Cruise Ships Face Unexpected Encounters from Whales to Pirates
Incidents ranging from wildlife collisions to piracy attempts highlight the unpredictable nature of sea travel.
Cruise ships, often envisioned as floating resorts for relaxation and entertainment, have occasionally become scenes of unexpected chaos. Incidents logged by databases like Cruisemapper.com detail a variety of dramatic events, including collisions with marine life, encounters with pirates, and even onboard criminal activity.
In 2024, the MSC Meraviglia arrived in Port Brooklyn with a 43-foot whale entangled on its bow, an apparent result of a collision at sea. Earlier, in 2022, the Norwegian Sun struck an iceberg off the coast of Alaska, forcing an emergency return to port for repairs. Passengers aboard the ship at the time reportedly quipped it was a re-enactment of "Titanic 2.0."
Wildlife has also posed significant risks in other regions. In 2018, near Svalbard, Norway, a polar bear attacked a guard accompanying tourists disembarking from the MS Bremen. Another guard subsequently shot the bear, and the injured guard was evacuated.
Pirate activity has also disrupted voyages. A notable incident occurred in 2009 when the MSC Melody was attacked off the coast of Somalia. Reports indicate passengers and crew used deck chairs and opened fire to repel pirates attempting to board. The ship's captain managed to evade the attackers, and security officers assisted in repelling them.
Collisions between cruise ships themselves have also been documented. In 2019, the Carnival Glory and Carnival Legend collided in Cozumel, Mexico, resulting in damage to the stern of the Carnival Glory.
Beyond external threats, passenger behavior has also led to notable incidents. In 2024, two passengers on the Norwegian Joy were found with approximately 158 pounds of marijuana, reportedly contained in over 100 vacuum-sealed bags. One individual claimed the large quantity was for personal use.
In January 2019, a passenger on Royal Caribbean's Symphony of the Seas was banned, along with his friends, after he jumped from an 11th-floor balcony while the ship was docked in Nassau, Bahamas. The passenger stated he was still intoxicated from the previous night when he made the jump.