The Terrifying Experience of Passengers Aboard the Carnival Sunshine in Rough Weather

Carnival Sunshine Cruise Passengers Endure Life-Threatening Experience in Rough Weather

A Carnival Sunshine cruise that was rocked by a storm over the weekend, as a result, delaying the ship’s return to port in Charleston, South Carolina, and the departure of its next voyage has left a life-threatening experience to some passengers on board. Passengers were indeed frightened after enduring rough weather that began late Friday while on board the ship. Videos circulated around the internet showing water sluicing through the hallways, huge waves outside, and bottles and other items strewn across the retail areas.

The Terrifying Experience

First-time cruise passenger William B. Blackburn narrated his terrible experience on deck 6 while the storm hit the ship. “It was terrifying,” he said, while he and his family members stayed in their cabin and prayed to be okay, noting where the life jackets were stored in the process. Blackburn, along with a fellow passenger, Bill Hassler, and other passengers on board, considered the possibility of surviving in the water with life jackets, even though they doubted that the lifeboats could be launched in such stormy and extreme condition.

Hassler, in his statement criticized the Carnival Cruise line for sailing into such extreme weather, especially in the face of winds blowing at 80-miles-per-hour and above.

Carnival Cruise Line Response

In its response, a Carnival Cruise Line statement said, “Carnival Sunshine’s return to Charleston was impacted by the weather and rough seas on Saturday. The weather’s prolonged impact on the Charleston area delayed the ship’s arrival on Sunday, and as a result, the next voyage’s embarkation was also delayed.”

Editorial and Advice

The event of Carnival Sunshine Cruise rocking in rough weather should serve as a wake-up call for the entire cruise industry. Cruise ships should consider if they are prepared for such extreme weather conditions before embarking on a journey. While cruises might be a perfect opportunity for a relaxation gateway, incidents such as this can make people wary of ever taking a cruise again.

Passengers are advised to make global maritime distress and safety systems an essential part of their travel checklists. They should ensure they study the weather conditions and consult with the ship’s crew if they have any concerns before embarking. Also, in the event of such weather disruption, safety remains the top priority as passengers should always listen to crew instructions and follow them accordingly to minimize risks.