Crown Princess Lists in Milford Sound Amid Strong Winds

The cruise ship Crown Princess experienced unexpected strong winds while navigating New Zealand’s Milford Sound, causing it to list to one side. This sudden tilt led to a brief period of chaos on board, with loose items flying, tables tipping, and both passengers and crew caught off guard. 

Reports indicate that thirteen passengers and three crew members sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident.

While common areas witnessed the disorder, the real turmoil erupted in the ship’s galleys where meal preparations were in full swing when the vessel unexpectedly tilted.

A crew member captured the pandemonium on video, showing how kitchen supplies, food, and equipment were dislodged and scattered across the floor, complicating matters for the culinary staff.

Princess Cruises released a statement regarding the incident:

“Crown Princess encountered strong winds during a course change, causing the ship to briefly tilt beyond its usual movement before stabilizing. Water from the Lido Deck pool flooded a dining area but was quickly cleaned up, and some of the shops and galleys had items coming off the shelves.”

The cruise line reassured passengers that the vessel sustained no structural damage and continued its voyage as planned.

Milford Sound is notorious for its unpredictable weather, creating challenging conditions for vessels navigating its dramatic fjords. Sudden changes in wind and waves can complicate maneuvers even for large ships like the Crown Princess. Despite the temporary upheaval, the ship’s crew acted swiftly to restore order.