and ships are designed to withstand even more extreme circumstances than Anthem of the Seas encountered. While the weather was unpleasant, the ship remained seaworthy at all times,” it said in a statement at the time.

The incident was the first time a brand new mega cruise ship had been subjected to such seas in real-world conditions

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This is backed up by Burke, who made the following comments to CNN long before the Anthem of the Seas incident. “If a ship heels more than [20 degrees], your real problem is that you’re going to get thrown off your feet and a lot of equipment and furniture is going to break loose and go flying around. So the possibility of injury is very high when that happens. But the ship should right itself without any problem.”

In fact, in extreme cases, a ship can actually list 60 degrees and recover, according to Burke. An angle of 90 degrees would be the ship lying on its side. This figure is not arbitrary, it’s based on complex computer modelling and wave pool tests.

Modern cruise ships are designed to be able to roll up to 60-degrees and recover, in this picture, Costa Concordia has partially sunk and is lying at a 65-degree angle.

For context, the picture above shows Costa Concordia after she partially sank in January 2012. In this picture, she is lying at a 65-degree angle. It’s worth noting that Concordia didn’t actually capsize, despite the massive gash in her hull, she sank onto her starboard side.

It may appear that cruise ships are top heavy visually, but naval architects design them in such a way that all of the heavy liquids, machinery and the main engine are positioned very low, said Burke. So the ship’s center of gravity is also low even though the superstructure is very high.

Because of this, cruise ships have a shorter roll period than ocean liners , which were actually more top-heavy to make them more comfortable for passengers before stabilisers were invented. When a cruise ship rolls, it rights itself faster than an ocean liner would because of all that weight (the bilge, the fuel, the ballast tanks, the engines, the food stores etc) that’s all kept down below the waterline.

This was apparent in CCTV footage captured aboard Pacific Sun while sailing in a storm near New Zealand back in 2008. More than 40 passengers were injured by the intense rolling motion.

In the video, you can see her roll period is less than 10 seconds, causing that snap-back action due to her low centre of gravity. It was uncomfortable for the passengers, but never dangerous to the ship. Like Viking Sky and Anthem of the Seas, this incident also occurred in seas of around 26 feet (still well below the 50-foot threshold ships are designed to weather).

The opinion of professional naval architect Rick Spilman can be applied to Viking Sky, Pacific Sun, Norwegian Escape and any other modern cruise ship. “The recent encounter between a modern cruise ship and major storm was a test, not a calculation or a simulation but a full-scale blowout trial in highly dangerous conditions,” he wrote in reference to Anthem of the Seas .

“It was a test that probably could and should have been avoided, but proved interesting and revelatory, all the same.”

Anthem of the Seas, of course, weathered the severe storm without anything but superficial damage and a lot of interior mess due to furniture on the move.

Similarly, Viking Sky, although much smaller, but with the same so-called top-heavy design, weathered equally extreme seas taking it directly on her beam, and survived with only superficial damage.

Yet this doesn’t stop laymen speculating that cruise ships are top-heavy and unstable. In the (now-defunct) blog Made in America Blogging , the author ‘Teddy Sheperd’ says that cruise ships are unstable and therefore unsafe because they have a shallower draft than ocean liners.

According to the New York Times 16 passenger ships have sunk since 1980, most of them ferries (not cruise ships).

In fact the last cruise ship that sank purely due to flooding in rough weather was the MTS Oceanos off South Africa’s Wild Coast, back in 1990 – and she was an ocean liner-turned cruise ship.

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Categories: Cruise Industry

Tagged as: capsize , cruise ship safety , freak wave , ship stability , weather

Published by Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. View all posts by Shaun Ebelthite

3 replies »

I’ve been on two cruise ships in rough seas (approximately 24′ to 32′ wave range), one in Alaska on the Rhapsody of the Seas in 2009 (older CRT TVs came out of their mounts in the front of the ship and flew across the rooms that night when it was the worst (over 30′). My cabin was on deck 4 near the engines and it gently rocked, but was more stable than the front, but I could see the waves were above the level of my windows, but being pushed away from them by the wake from the engines). The next morning breakfast was served on the top floor in the front of the ship at the buffet in 18-20’+ wave conditions and you had to keep a hand on your plate to make sure it didn’t get away from you. People were throwing up all over the ship. I don’t get seasick so I was highly amused by it all as it was my first cruise ever and I didn’t expect such excitement. I think the waves were from a typhoon off the coast of China that had just arrived. Once we entered the straits, the water calmed down to more like a lake. It wasn’t nearly as bad on the way back, maybe 8′ waves.

The other cruise ship was the Norwegian Gem from the NYC Manhattan docks to the Southern Caribbean in October of 2013, just one day over a year from Hurricane Sandy so penthouse cabins were cheap as I think many thought it was bad karma to go out that close to the anniversary so I got a forward penthouse. Everything was great on the way down (great views of the just then being completed Freedom Tower from the river and passing the Statue of Liberty on the way out and I had a huge balcony right on the front of the ship for great views of all this (kind of windy though once moving and you had to keep the cabin lights off at night if you opened the airtight door because the bridge was right above the cabin, but you could see stars and shooting stars galore 400 miles off the coast in pitch conditions. The boat went right through the middle of the Bermuda Triangle and I saw circular shapes blot out the stars passing over the ship I think were experimental aircraft that didn’t want to be seen. They were silent and had no lights, but the starlight was so bright, you couldn’t miss them except they moved so fast you wouldn’t think it could be an aircraft. I don’t think they meant to be seen at all, but they were real as not one, but five passed by, blotting out the stars as they went was the only way you could see them. I suppose they were UFOs in a sense I couldn’t identify them, but all the stories I ever read about out of this world UFO type things suggest they don’t mind being seen and are lit up. These were dark so I suspect covert military testing as even fighter jets are supposed to have their lights on normally.

Anyway, on the way back, I think the back wave from a storm that passed by a week or so earlier heading for Europe must have come back because we hit 28′ seas and they had to lockdown the outside for a day and a half non-stop. When three waves would time just right to hit the hull it sounded like an explosion going off (try to sleep with that going on every so often) and I had a Spa Pass for the inside viewing deck above the bridge so even without outside access, I could see what was going on and it was incredible to watch these giant waves coming up 6-8 floors above the water line and crash into the side of the ship. You would not want to be out on a deck in that, but it didn’t phase that ship one bit. The stabilizers kept it pretty straight, but it couldn’t stop the ship going vertical front-to-back so if you didn’t want massive rocking, you spent your day in the middle of the ship where the forward/back rocking was barely noticeable. The waves subsided about 12 hours before we returned to NYC. The food and entertainment shows were fantastic on Norwegian, much better than the Caribbean Princess that I later took across the Atlantic from Fort Lauderdale to Liverpool, England in 2016, where waves never really went above 5′-6′ or so.

And if Costa Concordia was in deeper water she would have finished capsizing and ended upside down, sinking shortly after, and taking thousands of people to their deaths. I’m still amazed that with what actually happened only 32 people passed away during the incident.

In factuality, Costa Concordia did actually capsize on to her starboard side; see the Italian coast guard night vision footage that shows the ship completely on her starboard side; with her more flooded stern section lower in the water & the unflooded bow section completely out of the water & prior to her settling (the internal flooding of her interior spaces now thru numerous open access routes for water to enter the ship along the entire starboard) into her sunken position as visible after daybreak.

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5 Americans held in Turks and Caicos for having ammunition as U.S. lawmakers fail to secure their release

U.S. lawmakers traveled to Turks and Caicos this week to push for the return of five American citizens detained on ammunition possession charges, but failed to facilitate their release.

The Americans were arrested in the last five months under a strict law in Turks and Caicos that prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition and carries a mandatory 12-year sentence.

One American, Michael Lee Evans, was jailed in December; Bryan Hagerich was arrested in February; and two Americans, Ryan Watson and Tyler Scott Wenrich, have been detained since April. The latest arrest occurred on May 13 when Sharitta Grier was jailed.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said a group of lawmakers "went in respectful" and "with an open mind looking to find common ground" during a meeting Monday with the Turks and Caicos government.

"Unfortunately, despite our willingness to work with Turks and Caicos officials to get our constituents home, we were not able to find a path forward today," Mullin said Monday in a statement on X. "At this point, well-intentioned American citizens are facing a dozen years in prison all for unknowingly having one or two bullets in their luggage."

Watson, 40, of Oklahoma, traveled to the islands with his wife, Valerie Watson, and two friends to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. The trip came to a screeching halt when airport staff found hunting ammunition in a carry-on case belonging to the couple.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," he told  NBC Boston . "I recognized them, and I thought, 'Oh, man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there.'"

The couple was arrested but the charges were dropped against Valerie Watson. She later returned home to Oklahoma City.

Airport security also found ammunition in Hagerich's luggage as he tried to board a flight with his family out of Turks and Caicos. Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, said he accidentally left it in his bag.

Wenrich, 31, of Virginia, was arrested after two 9 mm rounds were found in his bag after he tried to reboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship following a beach excursion, NBC Boston reported.

He told the news station that he had used the bag to go to the shooting range with friends and checked the bag before his trip.

"It was just a complete oversight on me, TSA and the port security," he said. "Three groups missed that ammunition."

Grier, 45, of Florida, said the ordeal has been a "nightmare." She told NBC Boston that she took a trip to the islands for Mother's Day weekend with her daughters.

Grier was arrested after security at the Howard Hamilton Airport in Providenciales found two bullets in her luggage, according to the station.

"It   was an honest mistake, it fell up under the bottom of the flap in my carry-on," she said. "There was no way possible that I could see it because it’s a flap in the bottom. They took the bottom of the flap out the bag. That’s where the two rounds was, in the bottom of that flap. So, it’s no way that I would of knew or seen them in there."

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas had warned travelers in September that authorities in Turks and Caicos strictly enforce laws related to firearms and ammunition.

Violators "are subject to TCI laws and must follow local law enforcement procedures" and the embassy "will not be able to secure your release from custody," it said.

Mullin said the islands' law has "unintended consequences."

"We will stay at the table through this process until the issue is resolved," he said in his statement.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., joined the lawmakers on the trip and said they had a chance to meet with the detained Americans.

"These people did not set out to break the law," he said in a statement. "They are people who made a mistake and now face substantial time in prison because of it. As we articulated to TCI officials, I urge the court to be lenient when addressing this case."

Fetterman said he left the meetings "optimistic that we can get this resolved."

Rep. Josh Brecheen, R-Okla., said the lawmakers had a "diplomatic" discussion with Turks and Caicos government officials.

"I reiterated that with Turks and Caicos’ economy being 65 percent based on tourism, and with 80 percent of that coming from the United States, it is in their interest to ensure justice prevails," Brecheen said in a post on X .

"We were emphatic that it would be unfathomable for five Americans, including Oklahoma’s own Ryan Watson, to face 12 years in prison for accidentally leaving a handful of shells in their luggage," he continued.

Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., said in a post on X he is "very concerned" about the consequences the Americans face.

The governor’s office of Turks and Caicos said in a news release that “per the constitutional separation of the executive and judicial branches” Gov. Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick cannot intervene or comment on pending legal cases.

But the court can find that there are "exceptional circumstances" where a judge could "impose a custodial sentence and a fine that are fair and just in the circumstances of each case rather than impose the mandatory minimum," the office said.

If the Americans are sentenced, Brecheen said the U.S. must "respond appropriately, using every economic tool in our toolbox."

Evans, 72, of Texas, pleaded guilty to possessing seven 9 mm rounds of ammunition, according to authorities, and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 18.

Wenrich and Watson also have a court hearing in June, police said. Grier's hearing is scheduled for July.

Minyvonne Burke is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News.

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I Survived a Fatal Ferry Sinking in the Bahamas. Why I’d Get on the Same Boat Tomorrow

"We looked over the edge and that's when we saw the water starting to go into the ferry"

Kelly Schissel

Kelly and Chad Schissel of Platteville, Wisconsin, were on the last day of their vacation in the Bahamas on Nov. 14, 2023, when a boat carrying them and about 100 passengers to a private island sank.

A 74-year-old woman died following the capsizing but everyone else, including the Schissels, survived.

Here, Kelly, who posted footage from the dramatic incident that went later viral on TikTok , shares her story with PEOPLE’s David Chiu, in her own words.

It was a really nice day. We had all gotten on a double-decker ferry to Blue Lagoon Island and the ride was a little bumpy but no different from being on any boat in the water.

We were having fun and listening to music, but then we suddenly lurched forward. We just thought, "Okay, whatever," until we stayed leaning forward. Then one of the crew members from the bottom level came upstairs crying and freaking out and grabbed herself a life jacket.

We looked over the edge and that's when we saw the water starting to go into the ferry.

After getting life jackets of our own, we sat there waiting for staff to tell us what to do, but they never did. Eventually, it got to the point the boat was tipping so much that we just started jumping out. 

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There were babies being nursed on that boat ride all the way to 90 year olds, and everyone in between. Some people knew how to swim, but some didn't.

There was a fisherman's boat that happened to go by and since I'm a good swimmer, I was able to reach it, although it wasn't easy by any means.

When I got into the boat, everybody looked the same with the orange life jackets on and I couldn't find my husband. Then I realized we had gotten separated.

He has a defibrillator, so I wondered, “If he gets shocked from the stress of this, what happens?” Still, although he's not the best swimmer, and had recently undergone reconstructive surgery on his ankle, I thought he should be okay.

Then someone from the fisherman’s boat said, "We can't fit anybody else in here." I replied, "Well, go drop us off [at Blue Lagoon Island] and come back out."

At that point, another double-decker ferry showed up and fortunately, that's where Chad ended up.

When Chad arrived [on land after being separated] and saw me standing there on the dock, he started crying because he was relieved I was okay.

Once everybody got to land, we were all directed to this one small area of the island where we could be secluded from everybody else. We were over there for probably an hour or two because they wanted to double count, triple count and everything. [The island’s staff] offered everybody shirts and shoes because a lot of us lost all our stuff in the water. 

After that, they said, "Okay, everybody has to get on a boat that looks exactly the same as the one that just sank and go back [to the cruise ship]." I asked, "Do we have the option to stay if we want to? We already made it here." But they said no.

We got loaded right onto another boat. There were kids crying, "I don't want to sink again. I don't want to go swimming," so we tired to calm them down. A lot of adults were even wearing life jackets on the way back. My husband asked if I wanted to, but I said, "There is no way they're going to sink two boats with the same group of people. They're going to go 2 miles an hour the whole way back. We'll be fine."

Once back on Nassau, Chad and I just walked around for a little bit and tried to enjoy the rest of the day.

images provided by Kelly Schissel

When we were still over in that secluded area of Blue Lagoon Island, we heard one person say a lady had died. And then someone replied, "Don't say that. You don't know that." When we eventually got back onto the cruise ship, I heard more people talking about it.

As it turned out, the woman, who was on the bottom level of the sunken ferry boat, had an oxygen tank and it got wet and stuck, so she ended up blacking out on the boat because of a lack of oxygen. Once they got her out, she was on a rescue boat that took her to the island. They were doing CPR, but they just couldn't bring her back.

Afterwards, we had to go to the customer service desk because my husband lost his key card, which we swipe for food, drinks and to get into our room. We were also supposed to fill out a form for everything damaged or lost. They did refund our cruise. They sent us an email giving us an update on that after we were back on land.

To our knowledge, Royal Caribbean is still investigating everything. We haven’t been told officially what caused the accident. I think the captain just turned in too fast and with the choppy waters, it just filled up too much.

[Royal Caribbean referred PEOPLE's questions to officials on Blue Lagoon Island, whom Royal Caribbean said operated the tour. Blue Lagoon did not respond.]

I've seen so many things. I used to work at a prison and I’ve seen so many different car accidents — and been in a few myself. I swear this stuff happens to me all the time, which is why I was like, "Chad, I'm going to take a video because nobody's ever going to believe me that this happened."

I think the TikTok video is at 27.2 million right now for views. I thought it would be a big story, but I didn't know it would be that big.

A lot of people ask me, “Would I ever even go on another boat again?” And I'm like, "Yeah. I would even take the same exact boat that we used and go back to that same exact place. Just give me a different [ferry boat] crew because they didn't know what was going on." 

And my advice is that when they tell you how to put on life jackets and what to do if there is an emergency, at least pay attention and have an exit plan in mind.

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Compiled by Jeremy Engle and Michael Gonchar May 21, 2024

Above is an image related to one of the news stories we followed this past week. Do you know what it shows? At the bottom of this quiz, you’ll find the answer.

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What recent news from the Russia-Ukraine war does the map above illustrate?

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First cruise ship sets sail from Port of…

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First cruise ship sets sail from Port of Baltimore since Key Bridge collapse: ‘It’s a good day’

The festive occasion marked the first cruise ship to arrive and depart the Port of Baltimore since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26.

Less than a week prior, the terminal was the headquarters for the Key Bridge Response Unified Command to coordinate recovery operations, Daniels said. They began condensing their workspace down last weekend, started packing up Monday night after the Dali was refloated that morning and were out by Tuesday afternoon.

“While there is still work that needs to be done to be able to complete the salvage operation, this is a wonderful sign that the next milestone is pointing to the fact that business is truly returning to the port,” Daniels said.

Just after 10 a.m., the sound of steel drums echoed in the terminal as it began to fill with passengers eager to board Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas cruise ship for a five-night trip to Bermuda.

Tom Sitzler said he and his group had planned the trip since August to celebrate his partner’s 60th birthday. They live in Washington, D.C., but had a very specific reason to sail out of the Port of Baltimore.

“The whole purpose of the cruise though was to actually cruise out of Baltimore out past Annapolis, because Allen grew up there, the birthday boy, and he wants to see Annapolis from the bay,” Sitzler said.

“I’ve always wanted to cruise down the bay and see all the spots where I grew up,” said Allen Steven, the birthday boy.

Cruises that were already underway or were scheduled in the past two months have been rerouted to the Norfolk Cruise Terminal . Steven said if their trip had been moved to leave from Norfolk, they would have rebooked.

A group of five friends from Harford County also were heading on a cruise to celebrate, donning matching pink hats that said “Friends on the Loose 2024 Friends Trip.”

“We are celebrating a milestone birthday,” said Kathy Schlehr. “We have all attained the age of 70 or beyond.”

“Not yet!” someone chimed in.

The group said they were ecstatic when they found out about a week and a half ago they would be sailing out of the Port of Baltimore. The departure location was one of the reasons they went on the cruise.

The return of cruises benefits the tourism industry in Baltimore and the rest of the state, Daniels said.

More than 440,000 passengers went through the Cruise Maryland Terminal in 2023, he said, and they may also stay in hotels, eat at restaurants and even come back to enjoy the city afterward.

“Many of them are experiencing what Baltimore has to offer for the very first time,” Daniels said.

The 915-foot long vessel with a 25-foot draft got underway after 4 p.m. and used the 400-foot-wide, 50-foot-deep channel that opened Tuesday in the Patapsco River. In addition to a pilot, it was accompanied by two tugboats.

Even though the Unified Command vacated the cruise terminal, operations are still ongoing, just back in their own spaces, said David O’Connell, the Coast Guard’s captain of the port. They coordinate daily on ongoing operations, including salvage work in the main and outside channels as well as coordinating with the Army Corps of Engineers on vessel traffic in the temporary channels.

Saturday, the Army Corps announced a delayed goal of June 8-10 to restore full access to the federal channel. Officials had previously said this would be achieved by the end of May.

“It was great all being together and coordinating operations, but it’s great to be here and see this place in a different light,” O’Connell said. “You see it lively with people that are going on vacation, going through security, the ship is out back. It’s a good day.”

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