Carnival Cruise Ship Experiences Severe ‘Listing’ as Video Shows Trashed Dining Room

The Carnival Panorama cruise ship encountered severe weather conditions that caused the vessel to tilt significantly while sailing the Mexican Riviera. Videos taken onboard the ship depicted a chaotic scene, with dishes sliding off tables, water emerging from elevators, merchandise thrown off displays, and children screaming. The incident was attributed to the ship ‘listing,’ a term used to describe a vessel taking on water and tilting to one side due to external factors like wind and rain.

According to reports, the Carnival Panorama quickly addressed the situation as the captain manoeuvred the ship to calmer seas. Crew members promptly assisted guests and initiated cleanup operations following the incident. While a small number of guests were checked by the medical team onboard, no serious injuries were reported, and the ship’s systems remained largely unaffected. The ship’s itinerary continued as scheduled, and it set sail for its next voyage without any significant disruptions.

The Carnival Panorama had been on an eight-day cruise along the Mexican Riviera, departing from Los Angeles with stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas before returning to California. Similar weather-related incidents have been reported in the past, such as the Carnival Sunshine experiencing severe weather on a journey between the Bahamas and Charleston, S.C. With crews trained to maintain stability during storms, instances of weather-related listing are deemed rare by travel experts.

Joanna Kuther, a travel agent and owner of Port Side Travel Consultants, highlighted that cruise ships are built and engineered to handle adverse weather conditions. Despite advanced weather forecasting, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally lead to challenging situations at sea. The safety and well-being of passengers remain a top priority for cruise lines, as demonstrated by the swift response to incidents like the Carnival Panorama’s listing.

In a separate incident earlier this year, a Princess cruise ship encountered rough waters in New Zealand, resulting in injuries to several passengers and crew members. The Crown Princess was on a voyage out of Sydney when strong winds caused the ship to tilt temporarily beyond its usual movement. Despite minor injuries and some water entering the onboard facilities, the crew efficiently managed the situation, ensuring the safety of all onboard.

While cruise ship incidents like these serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sea travel, industry experts underscore the rigorous safety measures in place to handle such emergencies. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed and follow safety protocols provided by the cruise lines to ensure a smooth and secure sailing experience. As cruise ships continue to navigate various destinations worldwide, prioritising passenger safety remains a cornerstone of the industry’s operations.