Crown Princess 14° Tilt: 16 Injured in Milford Sound Cruise Chaos

A Princess Cruises vessel, the Crown Princess, experienced a sudden tilt of about 14 degrees on February 25 while navigating Milford Sound in southwestern New Zealand. The incident, triggered by an 86 mph (75 knots) wind gust, briefly disrupted the ship and caused minor injuries to 16 individuals—13 passengers and 3 crew members. Although plates and merchandise were sent flying during the roughly 40-second tilt, the ship’s structural integrity remained intact, and officials reported no lasting damage. Carrying 3,090 guests and about 1,200 crew members, the Crown Princess was on a 14-day round-trip from Sydney, Australia, and ultimately continued its voyage as planned.

Moment of Impact in Milford Sound

The Crown Princess was changing course in Milford Sound, a region renowned for its striking fjords but notorious for unpredictable weather, when the powerful gust hit. Witness accounts describe a rapid lurch that sent dishes clattering in dining rooms and toppled equipment in the galley. Water from the Lido Deck pool spilled into adjacent corridors, adding to the commotion. Passengers in higher-deck areas felt the most pronounced effects, with some scrambling for handholds to steady themselves.

Footage from onboard kitchens showed staff bracing against countertops as racks of utensils and supplies cascaded to the floor. In dining areas, spectators recalled watching tables and chairs slide across the room. “Walking along doing my lap, all of a sudden the boat was on an angle. I had to hold on for dear life,” said one passenger. Another traveler, Martin Wise, remarked that he saw the sea level “dangerously high” in the windows and rated the fear factor “8.5 out of 10.”

Extent of Damage and Injuries

Although jarring, the tilt caused only minor injuries, chiefly bruises and scrapes. No one required emergency evacuation. Most harm resulted from shifting furniture and fallen objects. Retail shops reported shattered glass in display cases, strewn merchandise, and scattered inventory in corridors. Despite the chaos, prompt cleanup and damage assessments confirmed that the vessel itself sustained no structural issues.

Princess Cruises representatives reported that water from the Lido Deck pool briefly flooded a nearby cafeteria but was cleared quickly. Medical staff attended to the 16 individuals with minor injuries, ensuring they were stable and able to continue the trip. Damaged areas were secured, and regular services resumed with minimal disruption.

Passenger and Crew Reactions

Many travelers expressed startled reactions, though they credited the crew for addressing the emergency effectively. “It was frightening, but we’ll still cruise again,” one passenger said. Some guests mentioned that the experience highlighted the inherent unpredictability of sea travel. Crew members emphasized that they were well-prepared for sudden weather shifts, executing rapid corrective actions to stabilize the ship.

Passengers in lower decks generally reported less dramatic movement, reinforcing longstanding advice that individuals prone to motion sickness or concerned about stability consider booking mid-ship, lower-level accommodations. Overall, reports suggested that within hours, onboard life returned to relative normalcy despite lingering nerves.

Cruise Line Response and Safety Measures

Princess Cruises issued a formal statement confirming the influence of the sudden wind gust. According to the company, onboard protocols are designed for immediate response to abrupt weather conditions. Crew members verified that critical systems were unaffected, and a thorough inspection confirmed the vessel’s integrity.

“Our crew responded quickly to correct the situation,” read the statement. The company also apologized for the inconvenience and praised the composure of both passengers and crew. While the Crown Princess briefly listed beyond its usual range, technical assessments indicated no compromise in its ongoing seaworthiness or essential operations.

Continuing the Voyage and Industry Outlook

Following the incident, the Crown Princess proceeded on its scheduled course, with a planned return to Sydney on March 8. Some travelers have said the episode will not deter them from future cruises, voicing confidence in the safety protocols and staff readiness. Experts note that large cruise vessels are designed to withstand challenging maritime conditions, though sudden gusts of this magnitude can produce dramatic onboard effects.

The event underscores the necessity of robust safety measures and rigorous training for crews operating in regions like Fiordland, where striking natural beauty coexists with rapidly changing weather. Princess Cruises has indicated that it will review response procedures to maintain a high standard of passenger and crew safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How severe was the ship’s tilt during the incident?

The Crown Princess tilted approximately 14 degrees after encountering an 86 mph wind gust. While this was significant enough to cause flying objects and minor injuries, it did not compromise the ship’s structural safety.

What caused such a sudden shift?

The tilt occurred during a course change in Milford Sound when an intense gust hit the vessel. High winds in this region can arise with little warning due to its unique topography.

Did this event affect local tourism revenue or the cruise itinerary?

The itinerary remained unchanged, and the Crown Princess arrived as planned. There were no widespread cancellations, so the local economic impact appears minimal. However, unexpected weather events can occasionally discourage more cautious travelers.

Will there be any new regulations or enforcement measures?

While no immediate regulatory actions have been announced, maritime authorities routinely review such incidents. Cruise operators must maintain compliance with strict safety standards, and governments may evaluate whether additional weather-related rules are necessary.

What logistical measures ensure safety compliance on large cruise ships?

Vessels like the Crown Princess undergo regular inspections and drills, from stabilizer checks to comprehensive emergency response exercises. Crews train for rapid course corrections, weather monitoring, and internal communication protocols to handle unforeseen events effectively.

Were there any environmental concerns following the incident?

No significant environmental damage was reported. While pool water spilled onto decks, it was swiftly contained. Milford Sound’s natural environment remains a priority, and cruise lines generally follow strict waste management and eco-friendly guidelines to preserve these delicate ecosystems.

Could this lead to legal action or liability issues?

No lawsuits or formal complaints were announced at the time of reporting. Typically, liability in unexpected weather incidents depends on whether the operator followed established safety protocols. Princess Cruises has stated that all protocols were adhered to throughout the voyage.

How does this affect future tourism and cruising in the region?

Most experts believe this was a rare event rather than a trend. Cruise itineraries often remain popular in scenic areas like Fiordland, and the industry’s focus on safety and preparedness helps maintain traveler confidence.