A Disney cruise ship was severely rocked as it tried to make its way back to Florida to avoid Hurricane Sandy. Yet, Sandy was too strong to keep the ship out of harm's way. Passengers on board the Disney Fantasy were able to capture Sandy's effects on video while on board.
Those on board Disney Fantasy had a rough trip home as the ship made its way back to Port Canaveral, Fla. on October 27. As the ship passed Miami, it was rocked pretty hard.
Passengers were told to stay in their cabins as the ship made its way back. Waves slammed into sliding doors and flooded the top deck of the ship. Glassware was broken as it fell and hit the floor and furniture was tossed around. Video shows the shelves of a gift shop completely empty as everything fell to the ground. Two of the ship's restaurants also faced damage.
"The final night of the cruise was terrifying," commented Claire Stopher on a Staten Island Live article about Castaway Cay. "The damage that was done to the stores, bars and ship was stunning the next morning and very sad."
A CNN reader, tneyedoc2020 shared a video of his experience on board and shared his story.
"By 12:00 a.m. Saturday, the ship was being tossed in every direction... Around 2 a.m., there was a violent tossing of the ship from side to side and most of the furniture was overturned in our room. All of the glassware was shattered as it hit the ground... Shortly after, the most intense moments, the ship's captain announced that all passengers should remain in their rooms. The two upscale restaurants (Palo and Remy) had major damage."
Despite the damage reported by passengers and seen in the video, Disney Cruise Line downplayed the extent of it.
"Overall, the ship is fine and is currently out sailing a seven-night Western Caribbean voyage. We had minor damage involving some cracked windows and some furniture damage that we have addressed," Rebecca Peddie, manager of public affairs for Disney Destinations, told Cruise Critic.
The ship was able to make it back to Port Canaveral without any serious injuries and there were no reported injuries. The crew made sure to keep everyone safe. Those who were on board will receive a discount on a future cruise.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
