Rough seas made for a rough ride for over 130 passengers on a cruise to Antarctica. The water was so bad that the Silversea Cruises Silver Explorer was damaged and four crew members were injured.
The Silver Explorer was on a voyage to Antarctica when it endured some heavy weather on January 12. The company would not go into details about the damage but they said the ship still has power and can still travel without issues, but it is returning to its home port of Ushuaia, Argentina and the rest of the 18-night Antarctica trip has been canceled. The following voyage set to depart on Jan. 21 is also canceled, USA Today reports.
Sources told Cruise Critic that waves were so large that a window of the ship's bridge on the fifth deck was knocked out. This is a height of at least 30 feet.
"The safety and security of our guests and crew is always our paramount concern," Silversea told USA TODAY. "All 133 guests and 113 crew members are safe; no guests were injured but four crew members received minor injuries and were treated in the ship's Medical Centre."
Passengers were able to contact their families with the ship's internet and the cruise line has assisted passengers in making other arrangements due to the change.
"Our reservations team has contacted guests, or their travel agents, to assist in making alternative arrangements."
While the Jan. 21 sailing is cancelled, Silversea expects the Silver Explorer to start sailing again on Jan. 31 for a 10-night trip to Antarctica.
As compensation, passengers may receive a 50 percent discount on a future cruise, but there are some reports that passengers received refunds.
Silversea Cruises is a luxury cruise line that operates six ships that travel to different parts of the world throughout the year.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
