Violent Winter Storm Batters Cruise Ship

Passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship got an unexpected taste of life at sea on Sunday when their vessel ran into a savage winter storm off the coast of North Carolina, reports the Orlando Sentinel. The high winds and waves prompted the ship to order 4,000 passengers to remain in their cabins, and they've been posting dramatic videos and images on social media, reports ABC News. No injuries were reported, however, and the Anthem of the Seas was due to arrive at Florida's Cape Canaveral on Monday.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration registered gusts of 74mph—sustained winds at that level would qualify as a hurricane—and waves of 30 feet in the area, reports USA Today. That was much worse than forecast, and the rough ride lasted about 12 hours. Things are calmer off the Florida coast, though the Sentinel notes that a "gale-force wind warning" is in effect. Passengers might find the 25mph winds and 11-foot waves relatively peaceful. (More cruise ships stories.)