Alisha and Nate Downey had a harrowing experience on a Royal Caribbean cruise, which was meant to be a romantic getaway to Mexico but turned into a nightmare due to two intense thunderstorms. The ship faced rough waters, causing the pool to slosh, glassware to fall off shelves, and slot machines to topple over. The cruise had to skip a stop in Costa Maya due to safety concerns and headed straight to Cozumel before returning to the US. Alisha and Nate’s room began to flood, causing them to seek shelter on the main deck with other scared passengers.
The social media post by Alisha detailing their ordeal garnered millions of views, with some sympathizing while others criticized the couple for taking the risk of cruising during stormy weather. Alisha responded to the backlash by clarifying that they did not demand a refund, only a small credit or voucher for another cruise. Despite the traumatic experience, Royal Caribbean only offered a 20% discount on their next voyage. This incident highlighted the dangers of cruising during stormy seasons and the risks involved in sea travel.
In contrast to Alisha and Nate’s negative experience, others have embraced life on cruises with enthusiasm. Influencers globally have joined the Ultimate World Cruise, a nine-month Royal Caribbean cruise launched in December. Monica Brzoska and Jorell Conley even quit their jobs and sold their possessions to live permanently on a cruise ship. Monica enjoys the luxury of not having to cook or clean, living a carefree life on the cruise ship. This demonstrates the diverse experiences people have with cruising, from disastrous incidents like Alisha and Nate’s to the dedicated sea lovers who choose a maritime lifestyle.
The intense impact of the troubled waters caused the ship’s built-in pool to violently slosh, sent glassware and liquor bottles flying off shelves in the bar and dining areas, and made casino slot machines fall on top of passengers. Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the incident. Alisha and Nate’s room began to take on water, prompting them to seek refuge on the main deck with other frightened passengers. The situation was chaotic, with broken glass and scared individuals everywhere.
Despite facing criticism online for their decision to take a cruise during stormy weather, Alisha clarified that they did not demand a refund but rather a small credit for a future cruise. She explained that their cruise was not during hurricane season and that they experienced unexpected challenges such as flooding rooms and closed bars. Royal Caribbean offered a 20% discount on a future cruise as compensation for the ordeal. While Alisha and Nate may not be eager to embark on another cruise soon, others like the influencers and newlyweds who embrace a permanent cruise lifestyle continue to enjoy the oceanic adventures.
The incident on the Royal Caribbean cruise highlighted the dangers of traveling by sea during stormy weather and the potential risks involved in cruising. Alisha and Nate’s experience, although harrowing, resonated with many online viewers who sympathized with the couple’s ordeal. The contrasting lifestyle choices of those who choose to live on cruise ships permanently, like Monica Brzoska and Jorell Conley, demonstrate the diversity of experiences that people have with sea travel. While some may be deterred by negative incidents like Alisha and Nate’s cruise, others find joy and contentment in a life at sea.
