A massive cruise ship carrying more than 6,000 passengers and crew was limping its way back to Florida Monday after being tossed around by an Atlantic storm packing winds of 100 mph.
just a little bit of the damage so far. boat is still rocking. #anthemoftheseas #overthis #150mphwinds #rocktheboat pic.twitter.com/veRMtGzBbE
— Leaa Petrone (@LeaaPetrone) February 8, 2016
Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas sailed right into the storm off the Carolinas one day after it left New Jersey on its way to Florida's Port Canaveral. Waves of up to 30 feet rocked the ship back and forth.
Deck 14 needs some work... #anthemoftheaeas pic.twitter.com/oBn5Q862qs
— Greg (@flatgreg) February 8, 2016
Fortunately, nobody was seriously hurt, according to Royal Caribbean. But photos and video posted on social media showed toppled chairs and tables, shattered vases and broken ceiling tiles.
Don't think I've ever missed land this much. In other news, wish I took those swimming lessons...#anthemoftheseas #royalcarribean
— Jacob Ibrag (@jaybrag) February 8, 2016
The ship is scheduled to arrive at Port Canaveral Monday afteoon.
Things are a little out of place #anthemoftheseas pic.twitter.com/Z3B4wfu0P8
— Greg (@flatgreg) February 8, 2016
More than 4,500 passengers and more than 1,600 crew members are on board, a spokeswoman tells USA Today. Anthem of the Seas is reportedly the third-largest cruise liner ever built.
...and some more. #anthemoftheseas #overthis #rocktheboat pic.twitter.com/pvBjYa6CrM
— Leaa Petrone (@LeaaPetrone) February 8, 2016
"The ship has sustained some damage to the public areas and guest staterooms, which in no way affect the sea-worthiness of the ship," the company reported. Many passengers said they were stuck in their rooms for several hours after the captain urged them not to go anywhere until the seas were calmer.
The cruise liner changed course as a precaution, the U.S. Coast Guard told CBS News.
It's unclear whether the ship will continue on its scheduled route after arriving in Florida. The voyage was originally scheduled to last 7 days, continuing on to the Bahamas, according to ABC News.

