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A Venezuelan Warship Lost a Fight to a German Luxury Cruise Ship

During the early morning hours of March 30, 2020, the German cruise liner RCGS Resolute came under attack from a Venezuelan Navy warship.

It should have been an easy win but, like so many things in Venezuela's recent history, things did not go as planned.

The German ship, owned by One Ocean Expeditions, was in international waters and flying a Portuguese flag. It was adrift as it performed maintenance on one of its engines when it was intercepted by the Venezuelan patrol ship ANBV Naiguatá.

This encounter came just days after the Trump administration declared Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to be a wanted drug trafficker and One Ocean Expeditions filed for insolvency.

Meanwhile, the Caribbean Sea is full of U.S. Navy ships.

Knowing all this, Venezuelan Capt. Granadillo Medina, in command of Naiguatá, saw a ship that appeared to be inoperable, from a company that is essentially bankrupt, floating on the edge of Venezuelan waters -- all while a hostile Navy might be waiting for the right moment to pounce.

From that perspective, one might suspect the Resolute was doing more than just maintaining an engine. Whether they were or not is unclear.

Medina radioed a warning to the Germans, demanding to board the cruise ship for inspection.

The Germans had no passengers and were set to rendezvous with a sister ship in Curaçao. They were already worried about being late and declined to be boarded.

The Venezuelans next ordered the Resolute to sail under escort to the nearby port of Puerto Moreno on Isla De Margarita.

When the Germans again failed to comply, the patrol ship attacked. Naiguatá fired warning shots across the cruise liner's bow. What comes next is disputed by everyone involved.

The Germans allege that the Naiguatá went straight at the Resolute, hitting the cruise ship's bow at a 135-degree angle. The ramming was supposedly the Naiguatá's effort to point the ship toward the island and force her into Venezuelan waters.

The tactic did not have the effect the warship wanted.

The Resolute suffered very little damage, its seaworthiness unaffected. And instead of forcing the cruise ship to go anywhere, it was the warship that suffered massive damage. She quickly began to take on water.

What those on the Naiguatá didn't seem to know is that the Resolute is a purpose-built polar expedition vessel, designed to operate in the most dangerous sea ice conditions. Her hull was reinforced for that purpose. A patrol boat like Naiguatá would never have been able to damage such a hull.

The warning shots are not in dispute, but who rammed who is. The Venezuelans say that after the Naiguatá fired the shots, it tried to cross the Resolute's path and cut the cruise ship off. They also claim the Resolute fired up its engine and intentionally rammed the Naiguatá using its reinforced hull.

Repeatedly.

Venezuela released a recording of the encounter, which can be seen 40 seconds into the video below.

As the Naiguatá began to take on water, the Resolute departed for Curaçao, allegedly leaving 44 Venezuelan sailors to go down with their ship, a violation of international maritime law.

Luckily, they were rescued by another Venezuelan vessel.

The owners of the Resolute deny the ship left the sailors to die. The Resolute's crew says they contacted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Curaçao and asked whether the Venezuelans needed help. The Germans claim they were told they did not.

The only clear fact is that, after the incident, the Naiguatá went to the bottom of the Caribbean Sea and no one was killed. But Maduro maintains the Resolute was planning acts of "terrorism and piracy" off of Venezuela's territorial waters.

-- Blake Stilwell can be reached at [email protected] , on Twitter @blakestilwell , or on Facebook .

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What happens when a huge ship sinks? A step-by-step guide to averting disaster

From the Ever Given blocking the Suez, to the Costa Concordia cruise ship hitting a reef, what exactly do you do when a vessel comes to grief – and how do you prevent catastrophic pollution?

A t 3:24am in the Atlantic Ocean, a catastrophe unfolds across the moonlit waters. The MS Seascape – a 200-metre, six-storey cargo vessel carrying 4,000 new electric vehicles – is pushed by swells into a coral reef. The ship grinds to a sickening halt, begins listing violently to the side and capsizes on to the reef a few kilometres from port.

The coastguard receives the distress call. Helicopters lift the flailing crew members to safety, while support boats unload any cargo that hasn’t already tumbled into the sea. It’s urgent – lithium ion batteries in electric cars risk exploding and most of the vehicles are stored in the hold. If fire breaks out, the vessel will become a giant pressure cooker.

Although our MS Seascape is a hypothetical ship, its situation is far from uncommon. In 2021, 54 large vessels either sank, ran aground or went up in flames and these behemoths are more likely to cause catastrophe when things go wrong.

What is the Shipwrecked series?

There are 3m lost vessels under the waves, and with new technology finally enabling us to explore them, Guardian Seascape is dedicating a series to what is being found: the secret histories, hidden treasures and the lessons they teach. From glimpses into storied wrecks such as the Titanic and Ernest Shackleton’s doomed Endurance, to slave vessels such as the Clotilda or Spanish galleons lined with plundered South American gold that confront us with our troubled history, shipwrecks are time capsules, holding clues to who we are.

But they are also ocean actors in their own right, home to huge colonies of marine life. They are victims, too, of the same threats faced by the ocean: invasive species eating away at their hulls, acidification slowly causing them to disintegrate. Shipwrecks are mirrors showing us not just who we’ve been, but what our future holds on a fast-heating globe.

The pull of these wrecks has been a boon for science, shedding light on a part of the planet that has been shrouded in mystery. “If shipwrecks are the sirens that lure us into the depths, they encourage exploration into what truly is the last frontier of the planet,” says James Delgado of shipwreck company Search Inc. “A frontier that we don’t really know much about.” Chris Michael and Laura Paddison, Seascape editors

Abandoning the ships is rarely an option. The risks of oil and fuel leaks mean it is now standard practice to try to salvage them and fix any environmental damage. But the costs are astronomical: the Costa Concordia, which ran aground off Genoa, Italy in 2012, became the most expensive wreck removal in history, costing more than $1bn , and taking 350 salvage workers almost three years.

There’s no cookie-cutter approach to salvage: each operation will vary depending on location, water depth, weather, equipment and sensitivity of the surrounding environment.

So what to do with our hypothetical MS Seascape? Let’s get started.

Step 1: Contain spills and remove fuel

The risk posed by MS Seascape, loaded with potentially explosive car batteries, is not dissimilar to that of the 200-metre Felicity Ace, which caught fire in the mid-Atlantic before sinking to an unsalvageable 10,000ft: it is suspected that the 281 EVs onboard may have sparked, or at least accelerated, the blaze.

To avoid this fate, a local salvage company gets involved, one of a few dozen operators around the world poised to rush to the scene of a maritime disaster. Its first objective is to save the vessel and return it to service.

A vessel’s location has a huge bearing on how quickly the operation unfolds. The Rena, a container ship that grounded off the coast of New Zealand, had to wait several weeks for equipment to arrive from Singapore – during which time the hull broke apart.

At this stage it is too early to tell how much impact the MS Seascape hull has sustained. In the morning, in calmer conditions, the salvage crew traces a skirted boom around the vessel to capture any fuel and hazardous wastes.

In the meantime, a specialist team begins bleeding its 20-plus tanks of more than 300,000 gallons of fuel, as well as potential pollutants such as lubricants, gases and oily water and sludge .

They drill through the ship’s exposed double-walled steel exterior into the fuel bunkers below, inserting pipes to pump out waste to a waiting vessel. Divers are dispatched to enter the ships’ interior to drain the remaining submerged tanks. This is a delicate task: removing fuel can destabilise the already precarious ship, so this process can take days, possibly weeks.

Suddenly, a crisis: after days of being strained against the reef by the current, stress fractures appear along the hull. They could break the ship apart. This dashes hopes of returning the MS Seascape to service – the cost of recouping would now be more than the value of the ship itself.

The mission transitions from salvage operation to wreck removal and the real work begins.

Step 2: Slice the ship apart

After 10 days, the ship’s fractures threaten to split the wreck. The team of hundreds of engineers, crane operators, firefighters, labourers, divers and architects, must move quickly.

They cut away the accommodation block to declutter the deck and simplify the process. One option to break the ship is to use explosives, such as those applied to the MSC Napoli, a giant container vessel grounded off England’s south coast in 2007 and blasted into two sections. But this would be catastrophic for the fragile coral ecosystem beneath the wreck.

Explosives are detonated in an attempt to break the cargo ship MSC Napoli near Branscombe, England, July 2007.

Instead, the removal team opts for a thick cable of diamond-encrusted wire that can slice through inches-thick steel. The saw is fitted into a custom-built frame lifted by cranes and ferried to the wreck site. Over two days, its two legs are rigged into the seafloor on either side of the wreck. Within the frame, the wire is cycled at high speed through a system of pulleys and lowered, guillotine-like, into the metal hulk, shearing through it with an ear-splitting roar.

It can take up to 12 hours to cut a single cross-section, but the saw’s surgical precision means it only grazes the reef below. It can also slice between parked cars in the lower decks so that fewer tumble out into the sea, and around the fuel tank.

Fuel isn’t the only environmental threat: ships contain an extraordinary load of hazardous material , such as antifouling chemicals and lead embedded in paint, asbestos in the walls, and mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) wound into the electrics of older ships. These pollutants will gradually ooze out of hulks left to rot in the ocean. One sunken German warship is still leaching chemicals into the North Sea after more than 80 years.

Step 3: Remove sections and take them ashore

The MS Seascape is now encircled with vessels and equipment ready to intervene as pieces of the wreck are shorn off. With the ship’s bow resting on the reef, but its stern threatening to fall to the ocean floor when cut loose, the team has a two-pronged plan.

First, the floating sheerleg: a huge crane on a buoyant platform, capable of lifting 7,000 tons. It is a mechanical island with an accommodation block for the dozens of workers who will be at sea for weeks dismantling the wreck.

The crew will slice the ship into eight pieces. Starting with the bow, each slice is drilled with holes through which cables are threaded, then hoisted up by crane. Piece by piece, the ship is carefully loaded on to waiting barges and ferried away.

The wreck of the Costa Concordia cruise ship off Giglio Island is towed after it was refloated using air tanks attached to its sides, July 2014.

The stern requires a different approach. Before the rear segment is cut free, support vessels weld enormous air-filled metal boxes called caissons to its exposed starboard side. These are partly filled with water, adding weight that rotates the stern upright when it is cut free. As the stern is righted, caissons are attached to its port side, too. On both sides these are filled and emptied of water, to reach the perfect level of buoyancy to keep the stern afloat. Once free and released on to the water, the stern is then tugged to port.

Not all wrecks would need the same approach. Some with relatively minimal damage, such as the Costa Concordia , can be patched up, fully refloated with caissons, then towed away. Others have to be dredged up from the seafloor, such as the X-Press Pearl , whose nitric acid load caught fire off Sri Lanka in 2019 and caused the ship to sink to 68ft – along with its cargo of 50bn plastic “nurdles” , which swamped Sri Lankan beaches.

The X-Press Pearl needed dozens of cables to winch it up from the seafloor, but the monsoon season stalled the mission, dragging out a process already costing the vessel owners $40m in environmental compensation claims from the Sri Lankan government.

Even with a well managed wreck such as the MS Seascape, some spillage is unavoidable. Divers, aided by remotely operated underwater vehicles, locate lost cars and other metal debris, feeding this information to a barge fitted with underwater magnets and mechanical grabbers.

Two months after the ship ran aground, no trace remains of the MS Seascape in the ocean – but the work continues.

Step 4: Strip down the ship

Back on land, the pieces of the MS Seascape wait to be broken down. The vessel was flagged to the EU, meaning it must be dismantled in one of 46 regulated yards spread across Europe, Turkey and the US.

This means it will be dealt with under stricter requirements than vessels in south Asian shipbreaking beaches, where 70% of global ships end their seagoing lives. Looser regulations in these locations result in dozens of labourer deaths annually, and untold environmental impacts as pollutants leach on to beaches and into the sea .

The MSC Napoli cargo ship is dismantled for steel recycling in a dry dock in Belfast, Northern Ireland, April 2008.

However, at the dry dock in Italy where most of the MS Seascape ends up, waste is supposed to be contained. Over several months, the ship is stripped back to basics: sheets of asbestos, wiring, equipment and furniture are removed until only the steel husk remains.

This is where most of the ship’s value now lies. Efficient smelting operations can recycle almost all a ship’s steel: about 90% of the material in the Costa Concordia was recycled.

Back on the reef, rehabilitation has begun. The water is monitored for residual pollutants, and teams begin planting nursery-grown coral into the shattered reef. This will take years: a decade after the Costa Concordia capsized, damaged seagrass meadows are still being restored.

Now reduced to molten steel, some of the MS Seascape might be forged into yet another ocean-going colossus. As shipbuilding ingenuity grows, so will the effort, costs – and the innovation – required to salvage these leviathans at sea.

Shipwrecked
Shipping industry

10 years later, Costa Concordia survivors share their stories from doomed cruise ship

Ten years after the deadly Costa Concordia cruise line disaster in Italy, survivors still vividly remember scenes of chaos they say were like something straight out of the movie "Titanic."

NBC News correspondent Kelly Cobiella caught up with a group of survivors on TODAY Wednesday, a decade after they escaped a maritime disaster that claimed the lives of 32 people. The Italian cruise ship ran aground off the tiny Italian island of Giglio after striking an underground rock and capsizing.

"I think it’s the panic, the feeling of panic, is what’s carried through over 10 years," Ian Donoff, who was on the cruise with his wife Janice for their honeymoon, told Cobiella. "And it’s just as strong now."

More than 4,000 passengers and crew were on board when the ship crashed into rocks in the dark in the Mediterranean Sea, sending seawater rushing into the vessel as people scrambled for their lives.

The ship's captain, Francesco Schettino, had been performing a sail-past salute of Giglio when he steered the ship too close to the island and hit the jagged reef, opening a 230-foot gash in the side of the cruise liner.

Passengers struggled to escape in the darkness, clambering to get to the life boats. Alaska resident Nate Lukes was with his wife, Cary, and their four daughters aboard the ship and remembers the chaos that ensued as the ship started to sink.

"There was really a melee there is the best way to describe it," he told Cobiella. "It's very similar to the movie 'Titanic.' People were jumping onto the top of the lifeboats and pushing down women and children to try to get to them."

The lifeboats wouldn't drop down because the ship was tilted on its side, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded on the side of the ship for hours in the cold. People were left to clamber down a rope ladder over a distance equivalent to 11 stories.

"Everybody was rushing for the lifeboats," Nate Lukes said. "I felt like (my daughters) were going to get trampled, and putting my arms around them and just holding them together and letting the sea of people go by us."

Schettino was convicted of multiple manslaughter as well as abandoning ship after leaving before all the passengers had reached safety. He is now serving a 16-year prison sentence .

It took nearly two years for the damaged ship to be raised from its side before it was towed away to be scrapped.

The calamity caused changes in the cruise industry like carrying more lifejackets and holding emergency drills before leaving port.

A decade after that harrowing night, the survivors are grateful to have made it out alive. None of the survivors who spoke with Cobiella have been on a cruise since that day.

"I said that if we survive this, then our marriage will have to survive forever," Ian Donoff said.

Scott Stump is a trending reporter and the writer of the daily newsletter This is TODAY (which you should subscribe to here! ) that brings the day's news, health tips, parenting stories, recipes and a daily delight right to your inbox. He has been a regular contributor for TODAY.com since 2011, producing features and news for pop culture, parents, politics, health, style, food and pretty much everything else.

What Are The Odds Of A Cruise Ship Sinking?

Cruise ships evoke images of relaxation and luxury, but behind the scenes lurks the rare yet catastrophic possibility of a cruise ship sinking. If you’re worried that your next cruise vacation could end in disaster, here’s the critical information you need.

The quick answer is that the odds of a cruise ship sinking are extremely low, with only a 0 .006% chance per year that any given cruise ship will sink. Modern safety regulations and advanced shipbuilding techniques make today’s cruise ships incredibly seaworthy.

A Brief History of Cruise Ship Disasters

The titanic.

One of the most infamous cruise ship disasters in history is the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. The Titanic, touted as “unsinkable,” collided with an iceberg during its maiden voyage, resulting in the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

This tragedy served as a wake-up call for the cruise industry, highlighting the need for improved safety measures and regulations.

The Titanic disaster prompted changes in maritime safety, including the implementation of stricter lifeboat requirements, improved communication systems, and the establishment of the International Ice Patrol to monitor icebergs in the North Atlantic.

These measures were aimed at preventing similar incidents and ensuring the safety of passengers and crew on future cruise ships.

The Costa Concordia

In 2012, the Costa Concordia made headlines when it ran aground off the coast of Italy, resulting in the deaths of 32 people. The captain of the ship, who deviated from the planned course to perform a sail-by salute, was found guilty of multiple charges, including manslaughter and abandoning ship.

Following the Costa Concordia disaster, the cruise industry once again faced scrutiny and calls for stricter regulations. The incident highlighted the importance of proper training for crew members, emergency response protocols, and the need for regular safety drills to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew.

Safety Improvements Since Major Disasters

Since the tragedies of the Titanic and the Costa Concordia, significant advancements have been made in cruise ship safety. Cruise lines have invested heavily in new technologies and safety measures to prevent accidents and improve emergency response capabilities.

Modern cruise ships are equipped with state-of-the-art navigation systems, including radar, sonar, and GPS, to detect potential hazards and avoid collisions. They also have sophisticated communication systems that allow for real-time coordination with coast guards and other emergency response teams.

Furthermore, cruise ships now undergo rigorous safety inspections and must comply with international standards set by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

These regulations cover everything from fire safety and evacuation procedures to crew training and passenger safety drills.

It is important to note that while cruise ship accidents do occur, they are relatively rare when compared to the number of cruises that take place each year. The cruise industry continues to prioritize safety and takes proactive measures to ensure the well-being of its passengers and crew.

For more information on cruise ship safety, visit www.cruising.org .

Understanding Cruise Ship Sinking Statistics

Total sinkings per year.

When considering the odds of a cruise ship sinking, it is important to look at the total number of sinkings that occur each year. Fortunately, cruise ship sinkings are extremely rare events. According to statistics from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), an average of only one cruise ship sinking occurs every 10 years.

This means that the chances of a specific cruise ship sinking are incredibly low.

Odds for an Individual Cruise Ship

To further understand the odds of a specific cruise ship sinking, it is necessary to consider the size of the cruise ship fleet and the number of sailings each year. With over 300 cruise ships in operation worldwide, and thousands of sailings taking place annually, the odds of any individual cruise ship sinking are minuscule.

In fact, the chances of a specific cruise ship sinking are often compared to winning the lottery or being struck by lightning.

Differences Between Cruise Lines

It is also important to note that not all cruise lines are the same when it comes to safety measures and protocols. Some cruise lines have stricter safety regulations and invest heavily in technology and training to ensure the safety of their passengers.

It is recommended to research the safety records and reputation of different cruise lines before booking a trip.

For more information on cruise ship safety and statistics, you can visit the official website of the Cruise Lines International Association at www.cruising.org .

What Makes a Cruise Ship Vulnerable

Causes of sinking.

Cruise ships are designed with safety in mind, but they are not immune to certain vulnerabilities. One of the main causes of sinking is human error. Mistakes made by the crew, such as navigating too close to hazardous areas or not properly maintaining the ship’s equipment, can lead to disaster.

Mechanical failures, such as engine malfunctions or leaks in the hull, can also contribute to a ship’s vulnerability.

Extreme weather conditions, including hurricanes, storms, and rogue waves, can pose a significant threat to cruise ships. These unpredictable forces of nature can cause structural damage and destabilize the vessel, increasing the risk of sinking.

It is essential for cruise companies to closely monitor weather patterns and make informed decisions regarding itinerary changes to ensure passenger safety.

Geographic Danger Zones

While cruise ships can sail in a variety of locations, there are certain geographic areas that present higher risks. These danger zones include regions with known treacherous waters, such as the North Atlantic, where icebergs pose a threat.

Other areas prone to natural disasters, such as the Caribbean during hurricane season, require careful navigation and contingency plans.

It is important for cruise ship operators to stay informed about potential risks in different regions and implement measures to mitigate them. This may include avoiding certain areas during specific seasons or taking additional safety precautions when navigating through dangerous waters.

Ship Design Weaknesses

While modern cruise ships are built with advanced technology and safety features, they still have design weaknesses that can make them vulnerable in certain situations. One common vulnerability is the potential for fire onboard.

The sheer size of a cruise ship, coupled with the presence of flammable materials, can make it challenging to control and extinguish fires in a timely manner.

Another design weakness is the possibility of a breach in the hull, either due to a collision with another vessel or hitting an underwater obstacle. While cruise ships are built to withstand such incidents, a significant impact can compromise the integrity of the hull and potentially lead to sinking.

It is crucial for cruise ship manufacturers and operators to continually assess and improve ship designs to enhance safety and minimize vulnerabilities. Regular inspections, maintenance, and adherence to strict safety protocols are essential to ensure the integrity and seaworthiness of these vessels.

Cruise Ship Safety Features and Regulations

Advanced navigation systems.

One of the key factors in ensuring the safety of cruise ships is the use of advanced navigation systems. These systems are designed to provide accurate and real-time information about the ship’s position, speed, and course.

They utilize technologies such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and radar to detect potential hazards and avoid collisions. In addition, modern cruise ships are equipped with sophisticated weather monitoring systems that help captains make informed decisions to steer clear of storms or rough seas.

State-of-the-Art Ship Design

Cruise ships today are built with state-of-the-art design features that enhance their safety. For instance, they are equipped with double hulls, which provide an extra layer of protection against hull breaches.

The ship’s compartments are also divided into watertight compartments, which prevent flooding from spreading throughout the ship. Moreover, the use of advanced stability systems, such as stabilizers and ballast tanks, helps to minimize the ship’s movement and ensure a smooth sailing experience even in rough waters.

These design elements greatly reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to the overall safety of cruise ships.

Strict Safety Rules and Inspections

The cruise industry is subject to strict safety rules and regulations enforced by international maritime organizations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These regulations cover various aspects of cruise ship safety, including fire prevention, emergency procedures, and crew training.

Cruise ships are required to undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with these safety standards. Additionally, independent classification societies, such as Lloyd’s Register and DNV GL, play a crucial role in certifying the safety and seaworthiness of cruise ships.

These rigorous safety measures and inspections help to maintain a high level of safety within the cruise industry.

For more information on cruise ship safety features and regulations, you can visit the official website of the International Maritime Organization at www.imo.org .

Best Practices for Cruise Passengers

Choosing a reputable cruise line.

When planning a cruise vacation, it is crucial to choose a reputable cruise line. Researching the cruise line’s safety record and customer reviews can give you an idea of their reliability and commitment to passenger safety.

Websites such as Cruise Critic provide detailed information and ratings for various cruise lines. Look for cruise lines that have a strong safety record, experienced crew members, and a commitment to following industry regulations.

Examining the Ship Before Boarding

Prior to boarding a cruise ship, it is essential to examine the ship’s condition. Pay attention to the cleanliness and maintenance of the common areas, cabins, and lifeboats. Look for signs of wear and tear or lack of maintenance, as these could indicate a lack of attention to safety.

Additionally, check for the presence of safety equipment such as life jackets, emergency exits, and clear evacuation routes. If you notice any concerns or issues, bring them to the attention of the cruise staff or management.

Following Crew Instructions

Once on board, it is important to follow the instructions given by the cruise ship crew. They are trained to handle various situations and will provide guidance in case of an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the ship’s safety procedures, including the location of emergency exits and assembly points.

Pay attention to safety drills and briefings, as they provide valuable information on what to do in different scenarios. By following the crew’s instructions, you can contribute to a safe and secure cruise experience for yourself and fellow passengers.

While the possibility of a cruise ship sinking is terrifying, the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor. By choosing a reputable cruise line with a strong safety record and adhering to onboard rules and protocols, you can relax knowing that you’ll almost certainly return safely to port to enjoy fond memories of your sea voyage.

Jennifer Morris is an avid solo travel adventurer who founded Solo Traveller after many years of journeying on her own around the world. She has backpacked through over 50 countries across 6 continents over the past decade, striking up conversations with locals along railway platforms, learning to cook regional dishes in home kitchens, and absorbing a global perspective while volunteering with various community initiatives.

With a Masters in Tourism and Hospitality, Jennifer is passionate about responsible and meaningful travel that fosters cultural exchange. Whether trekking through the Atlas Mountains, sailing to Komodo National Park, or taking an overnight train across Eastern Europe - she is always seeking her next epic destination.

When not globetrotting, Jennifer calls Vancouver, Canada home. There she enjoys kayaking local waters, curling up with books on faraway places, and gearing up for her next solo backpacking trip. As the founder of SoloTraveller, she hopes to motivate and inform fellow solo explorers from all walks of life to take the leap into their own adventures.

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How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk in the Past 100 Years?

Home » How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk in the Past 100 Years?

Last updated on January 11th, 2024 at 10:24 am

Cruises are one of the safest options for vacations, but in the past 100 years there have been some incidents with cruise ships sinking . Here are some notable ones in the past 100 years.

Titanic (1912) The most famous cruise ship sinking in history, the Titanic sank after colliding with an iceberg.

Empress of Ireland (1914) This large passenger liner sank after colliding with a Norwegian cargo ship, the Storstad, during foggy weather.

Lusitania (1915) For a few months before her sinking, the Lusitania was the largest passenger ship in the world. A casualty of WWI, she was hit by a torpedo from a German U-boat off the south coast of Ireland.

Britannic (1916) Sister ship of the Titanic, during WWI she struck a German naval mine off the coast of a Greek island and sank in less than an hour.

Princess Mafalda (1927) When a propeller shaft broke and damaged the hull of the ship, the Princess Mafalda sank off the coast of Brazil.

Saint Philibert (1931) A smaller cruise ship, the Saint Philibert sailed mainly in the Loire River and the French coastline. She sank in bad weather, but was also overloaded with twice her capacity on board.

Georges Philippar (1932) Unfortuanlety, this ocean liner sank on her maiden voyage. There was an electrical fault that sparked and set wood paneling on fire causing her to sink near Italian Somaliland.

SS Morro Castle (1934) A fire on board would disable the ship as it burned through the electrical cables and hydraulic lines that steered the ship. Her captain had died the evening before of an apparent heart attack. The burning ship drifted ashore in the shallow waters off Asbury Park in New Jersy, USA.

Empress of Britian (1940) Another victim of war, The ship was bombed from above in WWII when she was off the coast of Ireland. She was hit by two 550lb bombs.

Andrea Doria (1956) Struck by another ship, the Stockholm, the Andrea Doria began to list at once. This made most of the lifeboats inaccessible. However, because the ship sank slowly there were fourty six people killed, but 1660 passengers and crew were saved by rescue ships.

Bianca C (1961) The Bianca has the dubious distinction of being sunk twice. As a passenger ferry, it was scuttled by the Germans in WWII. When she was sold to Costa Lines and refitted as a cruise ship, she sank for the second time when there was an explosion in the engine room.

Angelina Lauro (1979) This ship caught fire in port at Saint Thomas. The ship burned for several days and was a total loss. While being towed to a scrapyard later that year, the Angelina Lauro sank.

MS Mikhail Lermentov (1986) On a cruise from Sydney that was on a two-week itinerary to New Zealand, the ship hit some rocks while sailing past Cape Jackson.

SS Admiral Nakhimov (1986) While operating cruises in the Black Sea, this ship collided with a freighter. They had communicated with the freighter’s captain who had assured the SS Nakhimov that they would be able to avoid a collision.

MV Jupiter (1988) This Greek-registered ship conducted cruises around the Mediterranean. She sank just 40 minutes after leaving Piraeus with a study cruise. There were 391 British schoolchildren and 84 adults on the ship, along with 110 crew. One child, one teacher and two crew died.

Achille Lauro (1988) The Achille Lauro had several unfortunate events including a hijacking, two collisions with other ships and four onboard fires. The last fire sank the ship off the coast of Somalia.

MTS Oceanos (1991) This ship, sailing from Greece, sank from excessive flooding that was caused by freak waves. It is believed that the waves broke a ventilation pipe that had not been correctly repaired and caused the flooding to be severe. To their shame, the captain and some crew abandoned the ship. It was the entertainers on the ship who gave alarm and guided passengers to safety. The captain and crew members were later convicted.

Sun Vista (1999) The sun set on this ship due to an engine room fire. The fire cut all power to the ship’s operating mechanisms and she sank in the Strait of Malacca.

SeaBreeze (2000) The boiler in the ship broke off and damaged the ship. This happened in 30-foot seas, which caused the ship to take on water and capsize. The ship had no passengers on board as she was headed into port for engine repairs.

Britanis (2000) While being towards a scrapyard in India, this ship began to take on water and list. As there was no one on board, the list was not corrected. The tugboat towing Britianis cut the ship free and it capzied and sank off the coast of Cape Town.

MV Explorer (2007) A small cruise ship, the MV Explorer was the first cruise ship that was specifically used for cruises to the Antarctic Ocean. She struck an iceberg and sank. Her passengers and crew made it to the lifeboats and were rescued after drifting for five hours.

MS Sea Diamond (2007) Striking a reef 430 feet from shore, the Captain was blamed and jailed for this sinking. The sea charts he was using were incorrect, and had stated that the reefs were 187 feet from shore off the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea.

Costa Concordia (2012) In modern history, the Costa Concordia is the most famous cruise ship that has sunk. It struck an underwater rock off the coast of Tuscany. The Captain was also blamed for taking the ship off course and too close to the shore line. He was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Eastern Star (2015) This Chinese river cruise ship was caught in a storm as she was sailing to Chongqing. The ship sank in just 50 feet of water, but only 12 people of the 456 onboard survived.

Ocean Dream (2016) This ship has many owners and about half a dozen names. After having been abandoned in Thailand for over a year, she sank when she capsized.

Orient Queen (2020) The Orient Queen would sail from Beirut to the eastern Mediterranean. While in port, with no passengers on board, the ship sank after there was a huge ammonium nitrate explosion at the port. Other ships also in port were damaged, but the Orient Queen was the only one to sink.

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.

Check out: What Cruise Can You Go on Alone at 18?

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.

Can a Cruise Ship Sink? Exploring The Facts And Myths

by Judith Eve | Aug 26, 2023 | Cruise Planning & Cruiser Lifestyle

I go on quite a few cruises, and I usually do not think about whether a cruise ship can sink or not, but it is an interesting question.

Cruise ships are known for their luxurious amenities and exciting destinations, but what happens if the unthinkable occurs and the ship sinks? While it is technically possible for a cruise ship to sink, the chances of it happening are extremely low. Over the years, there have been incidents where cruise ships have sunk, but these are rare occurrences.

In most cases, cruise ships are designed with safety in mind and undergo rigorous testing and inspections to ensure they can withstand various weather conditions and potential hazards. Additionally, the crew is trained extensively in emergency procedures and evacuation protocols to ensure the safety of passengers in the event of an emergency.

However, accidents and unforeseen circumstances can still happen, and it is important for passengers to be aware of the emergency procedures and safety measures in place on the ship. This article will explore the possibility of a cruise ship sinking and what passengers can do to stay safe in the event of an emergency.

Understanding Cruise Ship Design

Modern cruise ships are designed with safety as a top priority. The design of a cruise ship is complex and involves several factors that contribute to its overall safety.

One of the most important aspects of a cruise ship's design is its hull. The hull is the outermost layer of the ship and is responsible for keeping the ship afloat. The hull is designed to displace water and create buoyancy, allowing the ship to float on the water's surface.

The waterline is another critical factor in the design of a cruise ship. The waterline is the point at which the ship meets the water's surface. The waterline is carefully calculated to ensure that the ship is balanced and stable. If the waterline is too high, the ship will be unstable, and if it is too low, the ship will be prone to flooding.

Watertight compartments are another essential feature of modern cruise ship design. These compartments are designed to prevent flooding in the event of a breach in the hull. The compartments are sealed off from each other, so if one compartment floods, the water is contained and does not spread to other areas of the ship.

Overall, the design of a modern cruise ship is a complex process that involves careful consideration of several factors. The hull, waterline, and watertight compartments are just a few of the critical elements that contribute to a ship's overall safety. By carefully considering these factors, designers can create ships that are both safe and comfortable for passengers.

Safety Features of Modern Cruise Ships

Modern cruise ships are designed with multiple layers of protection and safety features to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. These safety features are constantly evolving and improving to meet new safety standards.

One of the most important safety features of modern cruise ships is the ballast tanks. These tanks are used to control the ship's stability and prevent it from capsizing. By filling and emptying the ballast tanks, the ship's weight distribution can be adjusted to maintain stability even in rough seas.

Another key safety feature is the use of bulkheads. These are walls that divide the ship into separate compartments. In the event of a breach, the bulkheads can be sealed to prevent water from flooding other areas of the ship, which can prevent the ship from sinking.

Fire safety is also a top priority on modern cruise ships. Ships are equipped with advanced fire alarm systems and sprinkler systems to quickly detect and extinguish fires. Crew members are trained in fire safety procedures and drills are conducted regularly to ensure everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.

Modern cruise ships are built to meet and exceed safety standards set by organizations such as the International Maritime Organization and the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards. These standards cover everything from the design and construction of the ship to the safety equipment and procedures on board.

In addition to these advanced safety features, modern cruise ships also have dedicated safety officers and crew members who are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew at all times. They undergo extensive training and are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to respond quickly and effectively in case of an emergency.

Overall, modern cruise ships are designed with safety as a top priority. With advanced safety features, strict safety standards, and a dedicated crew, passengers can feel confident and secure while enjoying their cruise experience.

Crew and Safety Procedures

Cruise ships are designed to be as safe as possible, but there is always a risk of accidents or emergencies. To minimize these risks, cruise lines must follow strict safety procedures and protocols. The crew members are trained extensively in safety procedures and are responsible for ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.

One of the most important safety procedures on a cruise ship is the bridge watch. The bridge is the area of the ship where the captain and other officers control the vessel. The bridge watch is a system where crew members take turns watching the bridge around the clock to ensure that the ship is always under control. The crew members on the bridge are responsible for monitoring the ship's speed, direction, and position, as well as keeping an eye out for any potential hazards.

In addition to the bridge watch, there are many other safety procedures and protocols that the crew members must follow. For example, all crew members are required to undergo extensive safety training before they can work on a cruise ship. This training includes fire safety, first aid, and emergency procedures.

The crew members are also responsible for conducting safety drills on a regular basis. These drills simulate various emergency scenarios, such as a fire or a collision, and help to ensure that all crew members are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.

Overall, the crew members on a cruise ship play a critical role in ensuring the safety of all passengers on board. By following strict safety procedures and protocols, and by conducting regular safety drills, the crew members help to minimize the risks of accidents and emergencies.

Passenger Safety

Passenger safety is a top priority for cruise ship operators. Cruise ships are designed to be as safe as possible, and the crew undergoes extensive training to ensure that they are prepared to handle any emergency situation that may arise.

When passengers board a cruise ship, they are typically given a safety briefing that includes information on how to use life jackets, where to find emergency exits, and what to do in the event of an emergency. It is important for passengers to pay attention during these briefings and to familiarize themselves with the ship's layout so that they can quickly and safely evacuate if necessary.

Staterooms on cruise ships are equipped with smoke detectors and sprinkler systems to help prevent fires. Passengers should also take care to avoid smoking in their staterooms and to properly dispose of cigarettes to avoid fire hazards.

All cruise ships are required to have enough lifeboats to accommodate all passengers and crew members on board. In addition to lifeboats, cruise ships are also equipped with other types of life-saving equipment, such as life rafts and life vests. Passengers should familiarize themselves with the location of these items so that they can quickly access them in the event of an emergency.

While cruise ships are designed to be as safe as possible, accidents can still happen. It is important for passengers to consider purchasing travel insurance to protect themselves in the event of an illness, injury, or other unexpected event. Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, and other unforeseen circumstances.

In summary, passenger safety is a top priority for cruise ship operators, and passengers should take care to familiarize themselves with the ship's safety procedures and equipment. By following these guidelines, passengers can help ensure that their cruise experience is both enjoyable and safe.

Historical Cases of Cruise Ship Sinking

Although rare, there have been several instances of cruise ship sinkings in history. Some of the most notable ones include:

Perhaps the most famous cruise ship sinking is that of the Titanic in 1912. The Titanic was considered unsinkable, but on its maiden voyage, it struck an iceberg and sank, resulting in the deaths of over 1,500 passengers and crew members.

Another infamous sinking is that of the Lusitania in 1915. The passenger liner was torpedoed by a German submarine during World War I, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 passengers and crew members.

Costa Concordia

In 2012, the Costa Concordia hit a rock formation off the coast of Italy and capsized. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 32 people and is considered one of the worst cruise ship disasters in recent history.

Orient Queen

In August 2020, the Orient Queen, a cruise ship docked in Beirut, was destroyed by a massive explosion that rocked the city. The ship sank in the port and was a total loss.

Overall, while cruise ship sinkings are rare, they can and do happen. It is important for cruise lines to prioritize safety measures and for passengers to be aware of emergency procedures in case of an incident.

Causes of Cruise Ship Sinking

Cruise ships are designed to be safe and secure, with numerous safety features and protocols in place to prevent accidents and disasters. However, there are still several factors that can cause a cruise ship to sink.

One of the most common causes of cruise ship sinking is human error. This can include mistakes made by crew members, such as navigation errors or failure to properly maintain equipment. Additionally, passengers can also contribute to accidents by engaging in dangerous behavior or ignoring safety instructions.

Another potential cause of cruise ship sinking is damage from collisions or other accidents. For example, a collision with another ship or a naval mine could cause significant damage to a cruise ship's hull, potentially leading to sinking.

Fire is another common cause of cruise ship sinking. A fire can start in any area of the ship, but engine room fires are particularly dangerous as they can quickly spread and cause significant damage.

Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes or rogue waves, can also put a cruise ship at risk of sinking. While modern cruise ships are designed to withstand rough seas, they can still be vulnerable to extreme weather events.

In summary, there are several factors that can cause a cruise ship to sink, including human error, damage from collisions or accidents, fires, and extreme weather conditions. It is important for cruise operators to have effective safety protocols in place to minimize the risk of accidents and to respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.

Cruise Ship Stability and Capsizing

Cruise ship stability is a crucial aspect of ship design and operation. A stable ship is one that is less likely to capsize or roll over in rough seas or due to other external factors. The stability of a ship is determined by its center of gravity and the distribution of weight throughout the vessel.

The center of gravity is the point at which the weight of the ship is evenly distributed. A ship with a low center of gravity is more stable than one with a high center of gravity. Cruise ships are designed with a low center of gravity to ensure stability even in rough seas.

Despite the measures taken to ensure stability, cruise ships can still capsize or roll over in extreme conditions. However, such incidents are rare and often caused by external factors such as severe weather, collisions, or other accidents.

To prevent capsizing or rolling over, cruise ships are equipped with a range of safety features, including watertight compartments, stabilizers, and ballast tanks. These features help to maintain the ship's stability and prevent it from tipping over.

In addition to these safety features, cruise ships also undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that they are in good condition and meet all safety standards. Crew members are also trained in emergency procedures to ensure that they can respond quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency.

Overall, while cruise ship stability is a critical factor in ship design and operation, incidents of capsizing or rolling over are rare. Cruise ships are equipped with a range of safety features and undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure that they meet all safety standards and can operate safely in a variety of conditions.

Regulations and Standards

Cruise ships are subject to a wide range of regulations and safety protocols to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. These regulations are enforced by various international and national organizations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

One of the most important regulations for cruise ships is the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which sets out minimum safety standards for all ships, including cruise ships. SOLAS covers a wide range of issues, including fire safety, life-saving equipment, and stability and damage control.

In addition to SOLAS, cruise ships must also comply with national regulations in the countries where they operate. For example, in the United States, the USCG sets out specific regulations for cruise ships, including requirements for fire safety, life-saving equipment, and sanitation.

To ensure compliance with these regulations, cruise ships are subject to regular inspections by regulatory authorities. These inspections cover a wide range of issues, including safety equipment, crew training, and emergency procedures.

Cruise lines themselves also have their own safety protocols and procedures in place to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew. These protocols cover a wide range of issues, including emergency response procedures, crew training, and maintenance and inspection of equipment.

Overall, the combination of international and national regulations, as well as the safety protocols and procedures of cruise lines themselves, helps to ensure that cruise ships are as safe as possible for passengers and crew.

While the thought of a cruise ship sinking can be terrifying, it is important to understand that most modern cruise ships are designed with multiple safety systems in place to ensure that they remain afloat in the event of an emergency.

According to industry reports, the chances of a cruise ship sinking are very slim. In fact, incidents of cruise ships sinking are rare occurrences. However, it is still important for passengers to be aware of safety procedures and to follow instructions in the event of an emergency.

Ships today are designed with advanced technology and safety features that make them more resilient to extreme weather conditions and other potential hazards. In addition, cruise lines have implemented rigorous safety protocols and training programs for their crew members to ensure that they are prepared to handle any emergency situation that may arise.

While it is impossible to guarantee that any ship will never sink due to unforeseen circumstances, modern design features and maintenance protocols make it unlikely for a cruise ship to sink today. Therefore, anyone who is worried about taking a cruise should rest assured that they are in good hands and can expect a safe and enjoyable vacation experience on board a cruise ship.

I do feel confident that cruise ships are safe, and the question of whether a cruise ship can sink, while an important question, it is highly unlikely to occur.

Judith Eve, loves to write riveting articles on crusingtonpost.com. She hails from the sun-kissed regions of South Florida, residing within a stone’s throw of the bustling Fort Lauderdale and Miami cruise ports. As a native Floridian, Judith’s love for the ocean and cruising extends as far back as her memory can recall.

Her lifelong passion for travel has taken her to countless destinations around the globe, but cruising, undeniably, holds a special place in her heart. Judith has embraced the elegance of luxury liners, relished the intimacy of boutique ships, and marveled at the innovation found on the newest megaships. This varied experience makes her a well-rounded and knowledgeable commentator on everything cruise-related.

Balancing her writing career and family life with effortless grace, Judith is happily married, mother to two wonderful children, and a doting grandmother to three grandkids. Much like Judith, her family shares her enthusiasm for the sea, often accompanying her on cruise adventures and enriching her articles with their unique perspectives.

Her work for crusingtonpost.com provides readers with insightful, engaging narratives of her travels, from vivid descriptions of the picturesque locales she visits to in-depth reviews of the cruise lines she travels with. Her writing is not only an exploration of travel and cruising; it is a testament to her zest for life, her commitment to family, and her love for the ocean.

Endearing herself to readers with her warm, personable writing style, Judith has become a trusted voice in the cruising community. She is the go-to source for tips, advice, and comprehensive information on cruising. As a tireless explorer and devoted family woman, Judith Eve embodies the essence of the adventurous spirit, inspiring readers to set sail and create their own sea stories.

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10 Major Cruise Ships And Passenger Vessels That Sank

The Titanic might seem the worst passenger ship accident. However, many historic cruise ships met the same fate, though they were not as famous as the RMS Titanic. The earliest cruise ships were constructed in the 1850s but gained prominence after the World Wars ended when vacationing on the seas seemed attractive.

Cruise ships were also constructed before that and targeted the affluent section of society. Also, cruise voyages in the 19th and 20th centuries were fraught with many dangers compared to present-day journeys, which have become relatively safer, thanks to advancements in maritime technologies.

However, one commonality remains. Cruise voyages are as thrilling and exciting as they were in their bygone days. This article will enlighten you about the 12 major cruise ships that sank.

1. The Unfateful RMS Titanic

The most infamous cruise ship accident has to be the RMS Titanic. The Olympic-Class Ocean liner was owned by White Star Line and built in Northern Ireland. It was the largest passenger ship of its time, designed by Thomas Andrews, capable of carrying over 3000 people.

It was called unsinkable due to its 16 watertight compartments that could be closed in case of a collision. Sadly, the ship sank from Southampton to New York on its first voyage. It hit a massive iceberg in April 1912, near Newfoundland, Canada, and drowned three hours later, consuming 1500 of the 2208 people onboard. The chilly waters of the North Atlantic killed everyone from hypothermia before help could arrive.

Directed by James Cameron, the movie released in 1997 immortalized the ship disaster. The Titanic was almost 270 m long and 28.042 m broad. It had nine decks and a gross tonnage of 46,328 tonnes. It was equipped with only 20 lifeboats, enough for 1,178 passengers. Had there been more life crafts, precious lives could have been saved.

2. The Mighty, Costa Concordia

Costa Concordia sank due to a small mistake of the captain and one of the officers. It was a magnanimous passenger ship containing 17 decks, a three-storeyed theatre, swimming pools, gymnasiums, restaurants, and much more. The ship could accommodate over 4000 people.

According to investigation reports, the vessel hit an underwater rock when it sailed pretty close to the shore of Isola del Giglio island on 13 January 2012. Captain Francesco Schettino closed the computer navigation alarm since he thought he could navigate the waters himself. Unfortunately, he left his glasses in his cabin, and the damage had been done by the time he got them.

The vessel capsized and sank near Tuscany. Despite the six-hour rescue operation, 34 people died. What’s shocking is that the captain abandoned the ship while 300 passengers were onboard, despite the Coast Guard Officer’s attempt to dissuade him. He was convicted of manslaughter and got a 16-year prison sentence in 2017.

3. The Graceful, MS Estonia

Cruise ferry MS Estonia was struck amidst bad weather in the Baltic Sea, which led to its demise. The ship was built in 1980 by Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. It was known by many names like Viking Sally and Wasa King before 1993. It sank while sailing from Tallinn to Stockholm in September 1994.

According to reports, it sank as its bow door locks couldn’t open during the storm, with strong winds lashing at a speed of 35 to 45 miles per hour. Hence, the ship tilted to the starboard side and later drowned completely due to excessive flooding on the car deck. The ship surged in an hour and took 852 people to the seabed. Only 137 passengers survived and were rescued.

MS Estonia was 155.43 m long and 24.2 m wide, with a 5.5 m draught and 15,598 gross tonnages. It had 9 decks and 10 lifeboats which were not enough for 2000 people. It could also carry over 410 cars.

4. RMS Lusitania

The German attack on Cruise Ship RMS Lusitania in 1915 was one of the main reasons behind the entry of the US into the First World War. It was hit as a naval vessel since it also contained military weapons for Britain.

Military Submarine U-20 attacked the cruise while traveling to Liverpool from New York. Launched in 1906, the vessel was constructed by Jon Brown and Corporation and operated by Cunard Company.

The humongous steamship was the largest and most luxurious vessel at that time. It measured almost 240 m lengthwise and 27 m breadthwise, with a 10.2 m draft. The 31,550-tonne ship had 10 decks and a maximum sailing speed of 26.3 knots. It could easily carry 2160 people and over 800 crew. When it sank, 1201 people lost their lives, most Americans.

5. SS Andrea Doria

The SS Andrea Doria went down not because of rough seas or striking an iceberg or underwater formations. Instead, it collided with another passenger vessel called Stockholm due to misreading the radar. Hence, it is remembered as the world’s major radar-caused collision. The incident could not be averted as thick fog barred visibility.

The disaster occurred in July 1956 off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, when the liner was sailing to New York. Hit under the starboard bridge, it was engulfed by waves after 11 hours which gave nearby vessels enough time to respond to its SOS call. Over 50 people died, mostly due to the impact, and over 1650 were rescued.

Owned by Italian Line, it was constructed for a whopping 30 million US dollars. The 212 m long ship had 10 decks and powerful steam turbines, enabling it to attain a maximum speed of 23 knots.

6. SS Eastland

This passenger ship used for touring killed 844 people while it was docked in a port on the Chicago River on 24 July 1915. The vessel rolled over to its starboard side and submerged in water, trapping most passengers inside. It is one of the greatest ship accidents recorded in the history of the Great Lakes.

The accident occurred while the 2500 people were embarking on the vessel, preparing to cruise through Michigan. The possible causes of this disaster were structural flaws in its design, overloading, and inadequacy of the ballast tanks.

Later it was salvaged and handed over to the US Navy, which restored and modified it. It became a gunboat called USS Wilmette and was used for training. It was scrapped after the second world war ended.

It was launched in 1903 by the Michigan Transportation Company. the 275 m long cruise ship was equipped with 11 lifeboats and 37 life rafts. t had a top speed of 16.5 knots.

7. RMS Empress of Ireland

Ocean Liner Empress of Ireland was carrying 1477 passengers when it struck another Norwegian vessel, the 6000-tonne Storstad, due to poor visibility in the Saint Lawrence River. More than 1000 people died in May 1914, the second biggest cruise disaster of the period, following the Titanic incident.

The cruise ship followed the North Atlantic route between Liverpool and Quebec. Though it contained 42 lifeboats, only four could be launched in water as it tilted on her starboard side, causing panic and chaos onboard the ship. The harsh cold and the inability to close its watertight doors and portholes worsened the situation.

The 168 m long and 20 m broad cruise ship was launched in 1906. t was owned by the Canadian Pacific Steamship company and designed by Francis Elgar. Mirfield Shipping and Engineering were responsible for her construction.

It had 14,191 gross tonnages, two steam engines, and propellors, providing a top sailing speed of 20 knots.

8. SS Admiral Nakhimov

The collision of the cruise ship SS Admiral Nakhimov with the bulk carrier Pyotr Vasev was due to the carelessness of both the vessels’ captains. T e captain of the bulk ship failed to respond to the warning signals issued by the cruise ship. H was not present on the bridge when the vessel hit each other at 5 knots.

The cruise ship disaster occurred in 1986 in Tsemes Bay near Novorossiysk port when the vessel was en route to Sochi. I was carrying 1234 passengers, of which 423 died due to the collision and its aftermath.

Initially named SS Berlin II, the cruise liner operated on the Crimean-Caucasian route. It was built by Bremer Vulkan and owned by Norddeutscher Lloyd.

The majestic ship had an overall length of 174 m, a 21 m beam, and 17,054 gross tonnes. It could conveniently accommodate 1125 passengers and over 300 crew members. It had a cruising speed of 16 knots.

9. SS Morro Castle

Cruise vessel SS Morro Castle was burned and sank in September 1934, claiming the lives of over 135 passengers and crew members. A total of 318 passengers and 239 crew were aboard the ship on its journey from Havanna to New York.

The accident occurred as the fire spread from its library to the decks and cabins, engulfing the superstructure in flames. I was aggravated by the ship’s decor, which was made of wood and other flammable material. The fire could not be controlled due to rough weather, incapable staff, and the ship’s design.

Only 12 lifeboats could be launched out of the several available on board. The decks burned the feet, and passengers leaped into ocean swells. The ship was abandoned by afternoon and the survivors were taken to the New Jersey Coast.

Interestingly, the previous evening, the ship’s captain, Robert Wilmott, died suddenly. T e Chief Officer took command and was worried about a strong northeast wind and dark clouds.

The exact cause of the fire remains a mystery; however, an overheated funnel and electric circuitry are blamed. T ose related to the incident, also speak of arson by a crew member.

It was owned by Agwi Navigation Co. and constructed in 1930. T e 155 m long cruise ship could carry 489 people apart from 240 crew at a speed of 20 knots.

10. Saint-Philibert

A small cruise ship sailing from Loire River, near the French coast, met with tragedy in June 1931. T e ship was carrying 500 people, mostly workers, and their children, from Nantes port. I exceeded its carrying capacity by 80 percent. T e danger was doubled when it encountered raging seas and rough weather, which was not precedented as it was the summer season.

The captain and crew members panicked as there was nothing to be done. O t of the 500 people onboard, only 8 survived the horrific accident. T e violent storm forced passengers to take shelter near machinery casings, which tilted the ship to its starboard side and it ultimately capsized when struck by a gigantic wave.

The ship was not equipped to face bad weather, and the captain and crew were not experienced. Appropriate communication equipment was also missing onboard the vessel.

A trial was conducted in 1933, the victims’ families lost the case, and the ship’s owners were set free without any penalties. The cruise vessel was 32 m long and 6.4 m broad with a gross tonnage of 189 tonnes.

About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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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.

How Often do Cruise Ships Sink?

Whether you’ve seen the Titanic, heard about Costa Concordia, or are thinking of booking a cruise, one of the most common questions new cruisers ask to assess their safety is how often cruise ships sink.

To give you a quick insight into how often cruise ships sink, we list below the vessels that have sunk and then go over each in more detail so you get a full understanding of the situation and the likelihood of a cruise ship ever sinking again.

How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk?

16 cruise ships have sunk since 1912, which was the year the Titanic sank.

The first 6 sinkings up to 1956 were technically all ocean liners rather than cruise ships, but many people think of them as the same because they both can carry thousands of passengers.

See the post was the Titanic a cruise ship for a look at the key differences, some of which made ocean liners more likely to sink than a modern-day cruise ship.

Of the 16 cruise ship sinkings, one was a Chinese River cruise ship, and another was an Estonian cruiseferry, so not technically a cruise ship, but still similar in many ways with the capacity for carrying hundreds of passengers.

Of the ocean-going cruise ships, not all sunk while out at sea. In some instances, they didn’t even have passengers onboard.

Depending on what angle you are asking the question, the below table of cruise ship sinkings should help you find your answer.

Cruise Ship Sinkings Since the Titianic (1912 )

The table below details 16 cruise ships of various cruise vessel types that have sunk since the Titanic in 1912.

We have included vessel type, as arguably it said some of the vessels weren’t technically cruise ships, but we think most people think of the Titanic as a cruise ship, so we have included it and other similar ocean liners.

Considering there are more cruise ships than ever on the seas today, it’s clear that not many cruise ships have sunk in recent times.

How Many Cruise Ships Sink a Year?

With 16 cruise ship sinkings from 1912 to 2022, we can determine that a cruise ship sinks every 6 years 10 months.

On average, that works out as a lot less than 1 cruise ship a year. Just 0.15% of a cruise ship, to be precise.

The answer to this question will vary depending on your chosen timeframe, vessel type, and the reason for sinking.

For example, do you want to include ocean liners and a cruiseferry and do you want to include cruise ships that were empty and on the way to being scrapped?

When Was the Last Time a Cruise Ship Sunk?

The last time an ocean-going cruise ship sank was in 2012, when the Costa Concordia hit a reef off the coast of Italy. Thirty-two people died in the incident. 4200 were rescued.

The sinking of the Costa Concordia is probably the most familiar cruise ship people think of when they ask this question. Although the cruise ship only partially sank, it did not become completely submerged beneath the surface of the water.

Since 2012 there have been no other recorded sinkings of ocean-going cruise ships.

Although the almost empty moored Orient Queen cruise ship sank in 2020 when it was damaged in a huge explosion in Beirut, Lebanon, it capsized that same night. Two crew members died.

How Often Do Cruise Ships Sink?

Thankfully the answer is very rarely, but there have been a few notable instances where cruise ships have met with accidents leading to sinking.

From the table, we can see that in 110 years, 16 cruise ships have sunk. This means, on average, 1 cruise ship sinks every 6.8 years.

However, in more modern times, since 2000, only 4 cruise ships have sunk while out at sea, an average of once every 5.5 years.

It does depend on what type of cruise ship you are considering and the situation in which it sank, at sea or empty at the port, destroyed in an explosion (Orient Queen) or awaiting to be scrapped anyway (Belofin-1 ).

Thankfully, when you think of the number of cruise ships launched into the water and currently sailing oceans, rivers, and great lakes all over the world cases like these are rare. Cruise ships have become much safer over the years and much less likely to ever sink.

As you can see, it’s very rare for a cruise ship to sink, but it does happen on occasion. In most cases, the cause is weather-related or due to hitting an obstacle like a reef or iceberg. However, there’s always the chance of a rogue wave event, which has been suspected of sinking other ship types, but thankfully not a cruise ship.

So now that we’ve answered the question of how often cruise ships sink, let’s take a more in-depth look at each of the four major instances where this unfortunate event has happened.

Well-Known Cruise Ships That Sunk

Here’s a look at some of the most famous (or infamous) cases of cruise ships sinking.

The Titanic is, without a doubt, the most famous cruise ship to ever sink. The vessel hit an iceberg on its maiden voyage in 1912 and went down, taking over 1,500 passengers and crew with it, partly because it did not have enough lifeboats for all passengers.

At the time, the Titanic was the largest and most luxurious ship ever built. It was meant to be an unsinkable vessel, but of course, we all know now that no ship is truly unsinkable.

The sinking of the Titanic is a tragic story that has been told time and time again. It’s one of the most famous maritime disasters in history and has been the subject of numerous books, movies, and TV shows.

4 years later in 1916, the Titanic sister ship, the HMHS Britannic , which had been turned into a hospital ship, was famously sunk by a German mine.

Some people might question, was the Titanic a Cruise Ship ? Technically it was an ocean liner, but because it carried thousands of passengers and is thought to be a cruise ship by many, we have included it.

Costa Concordia

In the past, many ships that sank 100 or so years ago were ocean liners and nothing like the mega-cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers at a time.

The Costa Concordia was a much more recent example of a cruise ship sinking of the large modern-day design many of us know and love.

The vessel hit a reef off the coast of Italy in 2012 and capsized, killing 32 people.

The Costa Concordia was carrying 4,229 passengers and crew at the time of the incident. Thankfully, most people were able to evacuate the ship before it sank.

The captain of the Costa Concordia was later convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 16 years in prison. One year of that sentence was for leaving the ship early instead of being the last to leave as per one of the duties of a highly-paid cruise captain salary .

In 1994, the MS Estonia sank in the Baltic Sea after hitting a storm, killing 852 people.

The MS Estonia was a cruise ferry carrying 989 passengers and crew at the time of the incident. It was traveling from Tallinn, Estonia to Stockholm, Sweden, when it hit a storm and started taking on water.

The MS Estonia quickly sank, and only 137 people were able to be rescued from the frigid waters. It is considered one of the deadliest maritime disasters of the 20th century.

Dongfang zhi Xing ( Oriental Star or Eastern Star )

The Dongfang Zhi Xing (translated as Oriental Star or Eastern Star ) was a Chinese river cruise ship that capsized in 2015 during a heavy storm. 442 people were killed in the incident.

The Dongfang zhi Xing was carrying 454 passengers and crew at the time of the accident. Only 12 people were able to be rescued from the ship.

The cause of the capsizing was determined to be a severe storm that caused the ship to lose stability and tip over .

Other Cruise Ships That Sank

Prior to 1991, only ocean liners, like the Titanic and cruiseferries had sunk.

Since the year 1991, there have been 8 cruise ship sinkings, or partial sinkings (not including the cruiseferry MS Estonia)

Excluding Costa Concordia and Dongfang zhi xing, which we covered above, there have been 6 other cruise ship sinkings.

MTS Oceanos (1991)

The Oceanos was a French-built Greek-owned cruise ship that sank off the coast of South Africa in 1991. The vessel started taking on water after a series of leaks in the hull.

The ship had a capacity of 550 passengers and 250 crew.

All passengers and crew were successfully evacuated from the ship before it completely sunk. No one was killed or injured in the incident.

However, the captain and some crew members were later arrested and convicted of negligence for fleeing the ship while passengers were still on board.

Sun Vista (SS Galileo Galilei) (1999)

The SS Sun Vista was a cruise ship that caught fire and sank in 1999. The fire started in the vessel’s engine room while it was sailing from Malaysia to Singapore.

All 1,090 passengers and crew were evacuated from the ship before it sank. No one was killed but some people were injured in the incident and needed hospitalization.

Sun Vista was the name at the time of the sinking. The ship was originally built as the ocean liner SS Galileo Galilei and later converted to a cruise ship.

Passengers reportedly sang music from the Titanic movie to keep their spirits up. ( Source ).

MS Sea Diamond (2007)

The MS Sea Diamond was a Finnish cruise ship that sank off the coast of Santorini, Greece, in 2007. The vessel hit a volcanic reef and started taking on water.

The cruise ship had a capacity of 1537 passengers, with 1,195, mostly American and Canadian onboard at the time of the incident.

All passengers and crew were evacuated from the ship before it completely sunk. 2 people were killed in the incident.

This short video captures the cruise ship sinking in its final moments.

SS SeaBreeze (2000)

The SeaBreeze cruise ship sank off the coast of North Carolina in December 2000. This was allegedly due to a boiler breaking off and damaging the ship and the engine room flooding.

Coast guard rescuers at the time did not expect the ship to sink and thought it could be towed to shore by tug boats, but the captain demanded everyone be extracted from the ship as soon as possible.

Subsequently, the ship sank in Panamanian waters, which was potentially convenient as any investigation would have expected to have been much less stringent than those carried out by American investigators had it sunk in very nearby American waters.

There was much suspicion around the sinking because the scrap value of the ship was estimated to be around $5 to $6 million, which was much less than its insurance payout value of $20 million.

The cruise ship had a capacity of 840 passengers and 400 crew.

At the time of the incident, there were 34 people all onboard who were all extracted to safety.

Belofin-1 (SS Monterey ) (2000)

The Belofin-1 had recently been sold for scrap and was meant to be being towed to India, but went via Mexico from Ukraine in 2000 when it sank near just over 90km from Cape Town, South Africa.

The vessel started taking on water and listing, so the tug boats cut here free and allowed how to sink.

The ship was previously known as the SS Monterey and had a capacity for 701 passengers and 360 crew.

MV Explorer (2007)

The MV Explorer was a small Liberian cruise ship and the first of its kind to sail the Antarctic waters.

The ship had departed from Argentina, attempting to follow the route of 19th-century explorer Ernest Shackleton through the Drake Passage,a route well known for its rough seas.

The vessel sank in early November 2007 after hitting an iceberg which made a gash in the hull, allowing water to enter.

The ship had a capacity for a total of 104 passengers and 54 crew.

On the day of the incident 154 passengers, guides and crew were successfully evacuated from the ship before it sunk.

There were no fatalities or injuries as a result of the incident.

The video news report below shows photos of the listing ship and passengers being rescued.

Orient Queen (2020)

The Orient Queen was a Spanish cruise ship that was berthed in Beirut, Lebanon, at the time of a huge explosion of a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the port.

The ship suffered severe damage and capsized that night before partially sinking.

It was quite small by modern standards, with a capacity of 370 guests.

Two crew members were killed.

How Many Carnival Cruise Ships Have Sunk?

Carnival is one world’s largest cruise lines, but since it has existed, only one of its vessels has ever sunk, the Costa Concordia in 2012.

Although Costa is an Italian cruise ship company, it is owned by Carnival Corporation.

From its fleet of Carnival brand cruise ships, none have ever sunk or capsized.

There have been less serious incidents, such as in 2010, the Carnival Splendor had to be towed to port after an engine room fire disabled the vessel.

A more recent and well-known incident was that of a fire on Carnival Triumph, since renamed Carnival Sunshine. The ship was left stranded and without power after the generator caught fire.

Infamously the incident led to the ship being referred to as “the poop cruise” because raw sewage backed up onto the passenger decks and passengers had to use plastic bags as a makeshift solution. It’s no wonder they renamed it.

Why Don’t Cruise Ships Tip Over or Sink?

There are many reasons why a cruise ship sinking is such a rare event, and that’s because of how they are designed.

Although many modern-day cruise ships look top-heavy, with relatively small proportions of the ship underwater , it’s no surprise people wonder if a cruise ship can tip over .

They are designed to have a low center of gravity, with most of the weight at the bottom of the ship . A wide, stable hull and other stabilizing factors, such as ballast tanks, stabilizing fins, and bilge keels, keeps a ship upright in even the roughest of sea conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cruise ships have sunk in the last 5 years.

In the last 5 years since 2017, only one cruise ship has sunk, the Orient Queen, which was damaged in a port explosion in Lebanon.

How Many Royal Caribbean Ships Have Sunk?

There have been no recorded instances of a Royal Caribbean cruise ship sinking.

Has a Disney Cruise Ship Ever Sunk?

No Disney cruise ships have ever sunk or capsized.

Conclusion: What Can We Learn From These Incidents?

While it’s certainly tragic when a cruise ship sinks, it’s important to remember that these incidents are rare.

The Titanic is the most famous example of a cruise ship sinking, but it happened over 100 years ago.

The Costa Concordia, MS Estonia, and Dongfang zhi Xing are more recent examples, but they are still relatively rare.

When you compare the number of cruise ship passengers to the number of incidents, it’s clear that cruising is a safe way to travel.

Of course, no one wants to be on a ship that sinks, so it’s important to do your research before booking a cruise. If you are concerned, check the ship’s safety record and ensure it meets all required safety standards.

Cruising is a great way to see the world and is generally very safe.

What is the Draft of a Cruise Ship? (and Why Does it Matter?)

How Many Doors on a Cruise Ship? (Yes, I Counted)

How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk?

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Cruise ship sinkings are rare, with roughly 22 incidents in the last 100 years.
Advanced safety features and improvements in technology have reduced the likelihood of sinking.
Many sinkings occurred while ships were berthed or towed, not during active cruises.

Cruise ships are a popular vacation choice for millions worldwide, offering luxurious amenities, exciting activities, and the opportunity to visit multiple destinations in a single trip. However, the safety of these massive floating hotels occasionally comes into question, particularly when considering the possibility of sinking.

In the last century, only a few cruise ships have sunk. When a cruise ship does sink, most or all of the passengers and crew remain safe thanks to the cruise line industry’s safety protocols.

Table of Contents

Since 1912, only 24 cruise ships have sunk , including ocean liners and river cruise ships. It’s essential to note that some cruise ship sinkings occurred while the vessel was berthed or towed.

We can attribute the rarity of cruise ship sinkings to modern safety features and the robust designs of these vessels.

Cruise ships today are built with a focus on safety, making them incredibly resilient to sinking. Even if an unfortunate incident occurs, modern cruise ships are equipped with numerous safety measures to save as many lives as possible.

As a result, the loss of life in such events is generally minimal.

Sadly, some of the earliest sinkings resulted in a large number of casualties.

On average, since 1912, a cruise ship sinks every four and a half years, emphasizing the infrequency of such occurrences. However, the frequency of cruise ship disasters is decreasing as technology and safety improve, and we continue to learn from past tragedies.

Despite the rare nature of cruise ships sinking, there have been a few notable instances, such as the Titanic and the Costa Concordia disaster. However, these high-profile events tend to overshadow the actual safety record of the cruise industry, which is, by and large, quite impressive.

How often do cruise ships sink?

It’s important to understand that cruise ship sinkings are incredibly rare occurrences. Over the past 100 years, only 22 cruise ships have sunk.

However, several sinkings occurred while ships were moored or being towed. Cruise ship sinkings are rare when you consider the number of cruise ships operating year-round .

Modern cruise ships are designed with numerous safety features that help to minimize the risk of sinking. Additionally, strict regulations and inspections help to maintain a high level of safety aboard these vessels. These efforts, along with advancements in technology, contribute to the infrequent nature of cruise ship sinkings.

However, cruise ships specifically have an even lower frequency of sinking compared to this overall number. While it is challenging to determine the precise number of cruise ship sinkings in the recent past, one can generally conclude that these events are rare and not a significant concern for travelers.

In summary, cruise ship sinking is infrequent, thanks to modern technology and strict safety regulations. Passengers can feel confident in the safety and stability of their cruise ship experiences.

How Often Do Cruise Ships Sink?

shipwreck, diving on a sunken ship, underwater landscape

Cruise ships sinking is rare, thanks to modern safety features and strict regulations. Only 20 cruise ships have sunk in the past 100 years.

It is important to note that not all sinkings of these instances involved passengers onboard or resulted in significant casualties.

Cruise ship sinkings have become increasingly rare thanks to advancements in technology and navigation systems.

Can Cruise Ships Sink?

Yes, cruise ships can sink, but such instances are quite rare.

Modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced safety features that help minimize the risk of sinking. These features include advanced navigation systems, improved hull design, and watertight compartments preventing a ship from taking on too much water. In addition, cruise ship crews are trained in emergency procedures and undergo regular safety drills, ensuring they are prepared to respond to potential incidents.

Despite these safety measures, historical records show that 24 cruise ships and ocean liners have sunk since the RMS Titanic tragedy in 1912.

While the thought of a cruise ship sinking can be unsettling, it is essential to remember that safety remains a top priority for the cruise industry. Passengers can have peace of mind knowing they are on one of the safest modes of transportation available, with the frequency of sinking incidents being extremely low compared to other forms of travel.

When Was the Last Time a Cruise Ship Sank?

View of the top deck of the costa concordia after it sank in italy

The last time a cruise ship sank with passengers on board was in 2012, when the Costa Concordia ran aground in Italy. The Italian cruise ship struck rocks and eventually capsized, resulting in the loss of 34 lives. The event was also notable for the charges brought against members of the ship’s crew, particularly Captain Francesco Schettino, who is serving a 16-year sentence for manslaughter.

In recent years, several safety measures and regulations have been implemented in the cruise industry to ensure maximum security for their passengers. These changes have significantly reduced the number of accidents and sinkings and contributed to the fact that we don’t often hear about such incidents.

What Keeps Ships Afloat?

Ships, especially cruise ships, can be incredibly massive structures, yet they are designed to float effortlessly on water. Cruise ships float thanks to the principle of buoyancy. Archimedes’ principle , the physical law of buoyancy, states that any object submerged in a fluid (like water) experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object.

One crucial factor that contributes to a ship’s buoyancy is the shape of its hull. Ships have a broad, flat bottom, which allows them to displace a large volume of water. This displacement creates an upward force that counteracts the ship’s weight.

Cruise ships continue to float if the ship’s density is less than the water’s density.

Ships use strong, lightweight materials, such as steel and aluminum, which provide structural support while keeping the overall density low. Additionally, the hull is divided into watertight compartments, which prevents water from flooding the entire vessel in case of damage. This design helps maintain the ship’s buoyancy and prevents cruise ships from tipping over .

The stability of a ship is also essential in preventing it from capsizing. Ships are designed with a low center of gravity. The low center of gravity is achieved by placing heavy components, such as engines and fuel tanks, in the lower section of the ship. The design strategy ensures that the vessel remains upright and stable even in rough seas.

Historical Overview of Cruise Ship Sinkings

rms titanic – 1912.

Rms titanic colorized in 1912 sailing out of Southampton England

The RMS Titanic was a British passenger liner that sank in the North Atlantic Ocean on April 15, 1912. The vessel sank after colliding with an iceberg during her maiden voyage from Southampton, UK, to New York City. An estimated 1,517 of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew died in the disaster.

At the time of her construction, the Titanic was the largest ship afloat and was considered an engineering marvel. She set sail with over 2,200 passengers and crew on board for her first transatlantic crossing. On April 14, the Titanic received several warnings of icebergs ahead but continued sailing at 22 knots.

Shortly before midnight, lookouts spotted an iceberg in the ship’s path. The Titanic could not turn fast enough and struck the iceberg on her starboard side, causing damage below the waterline.

As the ship took on water, it became clear she would sink. Due to a lack of lifeboats and cold water temperatures at the time of the Titanic’s disaster, there was a massive loss of life. The tragedy led to significant improvements in maritime safety regulations.

Empress of Ireland – 1914

The RMS Empress of Ireland was an ocean liner that sank in the St. Lawrence River in Canada after colliding with another ship in dense fog in the early morning of May 29, 1914.

The Empress was en route from Quebec City to Liverpool with 1,477 passengers and crew aboard. Upon colliding with the Norwegian collier Storstad, the Empress suffered severe damage and took on water rapidly. The ship sank in just 14 minutes despite quick efforts to evacuate passengers. Of those on board, 1,012 people perished in the disaster, making it the worst peacetime maritime disaster in Canadian history.

RMS Lusitania – 1915

Cassier’s_Magazine,_Lusitania,_Early_Conception_(1904)

The British ocean liner RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat torpedo on May 7, 1915, during World War I, killing 1,198 passengers and crew. The Cunard Line-owned Lusitania was sailing from New York to Liverpool on her 202 transatlantic crossing when the vessel was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland.

Moments after the torpedo strike, a second explosion erupted from the ship’s hull. The extensive damage and degree of listing meant that only six lifeboats could lower from the vessel’s starboard side.

Around 18 minutes after the torpedo strike, the ship sank. Of the 1,962 passengers and crew aboard the Lusitania, only 764 survived.

The German government claimed that RMS Lusitania carried 173 tons of munitions and ammunition. However, the British government denies that the ocean liner carried such war munitions aside from the small arms ammunition published on the vessel’s military cargo.

HMHS Britannic – 1916

HMHS_Britannic as a hospital ship during WWI

HMHS Britannic was the third and largest vessel of the White Star Line’s Olympic-class ocean liners. The ship was built as a transatlantic passenger liner and launched just before the start of World War I.

After the outbreak of war, Britannic was requisitioned by the British Admiralty before she could enter passenger service and converted into a hospital ship renamed Britannic. In November 1916, while serving in the Aegean Sea, the Britannic struck a naval mine planted by a German U-boat.

The explosion caused significant damage and sank the ship in just 55 minutes. Despite the speed of the sinking, the quick evacuation saved 1,030 lives. Sadly, 30 people died during the sinking.

Principessa Mafalda – 1927

The SS Principessa Mafalda was an Italian transatlantic ocean liner that sank off the coast of Brazil in 1927. After a delay due to mechanical problems, the ship began on her 14-day sailing.

During the sailing, it became clear that the ship was in poor condition, as the vessel stopped several times in the ocean. On October 25, the starboard propeller shaft fractured, creating a series of gashes in the hull.

The vessel began to take on water, and issues with the watertight doors meant they could not be fully closed. The ship sank slowly, taking over four hours to submerge. But confusion, and 314 people lost their lives.

Georges Philippar – 1932

The Georges Philippar was a French passenger ship that caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Aden in 1932, resulting in 54 deaths. On May 16, while sailing on her maiden voyage off the coast of Italian Somaliland, a spark from a faulty light switch ignited wood paneling in a luxury cabin occupied by Mme Valentin.

There was a delay in reporting the fire, allowing it to spread rapidly. The situation deteriorated despite Captain Vicq’s efforts to fight the blaze and beach the ship.

With engine rooms evacuated, the Georges Philippar was left adrift. The captain ordered passengers and crew to abandon the ship and sent a distress call. Three nearby vessels came to the rescue – the Soviet tanker Sovietskaïa Neft , the French ship Andre Lebon , and two British cargo ships, Mahsud and Contractor .

Rescuers saved 698 survivors. However, 54 people perished, some jumping overboard in desperation.

SS Morro Castle – 1934

The luxury ocean liner SS Morro Castle was sailing from Havana to New York City on September 7, 1934, when a fire broke out around 3:00 a.m. Fueled by high winds, the fire quickly spread out of control.

Despite efforts to fight the blaze and launch lifeboats, chaos ensued as panicked passengers faced the choice to remain on the burning ship or jump into the sea. After just 6 hours, the devastated Morro Castle ran aground near Asbury Park, New Jersey.

Of the 549 passengers and crew aboard, only 312 survived.

Later investigations found that a lack of training and fire safety preparedness contributed to the incredibly high casualty toll. The burnt wreck remained beached until dismantled in 1935, serving as a solemn reminder of the terror faced by those on board.

The tragic fire demonstrated the need to improve fireproofing, safety drills, and crew training on ocean liners.

Empress of Britain – 1940

RMS_Empress_of_Britain_arriving_in_Yokohama_(1934)

The RMS Empress of Britain, an ocean liner owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and operated by the Canadian Pacific Steamship Company, transported passengers and troops across the Atlantic during World War II.

In the early morning of October 26, 1940, while sailing about 450 miles west of Ireland, the Empress of Britain was struck by two torpedoes fired from the German submarine U-32. Despite efforts to prevent flooding, the damage was too extensive, severely causing the ship to list.

With the order to abandon ship, lifeboats were hurriedly lowered into the darkness, some capsizing in the chaos as flares lit up the sky. British naval ships rescued 1,259 survivors from the sinking liner, but 45 unfortunate souls were lost, either drowned or killed in the initial blasts.

By morning, the elegant Empress of Britain had slipped beneath the waves, demonstrating the vulnerability of civilian ships to Germany’s ruthless submarine warfare tactics.

Andrea Doria – 1956

The Italian ocean liner SS Andrea Doria was on a routine voyage from Italy to New York with over 1,700 passengers and crew in July 1956. On July 25, the Andrea Doria collided with the Swedish liner Stockholm in extremely foggy conditions off Nantucket, Massachusetts.

The Stockholm’s bow stabbed into Andrea Doria’s side, ripping open passenger cabins and causing catastrophic damage below the waterline. Despite efforts to control flooding, the mortally wounded Andrea Doria sank 10 hours later in over 200 feet of water.

Fortunately, 1,660 people survived in the lifeboats. However, the violent collision claimed 46 lives from impact injuries and drowning.

Bianca C – 1961

Bianca C is a unique ship because it actually sunk twice. The first sinking was in WWII when Germans sank the vessel operating as a passenger ferry.

The ship’s hull was raised and refitted into a cruise ship before it sank in 1961.

On September 22, 1961, the Italian cruise ship Bianca C departed Grenada on an overnight voyage to Italy with over 600 passengers and crew. Around midnight, an engine room explosion started a fire that quickly engulfed the ship.

As smoke-filled corridors, the captain ordered passengers and crew to evacuate the burning ship. Liferafts and lifeboats were lowered into the dark tropical waters as nearby ships rushed to assist. Most passengers managed to abandon the Bianca C safely; tragically, one crew member was killed during the explosion. But all other passengers and crew were evacuated safely.

Angelina Lauro – 1979

In March 1979, the aging Italian ocean liner Angelina Lauro was sold to Costa Lines. While chartering to the new cruise line, the vessel caught fire while berthed in Saint Thomas.

After several days of burning, the vessel was deemed a total loss. There were no casualties from the fire.

MS Mikhail Lermentov – 1986

On February 16, 1986, the Soviet cruise liner Mikhail Lermentov struck rocks and sank off New Zealand’s South Island, carrying over 1,000 passengers and crew. Though no passengers were lost, the chief electrical engineer tragically drowned during the chaotic evacuation.

Within hours, rescue ships and aircraft managed to evacuate everyone else safely from the stricken vessel before it slipped below the waves. An inquiry later blamed poor navigation for allowing the massive ship to stray dangerously close to the jagged reef in low visibility, tearing a massive gash in the hull and rapidly flooding the liner.

SS Admiral Nakhimov – 1986

SS Admiral Nakhimov has the most fascinating story on our list. The vessel has sunk a total of three times.

In WWII, the vessel operated as a hospital ship for Germany and was sunk during the war.

As part of reparations, the vessel was given to the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union attempted to recover the ship’s hull, but mines planted in the ship’s hull by the Germans exploded, causing the vessel to sink for a second time.

SS Admiral Nakhimov sank for the third and final time on August 31, 1986. The Soviet passenger liner collided with the bulk carrier Pyotr Vasev in the Black Sea near the Strait of Kerch. The collision tore a massive hole in Admiral Nakhimov’s hull, causing rapid flooding of the ship.

As the power failed, evacuation efforts turned chaotic, with insufficient lifeboats and poor leadership. Within 30 minutes, the Admiral Nakhimov had capsized and sank. Tragically, over 423 people lost their lives.

MV Jupiter – 1988

On June 21, 1975, the British roll-on/roll-off ferry MV Jupiter collided with the tanker Phoenix II midway through a crossing of the English Channel from Dover to Zeebrugge. The collision tore open MV Jupiter’s car deck, causing catastrophic flooding.

As the Jupiter dangerously listed, the crew sent distress calls and evacuated most of the 585 passengers and crew. Sadly, two crew members and two passengers (a teacher and a pupil) tragically lost their lives.

Achille Lauro – 1988

On November 30, 1994, a devastating engine room fire erupted on the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro as it sailed off Somalia, quickly raging out of control. During an urgent nighttime evacuation, two passengers tragically died.

Rescue ships and aircraft safely evacuated all other passengers and crew from the burning liner. After two days of intense fire, the vessel sank.

An investigation blamed an engine room explosion that disabled safety systems.

MTS Oceanos – 1991

On August 3, 1991, the Greek cruise ship Oceanos sank off South Africa after massive waves damaged caused a ventilation pipe to come loose. It’s believed that an insufficient repair left the pipe vulnerable to impacts.

The broken ventilation pipe caused excessive flooding. When the captain became aware that the ship was sinking, he and a handful of crew members abandoned the ship.

Remarkably, the entertainment staff took charge, helping passengers evacuate from the sinking liner. Nearby vessels rescued all 571 people over the next two days.

Sun Vista – 1999

On August 8, 1999, the Malaysian cruise ship Sun Vista sank in the Malacca Strait after an engine room fire knocked out power and caused severe listing. The well-trained crew immediately evacuated all passengers and crew into lifeboats and summoned help from nearby ships.

SeaBreeze – 2000

On December 17, 2000, the cruise ship Seabreeze I was sailing approximately 225 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia when it suffered a catastrophic mechanical failure and rapidly sank. Cruise Ventures III had just purchased the 21,000 GT, 9-deck passenger vessel and was transiting from Halifax to Charleston when disaster struck.

The boiler allegedly broke loose, severely damaging the vessel’s engine room and causing massive flooding. As the 40-year-old Seabreeze swiftly took on water, the captain called ‘abandon ship’ and requested immediate rescue for the 34 crew members aboard.

Suspicion swirled around the sinking, as some believed it was an intended sinking. The aged Seabreeze was likely only worth $5-6 million in scrap value yet carried a $20 million insurance policy.

The ship went down in international waters. As the vessel was a foreign-flagged ship under the Panama flag, the sinking in international waters put the investigation under Panamanian jurisdiction, much to the chagrin of maritime officials who doubted Panama’s diligence.

The captain’s wishes to abandon the vessel rather than salvage it also raised suspicion.

US Coast Guard rescuers believed it to be highly unlikely that the ship could sink so quickly. The Coast Guard was astonished that the captain demanded a complete evacuation rather than requesting salvage tugs.

Britanis – 2000

The Britanis was on her way to a scrapyard in India when the vessel developed a leak in the ship’s aft. The vessel’s owners decided repairing the leak was too costly and allowed the boat to sink.

No one was aboard the vessel as it was being towed by tug boats. And there were no casualties from the incident.

MS Sea Diamond – 2007

On April 5, 2007, the Greek cruise ship Sea Diamond sank near Santorini after straying off course and striking a reef, tearing open the hull. As the vessel lost power and listed, the crew hastily evacuated 1,195 passengers, rescuing nearly everyone.

Sadly, two passengers tragically died during the sinking. By afternoon, the crippled Sea Diamond had sunk in 500 feet of water.

An investigation initially blamed the captain for deviating dangerously close to shore—however, people later discovered that the sea charts for the area were inaccurate. The reef was marked on the map at 57 meters, while the vessel ran aground at 131 meters from shore.

MV Explorer – 2007

On November 23, 2007, the cruise ship MV Explorer sank off Antarctica after colliding with an iceberg in the early morning. The iceberg tore a hole in the ship’s hull, causing catastrophic flooding.

As the stricken ship lost power and listed dangerously near King George Island, the well-trained crew urgently evacuated all 154 passengers and crew into lifeboats. Thanks to an effective emergency response, not a single life was lost in the dramatic sinking in frigid Antarctic waters.

After five hours of drifting in the lift rafts, all 154 people were rescued by MS Nordnorge.

Costa Concordia – 2012

GIGLIO, ITALY – APRIL 28, 2012: Costa Concordia Cruise Ship at I

On January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia cruise ship struck a reef and catastrophically capsized off the Italian island of Giglio, with over 4,252 passengers and crew aboard. The 951-foot cruise ship deviated off course, sailing dangerously close to shore.

The violent impact tore a 160-foot gash in the hull, causing severe listing and a partial sinking within hours.

While most people managed to evacuate via the ship’s lifeboats , helicopters, and ships, 34 people tragically perished in the chaotic aftermath.

Captain Francesco Schettino’s reckless course deviation was identified as the cause of the incident. He was subsequently found guilty of manslaughter and is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence.

Ocean Dream – 2016

The Ocean Dream was a cruise ship abandoned without crew or maintenance near Laem Chabang, Sri Racha, Thailand, in 2015 after the ship’s owner went bankrupt. The neglected ship capsized and sank in shallow water off the coast in February 2016.

Attempts were made to upright the sunken ship but failed. It was decided that the Ocean Dream would be dismantled and scrapped on-site rather than refloated. By the end of 2019, most of the remaining visible portions of the wreck had been dismantled and scrapped, leaving just the lower hull on the seafloor.

Orient Queen – 2020

The massive 2020 explosion that ripped through Beirut’s port inflicted tragic damage 1,000 feet away on the cruise ship Orient Queen. The powerful blast wave tore a massive hole in the Orient Queen’s hull, killing two crew members and injuring seven more as fires broke out.

Unable to be salvaged, the gutted cruise ship capsized over the next 48 hours where it was docked, ending its 40-year cruising career.

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Tragic List: Discover How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk Throughout History

How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk: Millions of people choose cruise ships for their vacations every year because they provide opulent amenities, thrilling activities, and the chance to see several places in one journey. But sometimes people doubt these enormous floating hotels’ safety, especially when you consider that they might sink.

There have been very few cruise ships that have sunk in the past century. Because of the safety procedures followed by the cruise liner industry, most or all of the passengers and crew survive when a cruise ship sinks.

How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk

Only twenty-four cruise ships—both river and ocean liners—have sunk since 1912. It’s important to remember that some cruise ship capsizings happen while the ship was being towed or berthed.

Because cruise ships are built sturdy and have current safety mechanisms, we can explain why there aren’t many cruise ship sinkings.

Today’s cruise ships are extremely resistant to sinking because of their emphasis on safety throughout construction. Modern cruise ships are outfitted with a plethora of safety precautions to preserve as many lives as possible in the event of an unfortunate disaster.

Consequently, the death toll from these kinds of incidents is usually rather low.

Sadly, several people lost their lives in some of the first sinkings.

Since 1912, a cruise ship has sunk an average of once every 4.5 years, underscoring how uncommon these incidents are. However, as safety and technology advance and we continue to learn from past tragedies, the number of cruise ship disasters is declining.

While cruise ship sinkings are uncommon, there have been a few famous cases, like the Titanic and the Costa Concordia catastrophe. However, despite these high-profile incidents, the cruise industry does have a remarkable overall safety record.

What percentage of cruise ships sink?

Temperature of the Water when Titanic Sank, how cold was the water when titanic sank, water temperature when titanic sank

It’s critical to realize that cruise ship sinkings are quite uncommon. There have only been 22 cruise ship sinkings in the last 100 years.

Still, a number of shipwrecks happened while docked or being towed. Given the quantity of cruise ships that are in operation all year round, cruise ship sinkings are quite unusual.

Many safety precautions included into contemporary cruise ships reduce the possibility of a sinking. Strict rules and inspections also contribute to the high standard of safety that is maintained on these boats. Cruise ship sinkings are uncommon, which is partly due to these efforts and technological developments.

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In contrast to this total, cruise ships in particular have an even lower frequency of sinking. Although it is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of cruise ship sinkings in the recent past, it is widely accepted that these incidents are uncommon and do not pose a serious threat to passengers.

In conclusion, the rarity of cruise ship sinkings can be attributed to stringent safety rules and contemporary technology. Travelers may relax knowing that their cruise ship experiences will be stable and safe.

Do Cruise Ships Sink Frequently?

Because of stringent restrictions and advanced safety systems, cruise ships seldom sink. In the last century, there have only been 20 cruise ship sinkings.

It is noteworthy that not all of these sinkings contained passengers or caused a sizable number of casualties.

The frequency of cruise ship sinkings has decreased due to advances in navigation technology.

Are Cruise Ships Capable of Sinking?

Cruise ships do occasionally sink, but this is extremely uncommon.

Contemporary cruise ships come with cutting-edge safety technologies that reduce the chance of capsizing. In addition, watertight compartments and improved hull construction keep a ship from absorbing too much water. Cruise ship crew members are also regularly trained in safety exercises and emergency procedures.

Despite these safety precautions, 24 cruise ships and ocean liners have sunk since the RMS Titanic disaster in 1912.

In spite of the disconcerting prospect of a cruise ship sinking, safety remains the cruise industry’s top priority. Compared to other means of transportation, passengers may travel with peace of mind on one of the safest modes.

When Did a Cruise Ship Most Recently Sink?

The last time a cruise ship capsized while carrying people on board was the Costa Concordia, which grounded in Italy in 2012. Thirty-four people perished when the Italian cruise liner struck rocks and subsequently capsized. The accusations made against the ship’s crew, especially Captain Francesco Schettino, who is currently serving a 16-year manslaughter term, made the incident noteworthy as well.

To provide the highest level of security for its patrons, the cruise industry has enacted a number of safety rules and procedures in recent years. These modifications have greatly decreased the quantity of mishaps and sinkings, which has helped to explain why we don’t hear about them as frequently.

Why Do Ships Stay Afloat?

Even while cruise ships, in particular, might be extraordinarily large buildings, their purpose is to float on water with ease. It is because of the buoyancy principle that cruise ships may float. Any object submerged in a fluid (such as water) experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid the object has displaced. This is known as Archimedes’ principle, or the physical law of buoyancy.

The hull form of a ship is a major component that affects its buoyancy. Because of their wide, flat bottoms, ships are able to move a lot of water. This displacement produces an upward force that balances the ship’s weight.

If the density of the cruise ship is lower than that of the water, it will still float.

Steel and aluminum are two examples of strong, lightweight materials used in ships that offer structural support while maintaining a low overall density. In addition, the hull is separated into waterproof sections so that, in the event of damage, water does not flood the entire ship. This design keeps cruise ships from toppling over and aids in maintaining the ship’s buoyancy.

Preventing a ship from capsizing also depends on its stability. A low center of gravity is a feature of ship design. Heavy parts of the ship, including engines and fuel tanks, are located in the lowermost part of the structure to provide a low center of gravity. Even in choppy waters, the ship will stay upright and steady thanks to the design philosophy.

Best Cruises for Adults: 4 Perfect Cruise Lines for Adult Only experience

Overview of How Many Cruise Ships Have Sunk Throughout History

1912’s rms titanic.

On April 15, 1912, the British passenger ship RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean. When the ship struck an iceberg on its first trip from Southampton, UK, to New York City, it sank. Out of the estimated 2,224 passengers and crew, 1,517 are thought to have perished in the accident.

The Titanic was regarded as an engineering wonder when it was built and was the largest ship ever to sail. With more than 2,200 passengers and crew members on board, she sailed for her maiden transatlantic voyage. Despite multiple alerts of icebergs up ahead on April 14, the Titanic proceeded to travel at a speed of 22 knots.

Lookouts noticed an iceberg on the ship’s course just before midnight. The Titanic suffered damage below the waterline when she met the iceberg on her starboard side due to her inability to turn quickly enough.

It was obvious the ship would sink when water began to fill it. There was a significant death toll from the Titanic accident because there were not enough lifeboats and the water was quite cold. Laws about maritime safety have significantly improved as a result of the disaster.

Empress of Ireland in 1914

Early on May 29, 1914, in the thick fog, the ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland collided with another ship and sank in Canada’s St. Lawrence River.

There were 1,477 passengers and staff members on board the Empress as it traveled from Quebec City to Liverpool. The Norwegian collier Storstad struck the Empress, causing significant damage and rapid submersion. Despite hasty attempts to evacuate passengers, the ship sank in about fourteen minutes. The accident claimed 1,012 lives from those on board, making it the deadliest marine accident to occur in Canadian history during a peacetime.

1915’s RMS Lusitania

On May 7, 1915, during World War I, a German U-boat torpedo sank the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania, killing 1,198 people—passengers and crew. The Cunard Line-owned Lusitania was torpedoed off the coast of Ireland when it was making her 202 transatlantic voyage from New York to Liverpool.

A second explosion burst from the ship’s hull shortly after the torpedo hit. Due to the significant damage and degree of listing, only six lifeboats were able to descend from the starboard side of the ship.

The ship sank around eighteen minutes after the torpedo hit. Seventy-six out of the 1,962 passengers and crew on board the Lusitania made it out alive.

The RMS Lusitania was allegedly carrying 173 tons of weapons and ammunition, according to the German authorities. Apart from the small arms ammunition listed on the ship’s military cargo, the British government disputes that the ocean liner carried any war weaponry.

1916’s HMHS Britannic

HMHS Britannic was the third and largest Olympic-class ocean liner that White Star Line operated. Constructed as a transatlantic passenger liner, the ship was launched shortly before the outbreak of World War I.

Before Britannic could be used for passenger travel following the start of the war, the British Admiralty seized her and renamed her Britannic as a hospital ship. The Britannic ran into a naval mine that a German U-boat had planted while it was in the Aegean Sea in November 1916.

In approximately 55 minutes, the explosion destroyed much of the ship and caused serious damage. Despite the sinking’s rapid pace, the prompt evacuation saved 1,030 lives. 30 persons sadly lost their lives in the sinking.

1927’s Principessa Mafalda

Off the coast of Brazil in 1927, the Italian transatlantic liner SS Principessa Mafalda sank. The ship departed on her 14-day voyage after a technical delay.

The ship made multiple stops in the ocean during the voyage, indicating that it was not in good shape. The breakage of the starboard propeller shaft on October 25 resulted in numerous hull gashes.

The ship started to absorb water, and the watertight doors could not be closed all the way. It took the ship more than four hours to sink completely. However, miscommunication resulted in 314 fatalities.

1932-Georges Philippar

In 1932, the French passenger liner Georges Philippar caught fire and sank in the Gulf of Aden, killing fifty-four people. On May 16, during her inaugural journey off the coast of Italian Somaliland, Mme Valentin’s opulent cabin’s wood paneling caught fire due to a malfunctioning light switch.

The fire was allowed to spread quickly since there was a delay in reporting it. Captain Vicq tried to put out the fire and beach the ship, but things worsened.

The engine rooms were evacuated, leaving the Georges Philippar adrift. The captain issued a distress call and told the crew and passengers to get off the ship. The French ship Andre Lebon, the two British cargo ships Mahsud and Contractor, and the Soviet tanker Sovietskaïa Neft were the three neighboring vessels that came to the rescue.

Rescuers were able to save 698 people. 54 people died, nevertheless, some of them from desperate jumps overboard.

1934’s SS Morro Castle

On September 7, 1934, at around three in the morning, a fire broke out on board the opulent ocean liner SS Morro Castle, which was traveling from Havana to New York City. Strong winds contributed to the fire’s rapid out-of-control spread.

Chaos broke out as terrified passengers had to decide whether to leap into the sea or stay on the blazing ship, even as efforts were made to put out the fire and launch lifeboats. The ruined Morro Castle ran aground close to Asbury Park, New Jersey, after only six hours.

Only 312 of the 549 occupants, including the crew, made it out alive.

Following investigations, it became clear that a lack of training and preparation for fire safety contributed to the shockingly high death toll. The burned-out wreck, which served as a somber reminder of the horror everyone on board had to endure, remained on the beach until 1935.

The fatal incident made it clear that ocean liners need to strengthen their fireproofing, safety exercises, and crew training.

Empress of Britain – 1940

The Canadian Pacific Steamship Company, which the Canadian Pacific Railway and the RMS Empress of Britain owned, transported people and soldiers across the Atlantic during World War II.

The German submarine U-32 fired two torpedoes at the Empress of Britain early on October 26, 1940, as it was cruising roughly 450 miles west of Ireland. The damage was too great, leading the ship to list badly in spite of efforts to prevent flooding.

Lifeboats were hastily lowered into the darkness after the order to evacuate the ship, with some capsizing in the confusion as flares lit up the sky. British navy ships saved 1,259 people from the sinking liner, but 45 unfortunate people perished in the early explosions or drowned.

The graceful British Empress had disappeared under the seas by sunrise, exposing civilian ships to Germany’s merciless submarine warfare techniques.

Andrea Doria – 1956

In July 1956, the Italian ocean liner SS Andrea Doria carried more than 1,700 passengers and crew members on a normal trip from Italy to New York. In extremely foggy conditions, the Andrea Doria and the Swedish ship Stockholm collided on July 25, off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts.

Below the waterline, the Stockholm’s bow caused catastrophic damage by severing passenger compartments and stabbing into Andrea Doria’s side. Ten hours later, in excess of 200 feet of water, the mortally damaged Andrea Doria sank in spite of attempts to contain flooding.

Thankfully, 1,660 individuals made it out of the lifeboats. Nevertheless, 46 people died as a result of impact injuries and drowned during the intense crash.

How Cruise Ships Are Built: A 2-Year Process

1961’s Bianca C

The ship Bianca C is special since it sank twice. The first sinking occurred during World War II when a German-operated passenger ferry was sunk.

Before it sank in 1961, the ship’s hull was lifted and converted into a cruise liner.

With more than 600 passengers and crew, the Italian cruise liner Bianca C sailed from Grenada to Italy overnight on September 22, 1961. An explosion in the engine room at midnight caused a fire that swiftly spread throughout the ship.

The captain gave the order for the staff and passengers to leave the burning ship as smoke filled the halls. As other ships raced to help, liferafts and lifeboats were lowered into the murky tropical waters. While the majority of passengers safely evacuated the Bianca C, one staff member unfortunately perished in the explosion. However, the crew and all other passengers made it out safely.

1979 Angelina Lauro

In March 1979, Costa Lines acquired the aging Italian ocean liner Angelina Lauro. When the new cruise line was chartering the ship, it caught fire while berthed in Saint Thomas.

After burning for a few days, the ship was declared completely destroyed. The fire did not claim any lives.

1986’s MS Mikhail Lermentov

Around 1,000 guests and crew perished when the Soviet cruise ship Mikhail Lermentov struck rocks and sank off the coast of New Zealand on February 16, 1986. During the frantic evacuation, the chief electrical engineer sadly drowned, although no passengers were lost.

In a matter of hours, rescue ships and aircraft safely evacuated everyone else on board the sinking ship before it submerged beneath the water. A subsequent investigation found that inadequate navigation had caused the enormous ship to veer dangerously near the rocky reef in low light, rupturing a huge hole in the hull and quickly flooding the liner.

1986’s SS Admiral Nakhimov

On our list, SS Admiral Nakhimov has the most intriguing tale. The ship has sunk three times in total.

It served as a hospital ship for Germany during World War II before being lost.

The ship was turned up to the Soviet Union as payment for reparations. The Germans had hidden mines in the ship’s hull, which detonated and caused the ship to sink a second time, despite Soviet attempts to retrieve its hull.

On August 31, 1986, the SS Admiral Nakhimov sank for the third and last time. In the Black Sea, close to the Strait of Kerch, the Soviet passenger liner and the bulk freighter Pyotr Vasev collided. Admiral Nakhimov’s hull sustained a huge hole from the accident, which quickly caused the ship to flood.

When the electricity went out, the evacuation process became disorganized due to a lack of lifeboats and inadequate leadership. The Admiral Nakhimov sank after capizing in thirty minutes. Sadly, more than 423 people perished.

1988’s MV Jupiter

The British roll-on/roll-off ferry MV Jupiter and the tanker Phoenix II collided on June 21, 1975, as the two were traveling from Dover to Zeebrugge across the English Channel. The accident caused catastrophic flooding by rupturing open the car deck of the MV Jupiter.

The majority of the 585 passengers and crew were evacuated as the Jupiter began to list alarmingly. Tragically, two passengers—a teacher and a student—as well as two crew members perished.

1988 Achille Lauro

As the Italian cruise ship Achille Lauro sailed off Somalia on November 30, 1994, a destructive engine room fire broke out and swiftly got out of control. Tragically, during a nocturnal emergency evacuation, two passengers perished.

Rescue ships and aircraft were able to successfully evacuate all remaining passengers and crew from the burning liner. The ship sank following two days of fierce firefighting.

An engine room explosion was found to be the cause of the safety systems’ deactivation.

MTS Oceanos – 1991

The Greek cruise liner Oceanos sank off the coast of South Africa on August 3, 1991, as a result of severe waves that broke a ventilation pipe. It’s thought that a poor repair made the pipe susceptible to impacts.

A broken ventilation pipe was to blame for the severe flooding. The captain and a few other crew members left the ship as soon as they realized it was sinking.

Amazingly, the entertainment crew stepped up and assisted guests in getting off the sinking ship. Over the following two days, nearby vessels saved all 571 people.

Sun Vista (1999)

The Sun Vista, a cruise liner from Malaysia, capsized in the Malacca Strait on August 8, 1999, due to extreme listing caused by an engine room fire that took off power. The well-trained crew quickly boarded lifeboats with all of the passengers and crew after making a call for assistance from nearby ships.

SeaBreeze (2000)

A catastrophic mechanical failure caused the cruise ship Seabreeze I to swiftly sink on December 17, 2000, when it was sailing about 225 nautical miles off the coast of Virginia. The 21,000 GT, 9-deck passenger ship had just been purchased by Cruise Ventures III, who was traveling from Halifax to Charleston when the catastrophe occurred.

According to reports, the boiler broke away, seriously injuring the engine room of the ship and resulting in significant flooding. The captain yelled “abandon ship” as the 40-year-old Seabreeze quickly began to take on water, requesting that the 34 crew members be rescued right away.

There was a lot of suspicion surrounding the sinking since some people thought it was intentional. The old Seabreeze had a $20 million insurance policy even though its scrap value was probably about $5–6 million.

The vessel capsized in international seas. Maritime authorities questioned Panama’s thoroughness and were dismayed when the ship, which was flying the flag of another country, sank in international waters. This placed Panamanian jurisdiction over the probe.

The captain’s decision to abandon the ship rather than try to salvage it also raised suspicion.

Rescuers from the US Coast Guard thought it was extremely unusual that the ship could sink that quickly. The captain insisted on a full evacuation instead of asking for salvage tugs, which shocked the Coast Guard.

Britannis (2000)

The Britanis experienced a leak in the ship’s rear while en route to an Indian scrapyard. The boat’s owners let it sink after determining that fixing the leak would be too expensive.

The boat was being pulled by tug boats with no one on board. Additionally, no one was hurt in the incident.

2007’s MS Sea Diamond

Sea Diamond sank on April 5, 2007, after going off course and hitting coral near Santorini. When the ship lost power and listed, the crew quickly rescued nearly all 1,195 passengers.

Tragically, two passengers perished in the sinking. The damaged Sea Diamond had submerged in 500 feet of water by the afternoon.

The captain was first accused of veering dangerously near to shore during the investigation; however, it was later found that the area’s maritime charts were erroneous. The boat came aground 131 meters from shore, while the reef was shown on the map as 57 meters.

2007’s MV Explorer

The cruise ship MV Explorer struck an iceberg early on November 23, 2007, causing it to sink off the coast of Antarctica. The iceberg tore open the ship’s hull, resulting in catastrophic flooding.

The well-trained crew quickly evacuated all 154 passengers and crew members onto lifeboats as the crippled ship lost power and leaned precariously close to King George Island. A great emergency reaction saved every life in the dramatic sinking in icy Antarctic waters.

After a five-hour drift on the lift rafts, MS Nordnorge recovered all 154 survivors.

2012’s Costa Concordia

On January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia cruise ship was wrecked off Giglio Island, Italy. Leaving Civitavecchia in Lazio, the ship, carrying 4,252 people from all over the world, struck a reef during an unofficial salute to local islanders. The Costa Concordia crashed off the Italian island of Giglio on January 13, 2012, killing around 4,252 passengers and crew. A 951-foot cruise liner veered off course and approached too closely.

The impact that ripped a 160-foot gash in the hull led to significant listing and partial sinking.

Despite the ship’s lifeboats, helicopters, and ships, 34 people died in the chaotic aftermath.

Captain Francesco Schettino caused the incident by carelessly deviating from the course. Authorities convicted him of manslaughter and he is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence.

2016’s Ocean Dream

After the owner of the cruise ship went bankrupt in 2015, the Ocean Dream was abandoned without a crew or maintenance personnel at Laem Chabang, Sri Racha, Thailand. In February 2016, the abandoned ship overturned and sank in shallow waters off the coast.

There were unsuccessful attempts to raise the sunken ship. The authorities decided to disassemble and demolish the Ocean Dream on location instead of refloating it. By the end of 2019, the disaster’s visible remnants had been disassembled and salvaged, leaving only the bottom hull of the wreck on the seafloor.

2020’s Orient Queen

The cruise ship Orient Queen suffered terrible damage 1,000 feet away from the big 2020 explosion that tore through Beirut’s dock. The strong blast wave severely damaged the Orient Queen’s hull, which also caused fires to spread, killing two crew members and injuring seven others.

The abandoned cruise ship capsized where it was parked, terminating its 40-year cruise career over the following 48 hours. It was not possible to salvage it.

Royal Caribbean Cruises, History, Destinations and Itineraries

Ambassador Cruise Line: Ownership and History

Monsters of the Sea: The World's Biggest Ships

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

Monsters of the Sea

The ocean has always been a stage for the world’s greatest engineering feats.

From massive oil tankers and shipping container vessels to colossal cruise ships with amusement parks on board—these are some of the biggest ships the world has ever seen.

Seawise Giant

The Seawise Giant was a ULCC supertanker, and the longest self-propelled ship in history. It was built between 1974 and 1979 by Sumitomo Heavy Industries in Japan.

Seawise Giant: Weight Capabilities

The Seawise carried the greatest deadweight tonnage every recorded. Full loaded, her displacement was 657,019 tons.

<p>The Seawise Giant had a laden draft of 24.6 m (81 ft) and a length of 1,504.10 ft—longer than the height of many of the world's tallest buildings. Her size made her incapable of navigating the English Channel, the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal.</p>

Seawise Giant: Size

The Seawise Giant had a laden draft of 24.6 m (81 ft) and a length of 1,504.10 ft—longer than the height of many of the world's tallest buildings. Her size made her incapable of navigating the English Channel, the Suez Canal or the Panama Canal.

<p>The Seawise Giant served as an oil tanker shuttling large shipments from the Middle East to the USA. However, in 1988 it was a target of Saddam Hussein’s force and it sank.</p> <p>In 1991 though, it was salvaged, fixed and put back to work until 2004 when it was deemed to difficult to maneuver and became a storage facility in Norway until it was sold for scrap in 2010.</p>

Seaswise Giant: Lifespan

The Seawise Giant served as an oil tanker shuttling large shipments from the Middle East to the USA. However, in 1988 it was a target of Saddam Hussein’s force and it sank.

In 1991 though, it was salvaged, fixed and put back to work until 2004 when it was deemed to difficult to maneuver and became a storage facility in Norway until it was sold for scrap in 2010.

In 2023, Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd (OOCL) introduced the first 24,188 TEU mega vessel to its fleet—a shipping container ship.

<p>The OOCL Spain is just shy of 400 meters long (1312.34 ft) and is capable of carrying up to 235,341 tons, putting it in the ranks of the world's largest shipping vessels.</p>

OOCL Spain: Size & Weight Capabilities

The OOCL Spain is just shy of 400 meters long (1312.34 ft) and is capable of carrying up to 235,341 tons, putting it in the ranks of the world's largest shipping vessels.

<p>The OOCL is one of the few ships in the world with a carrying capacity of over 24,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units or standard shipping containers), giving it a significant presence in the shipping world.</p>

OOCL Spain: Significance

The OOCL is one of the few ships in the world with a carrying capacity of over 24,000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units or standard shipping containers), giving it a significant presence in the shipping world.

<p>The current largest capacity shipping container ship in the world goes to the MSC Irina, along with its twins: the MSC Loreto and MSC Michel Cappellini.</p>

MSC Irina, MSC Loreto, and MSC Michel Cappellini

The current largest capacity shipping container ship in the world goes to the MSC Irina, along with its twins: the MSC Loreto and MSC Michel Cappellini.

<p>These magnificent vessels have a carrying capacity of 24,346 TEU. As some of the largest ships ever constructed, these additions to the MSC fleet significantly add to their staggering logistical potential.</p>

These magnificent vessels have a carrying capacity of 24,346 TEU. As some of the largest ships ever constructed, these additions to the MSC fleet significantly add to their staggering logistical potential.

<p>With the combination of these three mega-ships, the MSC company can ship 22.5 million TEU every year, combined with its fleet of over 700 ships of all sizes.</p> <p>MSC currently holds the record for largest shipping vessel in the world.</p>

Significance

With the combination of these three mega-ships, the MSC company can ship 22.5 million TEU every year, combined with its fleet of over 700 ships of all sizes.

MSC currently holds the record for largest shipping vessel in the world.

Another MSC vessel breaking world records is the MSC Gülsün. Known for its length, capacity, and speed capabilities.

MSC Gülsün: Capabilities

The MSC Gülsün has a total length that's just shy of 400 meters. It has a deadweight carrying capacity of 228,149 tons and a top speed of 21 knots.

<p>When fully loaded, the MSC Gülsün can accommodate 23,756 shipping containers, and includes 2,000 refrigeration slots to ensure the safety of temperature-controlled goods.</p>

MSC Gülsün: Accommodations

When fully loaded, the MSC Gülsün can accommodate 23,756 shipping containers, and includes 2,000 refrigeration slots to ensure the safety of temperature-controlled goods.

MSC Gülsün: Engine

In order to be able to transport such massive amounts of goods across the globe, the ship needs a great deal of power.

The MSC Gülsün is equipped with a MAN Diesel 11G95ME-C engine. One of the largest in the world , the engine measures approximately 22 meters in length and 18 meters in height.

Icon of the Seas

The Icon of the Seas is owned and operated by Royal Caribbean, and is currently the largest cruise ship in the world. In fact, it is five times the size of the Titanic. It set out on its maiden voyage in January of 2024—breaking several world records.

Icon of the Seas: Capacity

The Icon of the Seas has 20 decks, 18 of which are solely dedicated to guests. There are over 2,800 different rooms of varying sizes and can accommodate a total of 5,610 guests (not including staff).

<p>The Icon of the Seas is 364.75 metres (1,196.7 ft) in length. It has six multi-fuel Wärtsilä engines; these can be powered with both LNG and distillate fuel.</p>

Icon of the Seas: Size & Engine Capabilities

The Icon of the Seas is 364.75 metres (1,196.7 ft) in length. It has six multi-fuel Wärtsilä engines; these can be powered with both LNG and distillate fuel.

<p>This magnificent cruise ship boasts the tallest waterfall, the tallest water slide, the largest swim up bar, and the largest waterpark of any cruise ship. It also has the first suspended infinity pool of any ship.</p>

Icon of the Seas: Record Breaking Features

This magnificent cruise ship boasts the tallest waterfall, the tallest water slide, the largest swim up bar, and the largest waterpark of any cruise ship. It also has the first suspended infinity pool of any ship.

Icon of the Seas: Other Features

It also has a diving dome, an art installation, an ice-skating rink, a family neighborhood, a casino, zip lines, seven pools and six waterslides.

USS Gerald R. Ford

The USS Gerald R. Ford is an American aircraft carrier, and an engineering wonder. Debuting in 2023, it’s the leading modern warship of its class, and the world's largest aircraft carrier.

<p>It measures about 333 meters in length, and can hold over 4,500 crew members and support staff, a full wing complement (75 aircraft), and support ground vehicles.</p>

USS Gerald R. Ford: Size and Capabilities

It measures about 333 meters in length, and can hold over 4,500 crew members and support staff, a full wing complement (75 aircraft), and support ground vehicles.

<p>The USS Gerald R. Ford was designed with advanced new weapons systems and a new electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) that allows for a greater variety of planes to be launched from its deck.</p>

USS Gerald R. Ford: Design

The USS Gerald R. Ford was designed with advanced new weapons systems and a new electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) that allows for a greater variety of planes to be launched from its deck.

Symphony of the Seas

Another record-breaking cruise ship by Royal Caribbean is the Symphony of the Seas. This ship is designed with luxurious entertainment in mind.

Symphony of the Seas: Capacity

The Symphony of the Seas has 18 decks, 24 elevators, and can accommodate a whopping 6,680 guests and 2,200 staff members.

Symphony of the Seas: Engine Capabilities

The Symphony of the Seas has six engines in total: three 16-cylinder Wärtsilä 16V46D and three 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 12V46D engines.

Each engine is approximately the size of a shipping container and all work together to power the colossal ship.

<p>The Symphony of the Seas boats an array of luxury amenities, such as spas, gardens, several pools and waterslides, an amusement park, playgrounds, theaters, and so much more.</p>

Symphony of the Seas: Features

The Symphony of the Seas boats an array of luxury amenities, such as spas, gardens, several pools and waterslides, an amusement park, playgrounds, theaters, and so much more.

Wonder of the Seas

Royal Caribbean did it again with another colossal cruise ship breaking records. The Wonder of the Seas surpasses the previous cruise ship mentioned, Symphony of the Seas, in size. It’s often referred to as a “floating city.”

Wonder of the Seas: Capacity

The Wonder of the Seas measures 1,188 feet (362 m) in length and has a gross tonnage of 236,857 across 18 decks. It has a guest capacity of 5,734 and a crew of 2,300.

Wonder of the Seas: Features

The Wonder of the Seas has everything you could possibly imagine.

There are eight different neighborhoods on board, each boasting impressive amenities such as: a waterpark, a playground, a full-size basketball court, a zip line, a theater, rock-climbing walls, dog parks, and an on-board central park with more than 10,000 plans and flowers.

<p>The Dockwise Vanguard—also known as the BOKA Vanguard—is a semisubmersible heavy-lift ship, and is the largest vessel of its kind ever built. It’s like the biggest and baddest tow truck of the sea.</p>

Dockwise Vanguard/BOKA Vanguard

The Dockwise Vanguard—also known as the BOKA Vanguard—is a semisubmersible heavy-lift ship, and is the largest vessel of its kind ever built. It’s like the biggest and baddest tow truck of the sea.

<p>The Dockwise Vanguard operates by taking on water as a ballast, allowing it to sink slightly and creating a space in its docking bay where it can then maneuver a ship in to secure it.</p> <p>Once secured, the ship pumps out the ballast and lifts the other ship out of the water, safely within the Dockwise Vanguard.</p>

Dockwise Vanguard: How It Works

The Dockwise Vanguard operates by taking on water as a ballast, allowing it to sink slightly and creating a space in its docking bay where it can then maneuver a ship in to secure it.

Once secured, the ship pumps out the ballast and lifts the other ship out of the water, safely within the Dockwise Vanguard.

<p>The ship has a flat, bow-less deck measuring 70 by 275 m (230 by 902 ft), allowing cargo longer and wider than the deck. Her deck is 70% larger than the MV Blue Marlin, the third-largest heavy-lift ship.</p> <p>She can lift and transport cargoes up to 110,000 tons.</p>

Dockwise Vanguard: Size

The ship has a flat, bow-less deck measuring 70 by 275 m (230 by 902 ft), allowing cargo longer and wider than the deck. Her deck is 70% larger than the MV Blue Marlin, the third-largest heavy-lift ship.

She can lift and transport cargoes up to 110,000 tons.

<p>The Dockwise Vanguard may not be the largest vessel in the water, but the sheer fact that it can carry vessels bigger than itself is amazing enough—including the insanely large cruise ships mentioned in this list.</p>

Dockwise Vanguard: Significance

The Dockwise Vanguard may not be the largest vessel in the water, but the sheer fact that it can carry vessels bigger than itself is amazing enough—including the insanely large cruise ships mentioned in this list.

Evergreen Ever Apex

The Evergreen Ever Apex is Evergreen’s latest addition, launched in 2022. While it matches the same size and capabilities of it’s A-type siblings, it does have notable changes.

<p>The Ever Apex is just shy of 400 meters in length and is capable of carrying approximately 225,000 tons—which is the equivalent of hauling the weight of 45,000 elephants.</p>

Evergreen Ever Apex: Size & Capabilities

The Ever Apex is just shy of 400 meters in length and is capable of carrying approximately 225,000 tons—which is the equivalent of hauling the weight of 45,000 elephants.

<p>Evergreen’s A-type vessels are known as the largest of their kind in the world, carrying massive amounts of weight seamlessly through the sea. The Ever Apex is no different than its siblings, standing as a testament to human engineering.</p>

Evergreen Ever Apex: Significance

Evergreen’s A-type vessels are known as the largest of their kind in the world, carrying massive amounts of weight seamlessly through the sea. The Ever Apex is no different than its siblings, standing as a testament to human engineering.

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Travel | Regent Seven Seas Grandeur builds on luxury of…

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Travel | walmart to close all 51 health centers, including 8 in central florida, things to do, subscriber only, travel | regent seven seas grandeur builds on luxury of 2 sister cruise ships.

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur is the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line. It debuted in late 2023 with several sailing dates in the Caribbean out of PortMiami, seen here during a cruise from Jan. 24-26, 2024. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

A Fabergé egg titled "Journey in Jewels" sits in the atrium on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

This bronze-and-glass bonsai cherry blossom tree sculpture welcomes diners into the Pacific Rim restaurant on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises that debuted in late 2023. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

The Compass Rose restaurant on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur was designed by Miami-based Studio DADO. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

Chef John Stephano leads a class in the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur on Jan. 25, 2024. The ship is the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line that debuted in late 2023. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

The luxury pedigree that Regent Seven Seas welcomed with Seven Seas Explorer in 2016 continued with sister ship Seven Seas Splendor in 2020, but the third and final sister Seven Seas Grandeur offers up the best of class.

The ship’s features include the first Fabergé egg with a permanent home at sea. The blue-pearl-and-diamond sculpture titled “Journey in Jewels” is a small but commanding centerpiece rotating within its display case in the atrium for travelers to enjoy as soon as they step on board.

The egg is revealed as seven branches break away like waves that represent the Seven Seas. The ship’s godmother is Sarah Fabergé, the great-granddaughter of Peter Carl Fabergé.

A Fabergé egg titled "Journey in Jewels" sits in the atrium on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

It’s part of a 1,600-piece art collection that includes classic black-and-white photos from global destinations adorning the hallways between cabins to the steakhouse’s original Picassos. Travelers could spend a good afternoon wandering hallways and public spaces, akin to visiting a museum. A new app for the line also offers a digital art tour, like a personal guide.

“With each new ship, our team works tirelessly to identify and source the most impressive array of art pieces, building a collection that would be enviable by most modern-day museums, to ensure our guests’ time onboard is as enriching and thought-provoking as their time on land,” said Regent Seven Seas Cruises President Andrea DeMarco.

All three ships in the Explorer class are about 55,500 gross tons, with Grandeur sporting a 744-guest capacity among its all-suite offerings. The line has three older ships and just had two larger vessels ordered by parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, but they are not due until 2026 and 2029.

Until then, the three sister ships continue the line’s most refined take on their global, all-inclusive itineraries, with both Splendor and Grandeur set to return to Miami for the 2024-25 winter Caribbean season.

The line has given all three Explorer-class ships a succession of superlative monikers. Seven Seas Grandeur was dubbed with “A Heritage of Perfection,” following Seven Seas Explorer’s “the most luxurious cruise ship ever” and Seven Seas Splendor’s “the ship that perfects luxury.”

With 548 crew, Grandeur boasts a 1:1.36 crew-to-passenger ratio similar to its two sisters, so needs among travelers are attended to promptly.

The ship’s interior spaces are crafted by Miami-based Studio DADO, which has put its mark on sister lines Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

The Compass Rose restaurant on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur was designed by Miami-based Studio DADO. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

That includes new takes on main dining venue Compass Rose, which DADO founding partner Yohandel Ruiz called “a feast for the eyes.”

It’s filled with fantastical tree-like arches right out of Alice in Wonderland with a cascading waterfall sculpture. At night, thousands of individually placed crystal-faceted leaves encrusted on pillars and branches illuminate the space.

The ship has five signature restaurants on board, including steakhouse Prime 7, Italian option Sette Mari at La Veranda, French offering Chartreuse and the latest version of Asian restaurant Pacific Rim, this time bringing a delicate bronze-and-glass bonsai cherry blossom tree sculpture as the centerpiece at the entrance. It’s a welcome and fitting addition to the dragon and prayer wheel sculptures on its two sister ships.

This bronze-and-glass bonsai cherry blossom tree sculpture welcomes diners into the Pacific Rim restaurant on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur, the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises that debuted in late 2023. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

The ship has 15 suite categories, all with their own balconies. The pinnacle of sailing options is the 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite at $11,000 a night. It features a $200,000 Hästens Vividus custom handmade mattress, an in-suite spa retreat with a personal sauna and steam room and 270-degree views from the ship’s bow from a 1,292-square-foot wraparound veranda. Those passengers get their own butler and personal car and driver in every port.

Some seven-night Miami-based sailings go for as low as $3,700 per person based on double occupancy.

For everyone on board is the spa with an infinity pool that looks out over the stern, fitness center, jogging track, casino, several lounges, card room, library and main pool. Top-deck fun includes pickleball, shuffleboard, mini golf and ping-pong.

A big draw to Regent is the mostly inclusive offerings, including free and unlimited shore excursions, round-trip flights, unlimited internet, prepaid gratuities, ground transfers and other amenities.

One of the best offerings on board, though, isn’t free. Back again is the Culinary Arts Kitchen, a staple borrowed from sister line Oceania Cruises, but a massively popular offering that lets 18 students create memorable dishes under the guidance of a chef team.

Chef John Stephano leads a class in the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Regent Seven Seas Grandeur on Jan. 25, 2024. The ship is the third of three sister ships for the luxury cruise line that debuted in late 2023. (Richard Tribou/Orlando Sentinel)

During a preview cruise for media in January out of PortMiami, the class was led by the amiable Chef John Stephano talking students through a pair of sample dishes – pasta al limone, which is lemon pasta, and French crêpes with an allspice berry ice cream, offered during what are normally two-hour-long classes twice per day on sailings.

“I promise you’re going to make delicious and delightful food,” he said but joked that “anybody that struggles with their culinary skills today, we’ll be sending you down to the galley to help us out.”

Stephano deftly demonstrates and drops bits of history and detail during the demonstration with students gathered around, who then go one of the 18 individual stations equipped with induction cooktops, stainless steel sinks and a collection of tools, tongs, pots and pans, while he and assistant chefs make the rounds to ensure everyone is figuring out the steps.

The course options vary per cruise pulling from nearly 50 curated thematic class titles such as “1493: The Foodies’ New World,” “Familia Cubana” and “Flip-Flop Floribbean.” Classes are an extra $89, which is about the only extra-cost feature on a Regent sailing. They are often themed to the location where the ships sail.

The culinary team also has a hand in creating some of the unique excursions, which then pair up with some of the classes.

Grandeur just finished out its first run about the Caribbean during mostly sold-out itineraries from PortMiami and is now amid a set of Mediterranean voyages for summer 2024. It will then make its way to New York for fall color itineraries of Canada and New England in September and October and then return to Miami to begin the winter Caribbean sailing season into 2025.

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Can a Cruise Ship Sink? Exploring The Facts And Myths

Understanding Cruise Ship Design

Safety Features of Modern Cruise Ships

Crew and Safety Procedures

Passenger Safety

Historical Cases of Cruise Ship Sinking

Costa Concordia

Orient Queen

Causes of Cruise Ship Sinking