Mooring lines on Celebrity Equinox failed during embarkation in Buenos Aires on December 20, 2025, causing the ship to drift away from the pier in high winds. The ship struck a refueling vessel and the gangway dropped into the water, forcing a temporary halt to boarding.
According to multiple passenger accounts, the forward mooring lines snapped while the ship was docked, allowing the bow to swing outward.
As the vessel shifted position, it made contact with a nearby refueling boat. Photos shared by passengers show what appears to be a large scratch across the hull.
No significant structural damage has been reported, although passengers were worried about potential damage to the ship.
Footage of the incident was shared on Reddit in the video below:
During the incident, the gangway connecting the terminal to the ship fell into the water, prompting an immediate stop to embarkation. Passengers waiting in the terminal reported being turned back or instructed to wait while port authorities and crew assessed the situation.
Guests onboard described hearing multiple alerts over the ship’s public address system before feeling the ship move sideways along the dock. Tugboats were later dispatched to help stabilize and reposition the vessel.
In an announcement to guests, the ship’s captain apologized for the delay and confirmed that several mooring lines had broken due to weather conditions. He said boarding would resume once the ship was fully secured and a replacement gangway was safely installed.
One passenger on the Facebook page posted:
“Captain has just announced apologies for delay as some mooring ropes broke away. Boarding is about to recommence and he will make an announcement later regarding a revised departure time. I’m by the embarkation door and at the moment there still isn’t a gang plank up to it.”
No injuries were reported among passengers, crew, or port workers. Embarkation reportedly resumed within a few hours, though long lines and delays were reported throughout the terminal.
Passenger photos and firsthand accounts were shared in the ship’s private Facebook sailing group, while additional discussion appeared on Reddit. Guests posted images of the hull contact and confirmed that the ship struck a refueling vessel after drifting away from the pier.
Current itinerary of Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity Equinox is currently sailing a 14-day round-trip Patagonia itinerary themed for New Year’s, departing from Buenos Aires on December 20, 2025, and returning on January 3, 2026.
According to guests onboard, Celebrity Equinox will remain in Buenos Aires, Argentina overnight on December 20, 2025 and depart for Montevideo, Uruguay on December 21, 2025.
The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Montevideo at 10pm on Sunday, December 21, 2025 and depart on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 5pm. Originally, Celebrity Equinox was scheduled to dock in Montevideo at 8:00am on December 21, 2025.
Celebrity Equinox’s itinerary includes the following stops:
- December 20 (Now December 20-21): Depart Buenos Aires, Argentina
- December 21 (Now December 21-22): Montevideo, Uruguay
- December 24: Port Stanley, Falkland Islands
- December 26: Scenic cruising Cape Horn
- December 27: Ushuaia, Argentina
- December 29: Punta Arenas, Chile
- December 31: Puerto Madryn, Argentina
- January 2: Punta del Este, Uruguay
- January 3: Arrive Buenos Aires, Argentina
High winds are not uncommon in the Buenos Aires port area, particularly during summer weather systems. Cruise ships occasionally require tug assistance during docking and departure under such conditions.
This isn’t the first time a Celebrity cruise ship has broken loose from its moorings. In June 2025, Celebrity Edge’s lines snapped during a sudden wind squall while docked in Juneau, Alaska. This caused the ship to drift out into Gastineau Channel before the captain was able to maneuver it back to the pier and resume the itinerary without injuries or damage.
About Celebrity Equinox
Celebrity Equinox is a Solstice Class cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises. The ship entered service in 2009 and carries just over 2,800 passengers at double occupancy, with a design that emphasizes modern interiors, expansive outdoor spaces, and upscale dining.
Celebrity Equinox is known for signature Solstice Class features such as the Lawn Club with real grass, multiple specialty restaurants, and a high percentage of balcony staterooms.
Measuring approximately 1,041 feet long and weighing 121,878 gross tons, Celebrity Equinox is considered a mid-sized cruise ship, offering a balance between large-ship amenities and a more relaxed onboard atmosphere.
Seasonally, Celebrity Equinox is deployed in South America during the Southern Hemisphere summer, sailing longer, port-intensive itineraries from Buenos Aires. During this period, the ship operates Patagonia voyages and select Antarctica sailings, giving passengers the opportunity to visit some of the southernmost cruise destinations before the ship transitions to other regions later in the year.
Candid Cruise & Travel will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.
That’s my picture!!! Where are the credits??? 😕😵💫😕😵💫🫣
Just gave you credit!
They announced that we aren’t leaving BA until tomorrow. All excursions are canceled. They have offered no compensation so far for missing a day of cruising.
Oh no! Hopefully there will be some compensation!