A Royal Caribbean cruise was thrown into a bit of disarray when a hallway aboard the ship flooded, sending some passengers off to new accommodations. The flooding happened mid-trip, when people were on the cruise and enjoying their voyage, raising some questions about the infrastructure of the ship and how the crew dealt with the situation.
Apparently, the flooding was brought about by a burst pipe affecting a part of the lower deck of the ship. Water started trickling into the hallway and cabins near the affected area, making it unsafe for passengers to stay around. The crew of the ship responded quickly by evacuating the guests who were affected and shifting them to other rooms. No one reported injuries from the flooding, though the inconvenience was immense to those whose vacations were affected.
Reports indicate that, for many of the passengers, it started off slowly, but really came crashing in within minutes. The passengers from the affected cabins stated that they noticed water in the hall before it seeped in through the door. According to passengers, it did not take long for this to become a flooding scenario: “The crew began knocking on doors and asking people to evacuate their rooms.”. Some were temporarily relocated from cabins to other cabins, but others were accommodated in whatever public space the ship had available.
Royal Caribbean staff reassured passengers that the situation was under control, and they worked diligently to clean up the affected areas. The cruise line provided affected guests with alternative arrangements, including complimentary meals, beverages, and other accommodations. For some, the relocation meant a downgrade in their cabins, but the company promised to address the matter and ensure their comfort for the rest of the trip.
While some applauded the prompt response of the company in shifting guests to alternative rooms, others criticized the experience, citing the interference caused by the flooding in their cruise experience. Most passengers reported the hassle of having to move from one room to another and the discomfort resulting from the flooding. Other issues were raised regarding the possible dirtiness and safety risks of the water in the public areas of the ship.
According to the statement released after the incident, Royal Caribbean has admitted that the flooding resulted from an unforeseen plumbing malfunction. The company assured its guests that it quickly rectified the situation and that all repairs required to avoid such situations again were carried out. At the same time, Royal Caribbean pointed out its efforts for the safety and comfort of the guests as it provided the affected passengers with compensation in terms of future cruise credits and partial refunds.
Despite the flooding incident, the Royal Caribbean cruise continues its journey with all affected areas being restored to normal. According to the company, it restated its commitment to maintaining the same high standards of service and safety that guests expect to enjoy on their cruises. For those who had been affected, the company promised to follow up personally with each guest to ensure satisfaction.