Cruise Passenger Who Boarded Ship Heading Into Nor’easter Describes 40-Foot Waves: ‘You Saw People Stumbling Into Walls’ (Exclusive)

A couple from Connecticut embarked on what they hoped would be a tranquil cruise to Bermuda aboard the Norwegian Aqua, but Mother Nature had other plans. John Cola Jr., 37, and his husband Travis Barber set sail from Manhattan on September 23, only to find themselves navigating through a fierce nor’easter bringing towering waves and turbulent conditions.

Just days prior to their departure, the couple received warnings regarding the impending storm. “I told Travis to be prepared for the possibility of being rerouted or facing cancellation,” Cola recalled. “Little did we know we’d be going right through it.” Despite these early warnings, the ship left the port approximately half an hour ahead of schedule without any alterations to the planned itinerary.

Upon entering their stateroom, Cola and Barber observed that their ocean view cabin, typically an economical choice for experienced cruisers, had been boarded up with a storm shield. “We normally book a balcony room,” Cola explained, “but we had chosen to save some money this time.” When they inquired about the cover, they were informed it was a precaution ordered by the captain due to the forecast of perilous weather.

The seasoned cruiser recounted that the captain estimated swells to be around 40 feet, far higher than anticipated. “We walked around the ship and the conditions were quite rocky,” he noted. “It felt like being on an aircraft in turbulence while trying to walk to the bathroom; we saw people struggling and stumbling into walls.” Items throughout the ship were equally unsettled, with mannequins in shops toppling over and unsecured drinks sliding across surfaces.

Cola, who enjoys the sensation of being rocked to sleep, found himself overwhelmed by the noise generated by the storm. “The sound was pretty intense,” he admitted, yet he and his husband sought solace in the ship’s amenities. “We made the best of it and enjoyed the thermal spa,” he said. The couple embraced the voyage, leisurely making their way to various bars and dining venues aboard ship, even finding some moments to step outside when conditions permitted.

Despite the choppy waters, Cola and Barber managed to document their experience on social media, sharing updates on their meals and adventures. The couple relished everything from steak dinners in upscale restaurants to casual burgers on the pool deck, and recounted their experience in the thermal spa, where even the water was affected by the ship’s movement.

After braving the rough seas, the Norwegian Aqua docked in Bermuda on September 25. However, as their stay came to an end, Cola expressed concerns about the return journey. “We’ll be heading back tomorrow, and the forecast indicates we may have to deal with turbulent waters again,” he stated. With stormy conditions expected to begin in New York City shortly after their return, he remained hopeful that they might experience milder weather.

Cola urged those hesitant about cruising during stormy seasons, particularly with factors like El Niño influencing weather patterns, to trust in the professionals who operate these vessels. “The captains know what they are doing,” he assured. “They wouldn’t jeopardise passenger safety.” With confidence in the captain’s abilities, Cola felt assured that they were in good hands throughout the journey.

As the couple prepares for their return home, they are reflective about their unconventional adventure at sea. With both caution and open-mindedness, Cola and Barber have turned a potentially upsetting experience into a memorable journey, filled with culinary delights and unexpected surprises. They are just one of many couples embracing the essence of cruise travel, no matter the weather.

Norwegian Cruise Line has been approached for comments regarding this voyage and the experiences of passengers amid the storm.