Allie Hubers Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas were caught off guard when the ship suddenly listed after hitting a rough wave during its September 20 sailing from Baltimore to Bermuda.
Viral TikTok videos posted by passenger Evan (@evanddddddddddd) show the chaos inside the Windjammer buffet as the ship rocked. The first TikTok video has garnered over 5 million views, 224k likes, and more than 2k comments.
Dozens of plates and glasses can be seen flying across the counters and crashing to the floor. The tile is covered in broken glass, bowls, and food in the aftermath. Crew members can be seen scrambling to secure stacks of dishes and push carts out of the way, while startled passengers look on.
Vision of the Seas was sailing on a 5-night Bermuda cruise from Baltimore, Maryland, when the scary incident occurred.
In follow-up clips, TikTok user Evan noted that “a few elderly people fell from the rocking and some kids were scared but nobody was injured.”
The bar area was described as “the worst, with glass and liquor everywhere.” Due to hazards, the TikTok user said staff did not allow passengers to help with the cleanup, instead blocking off the area until the ship stabilized.
“The staff had everything cleaned up and reopened all the food within 20 minutes,” states the TikTok user during the follow-up video. The user added, “It’s rare, but this happens. The staff are trained and experienced. They are more worried about safety rather than the mess.”
Another passenger, @0conic, commented on the video, “I was in the Centrum when this happened! So scary.”
One of her clips, shared on September 20, 2025, referenced the first day of the voyage, confirming the sailing date of the Bermuda itinerary from Baltimore.
Though unsettling, such incidents are rare but not unprecedented. Cruise ships can tilt suddenly, or “list,” when struck by swells or shifting seas. Modern stabilizers help minimize the effect, but items not secured, like plates and glassware, can still go flying.
Thanks to the quick response of Royal Caribbean’s crew, the buffet was cleared and reopened quickly, and the ship continued on its Bermuda voyage without major disruption.
The Atlantic has been active with Hurricane Gabrielle, which has generated rough surf and raised rip-current risks along parts of the East Coast north of North Carolina.
Earlier in the season, Hurricane Erin, while staying offshore, caused dangerous surf, strong currents, and high waves along the Eastern Seaboard, prompting beach closures and rescues.
More about Vision of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas is one of the oldest ships in the cruise line’s fleet, having entered service in 1998 as the first of the Vision Class.
At just over 78,000 gross tons and carrying around 2,000 passengers, the ship is considered small by modern standards but is known for its classic design and more intimate atmosphere.
Vision of the Seas sails a variety of itineraries, often focused on Bermuda, the Caribbean, and short seasonal routes, offering a traditional cruising experience with features like a multi-deck Centrum atrium, main theater, multiple dining venues, and an adults-only Solarium.
