do carnival cruises have safes in rooms

• Carnival Cruise Lines

How "safe" are the safes?

By firsttimecruizer111 , April 27, 2010 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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firsttimecruizer111

Are the safes in the rooms really "safe"? Has anyone experienced things missing from their safes?

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navybaby1113

Never noticed anything missing.

Used the safe on all 5 cruises and have never missed anything. One time our safe did not want to open and our cabin steward had to get an officer to open it for us. It was clear that only ranked officials are able to open them. On our last cruise the safe had a credit card slot to lock and unlock. No problems. :)

Never had a problem. If the safe is the kind where you have to use a card with a magnetized strip, just use an old library card or credit card. I actually used a gift card from Wal-mart the last time we cruised ( did not have them put any money on it.)

Not only have I never had anything missing from the room safe, I have discovered items that were still safe from the previous cruise!

gargoyle999

I've never had anything go missing from the safe. I use the Sign and Sail card from my previous Carnival cruise for my safe! :)

Tiffany1203

I've never had a problem with the room safes!

Never had a probelm with the safes in 9 cruises and never had anything taken from the cabin. Use 2 identical cards (hotel, casino, prior sign and sail cards) so you each can get into the safe with your own card. You really have nothing to worry about.

The safes...are safe.

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Wrap up a full day of Carnival fun… and you're gonna need a good night's sleep. Our staterooms are here to help.

ROOM TYPES FOR ALL TYPES

When it comes to staterooms, one size only fits some. That's why we've got enough variety to satisfy any type of fun seeker.

Interior Staterooms

The most affordable way to experience all the Carnival excitement, without cutting corners on comfort. Here’s the perfect spot to curl up after a long day’s fun.

Available On : All ships

Available Features

Ocean View Staterooms

These comfy rooms with a view let you sail along to beautiful destinations while gazing at the sort of vistas you simply won't find anywhere on land.

Balcony Staterooms

Any time you’re in your room, you’re steps away from your own personal outdoor oasis… designed for maximum sea breeze and the most stunning views.

Get all the comforts of home and then some, with absolutely none of the hassles. Get comfy… stretch out, put your feet up. Or just spend time on your balcony — you’ve got one of our most spacious rooms.

Exclusive Amenities:

• VIP check-in, plus priority embarkation and debarkation
• Priority dinner reservations and main dining room time assignment
• One complimentary load of laundry service
• Two complimentary large bottles of water

Exclusive Amenities

• Priority check-in, embarkation & debarkation
• Priority dinner reservations & main dining room time assignment
• Pillow-top mattresses

Family Harbor Staterooms & Suites

The term “family room” brings to mind that comfy place where kids and parents can do the all-important work of having fun simply being together. That’s precisely why there’s Family Harbor. You’ll notice that Family Harbor staterooms sport a classically American nautical décor... but benefits don’t stop at your door. Family Harbor staterooms are located near the Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive spot featuring breakfast in the morning, snacks throughout the day, plus activities like board games, family movies, video games and more. As you explore the rest of the ship, the Family Harbor benefits come along, with your kids eating free in most onboard specialty restaurants... plus one free evening of Night Owls babysitting service, so you can enjoy some much-deserved alone time.

Available On : Carnival Celebration ® , Carnival Horizon ® , Carnival Jubilee ™ , Mardi Gras ® , Carnival Panorama ® and Carnival Vista ®

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms & Suites

Cloud 9 Spa ™ staterooms do things a little different than ordinary staterooms. For starters, we dare you to cross the threshold without feeling a little more relaxed. Once you're inside, you'll find pleasing decor and in-room amenities like ELEMIS bath products and spa-branded bathrobes and slippers to enhance your stay.

What’s more, your excellent stateroom choice gets you priority spa reservations, free fitness classes, unlimited access to the thermal suites, exclusive discounts on treatments during port days... and more. (And on ships with a Hydrotherapy Pool, you’re welcome to use it as much as you want!)

And the best part? We've got a full range of rooms with that Cloud 9 mojo, from cozy Interiors to stretch-out Suites, ensuring you'll never have to sacrifice comfort for value.

Available On : Carnival Breeze ® , Carnival Celebration ® , Carnival Dream ® , Carnival Horizon ® , Carnival Jubilee ™ , Carnival Luminosa ® ,Carnival Magic ® , Mardi Gras. ® , Carnival Panorama ® , Carnival Radiance ® , Carnival Splendor ® , Carnival Sunrise ® , Carnival Sunshine ® and Carnival Vista ®

Havana Staterooms & Suites

At Carnival we love to cruise as much as anyone, but when you book a Havana stateroom, it's like you're no longer on a ship... you're at an exclusive island resort. But unlike most spots on land, you're never far from the ocean... or from the Havana Bar & Pool. (You'll enjoy exclusive access to the pool area!) Inside, all Havana staterooms feature a unique décor, but step up to a Havana Cabana for an extra-large outdoor chill space featuring a lounge-ready hammock chair. Step into a Havana Cabana suite for even more space, plus a luxurious rain shower. (All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Terrazza Staterooms

Have you ever thought “maybe I could live like an Italian”? Well there’s a place you can kind of try out the lifestyle, at least for one vacation: Terrazza Staterooms aboard a Carnival cruise! You’ll find these aboard any of our Fun Italian Style ships, and the resort layout gives you everything you need for comfort and style in one place. For starters, all the staterooms feature a fresh style inside… and some add premium open-air benefits like a patio lounging area or balcony. And on a select few, the balcony is — how shall we put it? — grandissimo! But guess what’s included with every Terrazza stateroom? Exclusive access to a private deck featuring amenities like all-day lounging with great drinks, entertainment, whirlpools and more. (All Terrazza stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

Available On : Carnival Firenze ™ and Carnival Venezia ™

ALL THE PERKS, IN EVERY ROOM

With all this comfort and all these standard features, you've gotta try real hard to get homesick on a Carnival cruise.

• Dedicated stateroom attendant
• Soft, cozy linens
• Stateroom climate control
• Plenty of closet and drawer space
• Bathrobes upon request
• In-room safe for valuables

YEP, WE THOUGHT OF THAT TOO

Beyond the basics, you’ll find rooms that take your vacation to the next level — we’re talking stuff that matters most to groups, families, folks with special needs and more!

Adding friends equals multiplying the fun. That’s why many Carnival staterooms can be configured in different ways — some sleep up to five!

Keep the group together. Some cabins have connecting rooms with a common door between them.

When it comes to bathrooms, an extra might be a good idea. Deluxe Ocean View staterooms sleep up to five and come with an extra half-bath.

Specially modified rooms are available for guests with special needs .

TOP-TO-BOTTOM, FRONT-TO-BACK FUN

Wherever on the ship you make your home base, good times aren't far.

• Lower decks
• Upper decks

For arts and entertainment, health and relaxation, stay up front. The fitness center and spa are nearby, not to mention great performances in the show lounge.

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Are the In-Room Safes on Cruises Actually Secure?

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This question has so many possible variables it is difficult to give a concrete answer. The hospitality industry, including cruise ships, have placed a greater reliance on in room safes over the last decade. Many travelers will not even consider a hotel room that does not have one. Online review sites and travel forums all have horror stories of valuables becoming missing from in room safes. Most of the time the location is in poorer countries and the safes are older versions. You see very few reports of safes being robbed on cruise ships.

There are a few different variations of hotel room/ cruise ship staterooms safes that are found today. A common factor is that the safes need to be controllable by the guest when the safe is open. In other words, with the safe door open the guest must be able to code the safe to open with the password they input or another method under their control. The major weak point on in-room safes is the need to reset them. Guest might lock the safe closed when they leave or forget the pass code they entered.

Safety Tip: Code-To-Close technology

The most common stateroom safes today uses Code-To-Close technology. Older safes could be locked by just closing it manually or hitting a lock button. Today the Code-To-Close technology requires the user to enter a code to both close to open the safe. These safes use either a magnetic strip reader or a keypad, some safes have both options. When using a safe with a magnetic strip reader, the guest places his valuables inside, closes the door, and swipes a credit card through the card reader. The light will flash, the machine will beep and the safe will secure. To open the safe you use the same card to open the safe by running it through the reader to open the safe. While some guests use their ship cards, it is not advised, as the card has your stateroom number on it and if you lose it, who ever finds it can enter your room and open the safe. Generally a card with a magnetic strip will work, so try to use the safe with a magnetic strip card with no value.

Keypad models work in the same manner, except to close the safe you enter a pass code of your choosing. On most safes of this style, when you lock the safe by entering your code the numbers will flash on a small display. It is best to verify the numbers as it locks in case you double keyed a number or hit the wrong one.

The override feature is where the most concern is. There is little to stop a dishonest person to use an override to open a safe. On older safes, the over ride was simply another pass code. The safe would have two, the one that the guest provided and another one set by the hotel. Some safes used a key as an override. It could be used in a hidden key slot on the door or a long handle key that fit through the top of the safe. Many of the latest safes use a Non-Resident master code contained in a portable programmer. These programmers are small hand held devices designed to open the safe. They require the user to log in and a record is maintained of each safe opened.

When you search the internet you will find very few reports in this topic, some are a little more difficult to believe. One report had $100 stolen from his safe and where he originally had only $20s and $50s, when he open the safe he had some $1s and $5s.

Here are a few things to consider:

• While stateroom attendants are the ones most often accused of missing items from a stateroom, in the majority of the cases it was not. The crew members might not earn much by US minimum wage standards but what they earn is substantial in their home countries. So while some quick cash from a stolen cell phone might seem motivating, there is no job protection. If there is even a suspicion that the attendant did commit a crime, they are put off at the next port. The risk of punishment is too great.
• Stateroom attendants do not have access to the master code or programmers to open a safe. This responsibility rest with the housekeeping supervisor or the purser staff.
• Each entry into your room is recorded on most cruise lines. Every time a card is used to open your door it is entered into the security log. On some cruise lines, the attendants are required to swipe in and out of a room each time they enter, even if the door is opened for them.
• If you wish additional piece of mind for your in stateroom safe, there are a number of devices on the market that will help you block the override functions.
• If in doubt, store your valuables at the pursers’ office. For high dollar items you might want to consider using the ships safe. Safety deposit boxes within the ships safe are generally still available.

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Cruise FAQs

How to get connecting rooms on carnival cruise.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Explore different cruise lines to increase chances of finding connecting rooms and access additional amenities and perks.
• Upgrade to a higher room category for an unforgettable vacation experience with benefits like priority embarkation, exclusive lounges, and complimentary dining.
• Plan ahead and communicate your needs by contacting Carnival’s customer service, utilizing online forums and social media groups to find roommates, and reaching out to friends and family interested in joining the cruise.
• Utilize online forums and social media groups to connect with other cruisers looking for roommates, increase the likelihood of finding connecting rooms, and access additional amenities and perks.

Understand the Cabin Types

Contact the Cruise Line

Consider a Travel Agent

Be flexible with dates, check for special promotions, join a loyalty program.

• Priority boarding: Skip the long lines and be one of the first to embark on your Carnival cruise.
• Complimentary room upgrades: Get a chance to enjoy a higher category room without any extra cost.
• Exclusive access to special events: Attend private parties, cocktail receptions, and entertainment shows just for loyalty program members.
• Onboard credits: Receive credits that can be used towards onboard purchases such as spa treatments, specialty dining, or even shore excursions.
• Dedicated concierge service: Enjoy personalized assistance from a dedicated concierge who will attend to your needs throughout the cruise.

Keep Checking for Availability

Consider upgrading, plan ahead and communicate your needs.

• Increased likelihood of finding connecting rooms.
• Opportunity to split the cost with potential roommates.
• Enhanced cruise experience with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i request connecting rooms after i’ve already booked my carnival cruise, are there any additional fees for booking connecting rooms on a carnival cruise, can i guarantee connecting rooms if i book through a travel agent, are there any specific deck or location preferences for connecting rooms on a carnival cruise, can i request connecting rooms if i’m part of a large group or traveling with children.

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With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

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Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform. With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.

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Are cruises safe? Here’s what you need to know about cruise ship security and safety

If you've watched the news at any point over the past several years, it's likely you've seen disturbing stories about cruise ship norovirus or COVID-19 outbreaks and passengers "falling" overboard. Combine that with reports of sexual assault and fistfights, and it's no surprise you might be wondering whether cruise ships are safe.

Here, I'll address some prospective passengers' biggest concerns and offer tips and advice on cruise ship safety so you can maintain peace of mind on your voyage.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Are cruise ships safe?

Let's cut right to the chase: Yes, cruise ships are generally safe as long as you use common sense and remember that vessels are not impervious to accidents, illness or people who just don't know how to behave. As with any place you might live or visit ashore, there are risks, but those risks can be mitigated if you keep a few simple tenets top of mind.

The key thing to recognize is that you should maintain the same level of awareness, self-control and vigilance as you would anywhere else. When you're in your hometown, would you invite a complete stranger into your bedroom, leave your wallet unattended in plain sight or allow your very young child to run around unsupervised? If the answer is no, you shouldn't be doing those things on a cruise ship, either. (And if the answer is yes, I have questions.)

Although you have power over the above, sometimes circumstances are beyond your control. Perhaps the weather is bad, or something mechanical goes wrong with the vessel. Cruise ships are equipped with advanced navigational equipment to avoid storms, and engine room contingencies allow onboard operations to continue, even if the ship's speed or propulsion is affected.

Ships also employ entire onboard teams of engineers and mechanics who are able to fix problems on the spot, as well as crew members trained to fight fires. The bridge — the ship's main control center — is constantly in touch with shoreside teams who provide additional assistance.

With that, here's a bit more advice on how to make your sailing safer, followed by answers to some of your most burning safety-related queries.

Cruise safety tips

Cruise ship safety measures are in place on every vessel in every major cruise line's fleet. However, there are some extra tips you can follow to stay safe on a cruise.

• Pay attention during the muster drill. Muster drills are a pain, and nobody likes them. However, they tell you what to do in case of an emergency, so it behooves you to pay attention. The information offered during them — including where your muster station is and how to properly don a life jacket — could end up saving your life.
• Keep a close eye on your keycard. Treat it the same as you'd treat a credit card or your keys. It grants access to your cabin and also serves as your onboard charge card for purchases. If you lose it, report it to guest services immediately so they can deactivate the old one and issue you a replacement.
• Lock up your valuables. Keep your jewelry, passports, wallets, electronics and other important items locked in your cabin safe when you aren't using them, and don't leave them lying unattended in public areas.
• Don't invite strangers to your cabin. Don't tell them your cabin number or otherwise divulge sensitive personal information. If you're cruising by yourself, also use caution when telling people you're alone.
• Supervise your children. Allowing young children to roam the ship alone without an adult or member of the youth club staff is not only potentially unsafe but also can be an annoyance to other passengers.
• Avoid drinking so much alcohol that you lose your wits. It could lead to slipping and falling or cause you to engage in unsafe behaviors, such as entering crew areas or climbing on railings. It also could make you more susceptible to theft or assault. Plus, hangovers can really put a damper on the next day's fun.
• Steer clear of crew-only areas, and never stand on furniture or climb anywhere you aren't supposed to be. Restricted areas are restricted for a reason, and entering them can result in injury or death.
• Don't assume everyone on your sailing is trustworthy. Simply being on the same ship doesn't mean your fellow passengers are on the up and up. Most are, but some might not be. Treat strangers with the same level of scrutiny as you would in any other environment.

Are there police on cruise ships?

Do cruise ships have police? Is there security on cruise ships? Again, the answer is yes. Cruise ship police officers are more like security guards, many of whom serve as law enforcement officers or members of the military in their countries of residence when they aren't working on board.

Cruise security guards have the authority to break up fights and mitigate passenger hostility, drunkenness and other inappropriate behavior. They also have the authority to place rowdy, violent or otherwise dangerous passengers in the ship's jail, known as a brig .

Serious rule violations could warrant cruisers' removal from the ship at the next port of call and notification of authorities. However, maritime law is dicey and often unclear when it comes to which country has jurisdiction over crimes that happen in international waters.

Will I get sick on a cruise?

Getting sick on a cruise is a possibility, as it is anywhere you go. However, ships are held to high cleanliness standards that are dictated and monitored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via the Vessel Sanitation Program, which was implemented in the 1970s.

The VSP requires all passenger ships that carry more than 13 people to submit to random, unannounced inspections if they wish to visit ports in the U.S. The requirements are rigorous, and any score lower than 86 out of 100 is considered failing. (Scores and lists of infractions for all ships can be found on the VSP website .)

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the biggest health threat on ships was norovirus , which manifests as a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that's easily spread through food contamination and surface contact in close quarters.

After the coronavirus shut down the industry, cruise lines further strengthened their protocols to include safeguards against airborne pathogens. They included social distancing and mask-wearing requirements , as well as the enhancement of air filtration systems. Other measures included contact tracing protocols, mandatory vaccination requirements and the expansion of onboard medical facilities and staff.

Many of the COVID-19-related policies — including requirements for mask-wearing and mandatory vaccination — have been relaxed, but the lines are able to reinstate them quickly if needed.

In addition to following cruise ship wellness policies, there are other ways you can minimize your chances of becoming ill when you sail. The best way to avoid both catching and transmitting germs is to wash your hands, particularly before eating and after using the restroom or coming in contact with high-touch surfaces like handrails and elevator buttons.

Hand sanitizer is plentiful on ships, too; while it's great for use between trips to the sink, it shouldn't be a substitute for thorough and frequent hand-washing. Additionally, when you cough or sneeze, do so into your upper arm or the crook of your elbow.

With regard to seasickness , toss a couple of remedies into your bag when you're packing. Tried-and-true options include Dramamine or Bonine pills, acupressure bands, ginger candies and behind-the-ear patches. In a pinch, seek out a green apple or ginger ale from the buffet or room service.

Also make sure you're getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen with an appropriate SPF and knowing your limits when it comes to alcohol.

Above all, if you're feeling ill before embarkation, don't cruise. Take advantage of your travel insurance 's cancel for any reason coverage (if that's included in your particular policy) to get your money back and avoid spreading sickness to others.

Can you fall off a cruise ship?

Yes, it's possible to fall off a cruise ship , but it doesn't happen without effort. To help ensure passenger safety, cruise vessels' cabin balconies and outdoor decks have railings that are roughly chest height on an average-size person. Thick metal or Plexiglas panels or metal bars are positioned under the railings to prevent people from slipping through. Even so, it's important to keep a close watch on young children at all times.

Most people who go overboard fall because they were inebriated, entered a restricted area or engaged in behavior they shouldn't have — such as standing on railings or furniture or climbing between balconies — or a combination thereof.

It's not possible for someone to slip on a wet deck or trip over a door frame and simply fall off a cruise ship.

Do cruise ships have enough lifeboats?

Yes, they do. Following the sinking of the Titanic, which didn't have enough lifeboats for everyone, the international maritime community developed Safety of Life at Sea standards. Under SOLAS, passenger ships are now required to carry enough lifeboats for all passengers. They are outfitted with navigation and communications equipment and basic necessities required for survival until help arrives.

Additionally, ships are required to hold muster drills for all cruisers prior to the start of each voyage, even for passengers who have cruised before. During the drills, guests learn what to do and where to report in the event of an emergency. They also learn what the emergency signal sounds like and how to put on a life jacket. (Ships must also carry enough life jackets for everyone, including specially designed ones for children and pets.)

Do cruise ships have doctors?

Yes, all big mainstream oceangoing cruise ships have trained medical staff on board, usually a combination of doctors and nurses. Many cruise lines increased the number of medical professionals on their ships following the onset of COVID-19.

Cruise ship medical centers are equipped to perform basic stabilization in the event of accidents, illness and other emergencies. They are not full hospitals, though, which means beds are limited, and they lack more complex treatment capabilities. They are designed to keep passengers stabilized and comfortable until they can be sent to a nearby land-based hospital.

They can, however, treat things like seasickness, cuts and bruises and other minor ailments without the need to offload passengers. They are also now equipped to conduct COVID-19 testing and isolation, and ventilators are on hand in the event that any serious cases arise.

Note that because they are never far from land-based medical care, most river cruise vessels do not have onboard medical staff. Additionally, medical care can be expensive on cruise ships that do offer it. It's generally not covered by regular health insurance, so always purchase a travel insurance policy.

Bottom line

So, are cruises dangerous? The answer is, generally, no. They're safe if you follow the same common-sense practices you'd use anywhere else. It's easy to let your guard down when you're having a great time on vacation, but remember: Cruise ships are like floating cities, which means they aren't immune to potential dangers.

Cruise ship safety is the responsibility of both the cruise line and individual passengers. Make sure to exercise an appropriate level of vigilance by protecting your valuables, refraining from inviting strangers to your cabin or giving out too much personal information, paying attention to muster drills, frequently washing your hands, keeping an eye on your children, staying out of restricted areas and knowing your limits when it comes to alcohol consumption.

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clock This article was published more than  1 year ago

Carnival passengers recount ‘nightmare’ cruise as storm floods ship

Videos showed the Carnival Sunshine cabins and hallways flooding and ceilings leaking

Matthew Branham and his fiancée, Madison Davis, were lying by a Carnival Sunshine pool on Friday aboard a cruise returning to Charleston, S.C., from the Bahamas when an announcement came over the loudspeaker. The captain was expecting rougher weather that evening, but there was nothing to worry about. So Branham and Davis didn’t worry.

As the day went on, “We noticed it started getting cooler in the afternoon — much, much cooler,” said Branham, 25, of Castlewood, Va. “And then it was like a switch was flipped, and it literally turned into a nightmare.”

En route back to Charleston Friday night into Saturday, the Carnival Sunshine navigated into a strong storm system that battered the southeast over the holiday weekend. Videos emerged on social media showing cabins and hallways flooding, shop floors littered with destroyed merchandise and leaking ceilings . Passenger Brad Morrell snapped a photo of an automated instrument map reporting a 69 knot, or 79 mph, wind.

#CarnivalSunshine : Due to return to Charleston, South Carolina this Saturday, May 27, 2023, has been delayed due to severe weather. The ship is currently off the South Carolina coast and holding position, unable to return to the port because of high winds & rough seas. #cruise 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/2B6HlAn2yD — ∼Marietta (@MariettaDaviz) May 28, 2023

Carnival said in a statement that the weather was unexpectedly strong, causing conditions that were rougher than forecast, but that its fleet operations center team, which relies on outside meteorology resources for itinerary planning, “coordinated to keep the ship in its safest location.”

“Attempting to sail out of the large front could have been dangerous,” the statement continued. “The ship proceeded to the port as soon as the weather began to clear.”

Strong Southeast storm slams Carolinas

Carnival said the captain made “several announcements about the weather and the delay it caused in returning to Charleston, asking guests to use extra precaution while walking around the ship.” Additionally, “some of the worst weather occurred in the overnight hours when announcements are not typically made, but guests and crew were safe.”

The ship’s medical staff did help a “small number” of guests and crew members who needed minor assistance following the storm. Despite the significant damage and a delay in schedule, Carnival Sunshine embarked on its next five-day Bahama sailing on Saturday.

From their sea-view room, Branham and Davis watched as waves surged over their window and braced themselves as the 892-foot-long ship lurched in the storm.

“Waves were hitting the boat so hard that it was like an earthquake experience, jarring you like a really rough roller coaster — even in the middle floor,” Branham said.

They were told to stay in their cabins. Meanwhile, Branham said, TVs were falling off walls, and glassware was sliding off shelves and shattering on the floor. “You could not stand up in your room,” he said. “You could be thrown from the bed.”

They packed up their belongings when their floor started to flood and took shelter in a main lobby area.

“All of the employees were sprinting downstairs with life vests,” Branham said. “There were little kids besides us screaming and crying and throwing fits.”

Throughout the storm, Branham wondered why there weren’t more announcements from Carnival staff. Besides the warning of rougher seas earlier Friday and one Saturday morning after they’d weathered the storm, Branham said they weren’t given any official updates on their situation. When he asked workers what was going on, they told him not to worry.

⁦⁦ @CarnivalCruise ⁩ #carnivalsunshine still 75mph winds at 9:25am. Sitting and spinning in the Atlantic. pic.twitter.com/NITCO2l9Ss — FlyersCaptain™®© (@flyerscaptain) May 29, 2023

“But you see rooms flooded, and you can pick up a handful of sand and you’re kind of like, ‘What in the world? Why is nobody telling us anything?’” Branham said.

Jim Walker, a maritime lawyer and cruise industry legal expert, says his firm has been contacted by some Carnival Sunshine passengers who were injured during the storm, including a man who says he was struck by a door and broke his foot. Others have asked him about the potential for a class-action lawsuit.

While Walker said passengers should make their complaints known to Carnival, he doesn’t believe filing a lawsuit would be an efficient next step. Instead, impacted passengers can ask Carnival for a refund or a credit for another cruise, although there’s no guarantee the cruise line will grant such requests.

Pete Peterson, owner of Storybook Cruises , which is affiliated with Cruise Planners, said cruise ships keep a close eye on weather developments and will adjust their itinerary depending on the severity of the storm.

“Cruise lines monitor the weather all the time. They’re not going to put their passengers in harm’s way,” said Peterson, who has been a cruise adviser for more than 20 years and has sailed on nearly 60 cruises. “Obviously, some cruise lines are better at doing this than others.”

In 2016, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas returned to port after cruising into a “bomb cyclone,” which damaged the ship amid winds gusting to 100 mph. The ship sailed into the remnants of Hurricane Hermine seven months later, causing additional problems.

To ensure the safety and comfort of its passengers, a cruise ship can alter its course and circumvent the rough weather system. In stormy conditions, the crew can deploy the stabilizers, which will prevent the ship from rolling and bucking.

“You don’t experience the up and down,” Peterson said. “It’s not as rough a ride.”

Both approaches can add to a cruise line’s expenditures, Peterson said. Stabilizers slow the vessel, thereby consuming more fuel. Sailing around the storm can take longer than the original route and disrupt the company’s cruise schedule, leading to delays or cancellations. The cruise line may have to reimburse passengers or provide them with future credits because of the inconvenience.

“When they do something like that, it’s going to cost them money,” Peterson said.

Craig Setzer , a meteorologist and hurricane preparedness specialist, said that even with the hurricane-like conditions and flooding, “I would never be in doubt of the vessel’s integrity,” he said. “Cruise ships are structurally very, very sound and can survive a lot. They’re really rugged.”

Matthew Cappucci contributed to this report.

More cruise news

Living at sea: Travelers on a 9-month world cruise are going viral on social media. For some travelers, not even nine months was enough time on a ship; they sold cars, moved out of their homes and prepared to set sail for three years . That plan fell apart, but a 3.5-year version is waiting in the wings.

Passengers beware: It’s not all buffets and dance contests. Crime data reported by cruise lines show that the number of sex crimes has increased compared to previous years. And though man-overboard cases are rare, they are usually deadly .

The more you know: If you’re cruise-curious, here are six tips from a newcomer. Remember that in most cases, extra fees and add-ons will increase the seemingly cheap price of a sailing. And if you happen to get sick , know what to expect on board.