Cruise Ship Lists en-route to NY Associated Press PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) - July 18, 2006 - A steering problem caused a new cruise ship headed for New York to roll abruptly Tuesday, throwing passengers and crew to the deck and injuring dozens, including two critically, officials said. One passenger said seawater flooded several upper decks of the Crown Princess, forcing water from a swimming pool "like a mini-tsunami." The vessel, with about 3,100 passengers, had just departed Port Canaveral on Florida's east coast en route to New York when it listed badly to its port side, said Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer James Judge. The ship then righted itself before returning to port, where the Coast Guard said all passengers and crew had been accounted for. Besides an adult and a child who were critically hurt, another 10 people were seriously hurt and about 30 had lesser injuries, said Cape Canaveral Fire Rescue Capt. Jim Watson. Thirty-three people were taken to hospitals, he said. Most had bruises and minor back and neck injures. Tom Daus, 32, was sunbathing on the ship's upper deck when the ship began to list. "It became very disastrous because ... tables, glasses, lounge chairs went flying," he told The Associated Press in a cell phone interview. "I was just holding on for dear life onto the bannister of the ship." Daus, of New York City, said several of the upper decks were flooded and the elevators were inoperable. "The water came gushing out of the pool like a mini-tsunami," he said. "It was really scary. People who were in the pool were shoved out." Passenger Carol O'Connell told NBC's Miami affiliate, WTVJ-TV, by phone that people raced for life jackets. "The captain sounded so terrified, which led to my feeling of more panic," she said. Stan Payne, CEO of the Canaveral Port Authority, said the cruise line wanted passengers to wait until other lodging could be arranged, but were free to leave the vessel if they wanted. He said the ship would remain in port for several days. Princess Cruises, one of 12 brands operated by Miami-based Carnival Corp., said it was investigating the cause of the incident. Before leaving Port Canaveral, the ship has just completed a nine-day Western Caribbean cruise, she said. The 113,000-ton ship began sailing a month ago and was making its fourth voyage. "We deeply regret this incident, and are doing everything we can to make our passengers as comfortable as possible under these difficult circumstances," company spokeswoman Julie Benson said. Martha Stewart christened the Crown Princess last month before it embarked on its maiden voyage to the Caribbean from its home terminal in Brooklyn. ----------- Comments? It all seems strange to me. The ship is only a few months old! At any rate, here's hoping that any injured passengers (yes, passengers--not guests) receive quick medical treatment and that all is OK soon.
I never liked the way those modern cruise ships look. I wouldn't want to get on one! They look top heavy to me. I don't care what Archimedes says ... a strong puff of wind on the beam and hello Poseidon adventure ....
LOL... I couldn't agree more. Ship today are nothing like they once were.... Cunard's Queens and Caronia, the French Normandie... not at all like modern ships. All were sleek, elegant, and tasteful (well, except Normandie... she was quite over the top as far as interior design goes!) -John
I don't like the designs of the new cruise ships. They look way too top-heavy for me. But I have got to admit, the designs of modern cruise ships are designed to be very practical and economical, although not very beautiful. I would probably turn down an offer for a free cruise. As for the ship, it's quite a rare incident for this something like that to happen. Considering she was only a few months old. There is definitely a serious problem that should be properly looked into.
Nah. Every ship is listable, depending on the situation I won't let this deter me from ever traveling shipboard, personally. It's a lot safer than by car, and these events are relatively few and far between. Add to the fact that I'm afraid of flying, and I'll choose to cruise
LOL, too true. Personally I don't think I'd want a ship that can carry over around 2400 people, and if I went on a cruise where half were roudy teenagers, I'd be concerned more about the passenger list, too. But I can't say too much about teenagers, since I am one. -John
I thought 99% of the passengers were 80+ years old. I've always wanted to go on a cruise but feared I'd be spending a week with people who couldn't shut up about their grandchildren. Gracious, imagine 2400 people all talking about grandchildren. :faint:
ROFL! Nonono... the old saying "Newlywed, Overfed, or Nearly Dead" doesn't really hold true today unless you're sailing on Saga or the QE2 (still my ideal ship, though) Here's a link to cruising misperceptions: http://cruisemates.com/articles/before/myths.cfm Although the majority are in their late 40s to early 50s, you'll find that a lot of younger families have taken to cruising, especially if you go on a line like Carnival. If you choose Cunard or Princess, the passengers will be older. The "luxury" lines will always tend to be older... haha, but I like their ships. Not that I've ever traveled on them, unfortunately... At any rate. If you take cruising and break it down, it really turns out to be quite an economic vacation. If you're ever in the UK, the QE2 sometimes does "teaser" cruises that only last a few days. If that's not possible, look for last minute deals online or something--chances are you'll be hooked. There are a whole bunch of lines I didn't mention. They're worth looking into, also. If you're seriously interested in a cruise, I highly recommend http://www.cruisemates.com or http://www.cruisecritic.com -John
LOL, John. My husband and I are in our 50's. But we don't care for Big Band music nor sitting around all day in lounge chairs chatting about the weather. I guess that's what I was imagining, that and the discussions about grandchildren (with pictures.) I will check out your links, however. There are some places in the world where I think the best way to see them is by sea, on a cruise.
LOL you people ... when I said passenger lists I intended to convey an image of a lot of passengers heeled over to the side
Mirelly: Oops My mistake Lynet: There will be plenty for you to do aboard a cruise. If you go on Royal Caribbean and you're especially adventurous, they have a rock climbing wall! If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, although the clientele is older, a ship like the QM2 or QE2 would be good--but QE2 has her drawbacks (like being assigned a restaurant based on the grade of ticket you buy--a throwback to the "Class" days, and she's a pretty old ship). To sail on either ship can be pretty expensive unless you can find a good deal... but they're classy and understated, not the Hollywood glitz and glamor that is on other cruise ships. If you don't want to do the QM2 or QE2, Holland America Line and Princess seem to be pretty good in terms of pleasing their passengers. By the way (random fact) If you're going to cruise, I recommend you avoid Carnival Cruiselines (unless you have past experience with them and like them). Statistics show that you are more likely to go overboard on Carnival than any other line For more information on Cunard: http://www.cunard.com For more information on Princess: http://www.princess.com For information on Holland-America: http://www.hollandamerica.com Although I haven't personally cruised, I've been researching cruises for the past 2 years (and liners for at least 2 before that!). If you have questions, I'll be here -John
