The cruise ship Crown Princess encountered unexpected strong winds while navigating through New Zealand’s Milford Sound, causing the vessel to list to one side. The sudden tilt led to a moment of chaos onboard, with loose items scattering, tables tipping over, and passengers and crew caught off guard. According to reports, thirteen passengers and three crew members suffered minor injuries due to the incident.

A passenger, Kerry Burchett, shared photos on social media showcasing the aftermath in public areas, particularly in retail shops and bars.
“Kaos after our little bit of a listing to starboard this morning while negotiating through the Milford Sounds on board the Crown Princess,” Burchett wrote, capturing the scene of disruption.

Behind-the-Scenes Impact in the Galleys
While guests in common areas witnessed disarray, the real chaos was in the ship’s galleys, where meal preparation was underway when the ship suddenly tilted. A crew member filmed the chaotic moment behind the scenes, revealing how kitchen supplies, food, and equipment tumbled from their places and on the floor further complicating the situation for the culinary staff.

Princess Cruises issued a statement addressing the incident:
“Crown Princess encountered strong winds during a course change, causing the ship to briefly tilt beyond its usual movement before stabilizing. Water from the Lido Deck pool flooded a dining area but was quickly cleaned up, and some of the shops and galleys had items coming off the shelves.”

The cruise line reassured passengers that the ship sustained no structural damage and continued its voyage as planned.

Milford Sound is known for its unpredictable weather, which can create challenging conditions for ships navigating its dramatic fjords. Sudden shifts in wind and waves can make maneuvering difficult, even for large vessels such as the Crown Princess. Despite the temporary chaos, the ship’s crew quickly worked to restore order.