A Carnival Cruise Line ship, the Carnival Magic, experienced a collision with a pier in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, amid challenging weather conditions, leaving passengers stranded for hours.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday during a six-day cruise that departed from Miami, was caused by “strong winds and swells” that resulted in the collapse of the pier’s fender under pressure. Despite the collision, Carnival spokesperson Matt Lupoli assured that there were no injuries and all ship services remained operational.
In an unfortunate turn of events, the severe weather conditions forced the ship to temporarily leave guests on shore, creating a chaotic situation for those stranded. Passengers, including Dyllon Price and Adam Middleton, recounted spending up to 12 hours in the open, facing rain with limited access to shelter, food, drinks, or restrooms.
The situation was further complicated by Jamaica’s Level 3 travel advisory, urging travelers to reconsider their plans due to the island’s increased crime rates.
The Carnival Magic had to skip a planned stop in Grand Cayman due to the adverse weather and remained in Ocho Rios longer than anticipated. Following the incident, the ship docked at another nearby pier, allowing guests who had gone ashore to rejoin. Carnival aimed to resume its journey back to Florida by Wednesday evening, with passengers and crew working to make the most of their disrupted cruise experience.
This incident is part of a recent trend of cruise ships facing difficulties due to high winds, including two MSC Cruises and a Norwegian Cruise Line ship experiencing mooring issues last month. Carnival’s response highlights their focus on passenger safety and operational continuity amidst unforeseen challenges.
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