For some thrill seekers, the idea of cruising through rough seas can be intriguing.
If you enjoy roller coasters, you might think sailing through turbulent sea conditions sounds exhilarating.
Related: Royal Caribbean passenger shares vital warning for all cruisers
But what do the cruise passengers who have actually experienced it say?
While some people may turn to YouTube videos to get an idea of what it looks like on a ship rocked by intense waves, others turn to Reddit discussions for details on how it feels for passengers on board.
“I have a curiosity to be on a cruise ship going through some rough seas, no need for anything extreme or life threatening, just enough to feel like in a theme park ride,” Reddit user Josysclei recently explained in the Cruise community. “For anyone who has experienced choppy waters, can it be a fun experience or is it just a nuisance?”
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Inclement weather isn’t something most people hope to experience on a cruise.
Image source: Dennis Post/Come Cruise With Me
Cruisers explain why roller coasters beat rough seas
In the thread, a number of cruisers who have sailed on cruise ships in heavy sea conditions shared some compelling reasons why it’s better to stick with theme park rides.
“The thing is, rough seas aren’t something you can just turn off. A ship isn’t a ride where you can ask to get off. It might seem cool for a bit, and then you just want it to stop,” croc-roc pointed out. “Even if you don’t get seasick, rough seas will affect a lot more. Even on the largest ships there will be loud creaking and banging and all of the fun stuff is going to be put on hold.”
In rough seas, most everything that makes cruising fun usually shuts down.
“It’s not fun. In rough seas, outdoor areas are generally closed off, pools drained, and so on,” HaoieZ wrote. “And God help you if anyone in your party has motion sickness.”
Related: Here’s how Celebrity Cruises deals with rough seas
“Not fun at all,” anc6 agreed. “We hit rough seas going to Bermuda and the ship was completely dead for a day. Everyone was stuck in their rooms. The noise was the worst part though. We couldn’t even sleep through it because everything in our cabin was shaking and banging super loud.”
From being stuck in your cabin as the ship groans and shakes to dealing with seasickness, there are plenty of reasons why you’ll want the ride to stop.
“If you enjoy theme parks, stick with theme parks. Far safer and enjoyable way to enjoy a thrill,” angemonandtk advised. “Unless throwing up and watching everyone around you throw up is enjoyable to you.”
Viral video of cruise ship battling 40-foot waves proves point
Adventurous travelers who are set on experiencing the wildest ride they can experience on a cruise ship typically seek out cruises that traverse through the Drake Passage, a notorious waterway that polar expedition ships cross on the way to Antarctica.
Intense weather and powerful ocean forces influence this enormous body of water that connects the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern oceans, sometimes resulting in unpredictable waves of 40 feet or higher.
A viral video of a recent Quark Expeditions cruise through the Drake Passage shows just how wild the ride can be.
“The best way I can describe it is being on a roller coaster for 48 hours straight,” travel creator and Quark Expeditions passenger Lesley Murphy told Good Morning America. “To some people that’s exhilarating and for others, I think it could be just kind of hell on Earth.”
Lesley noted that the way the gigantic waves slammed against the glass at the bow of the ship was worrisome, but she had full faith in the expedition ship built to navigate those waters and its capable captain.
“Kudos to the captain,” she said. “It was a ride and a roller coaster of a lifetime.”