Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas was battered by the severe hurricane-force storm off Cape Hatteras on Sunday damaging the ship’s public areas and cabins.
The ship has remained seaworthy, the company said, reporting at least four injuries, fortunately none severe.
The ship was scheduled to call at Port Canaveral, however, due to the harsh weather conditions the company decided to turn the ship around and sail it back to Cape Liberty.
As informed, the ship was battling nine-metre waves and winds of 65 knots.
Based on the latest update from the cruise line, the ship is expected to arrive at Cape Liberty on Wednesday.
“This decision was made for guests’ comfort due to weather forecasts,” Royal Caribbean said in a tweet.
“Anthem of the Seas guests will receive a full refund & a future cruise certificate for 50% of the cruise fare paid ,” the cruise line said.
The ship is carrying about 4,500 guests and 1,600 crew and had departed on a 7-night cruise on Saturday.
Cruise passengers, who were advised to remain in their staterooms, posted several videos on social media, showing their experience on board:
3:10 PM Eastern time, the calm before the Hurricane. #anthemoftheseas #royalcarribean pic.twitter.com/YI7qXxTv4k
— Jacob Ibrag (@jaybrag) February 8, 2016
U seasick proof? Watch #AnthemoftheSeas @NBCNewYork @GarySzatkowski @JSHurricaneNews Frm Michael/Michelle Galletta pic.twitter.com/wL9qn6BvEN
— Brian Thompson (@brian4NY) February 8, 2016
World Maritime News Staff