Carnival Panorama encountered a sudden storm in the Gulf of California on Wednesday evening, causing the ship to tilt unexpectedly during its current 8-night Mexican Riviera sailing.
The incident occurred around 8:15 p.m. PDT on August 20 as the ship was sailing between Mazatlán and La Paz. Passengers onboard reported a sharp list lasting roughly 30 seconds, just as the second dinner seating was beginning.
In a statement to Cruise Radio, a Carnival spokesperson confirmed the ship was hit by “heavy wind and rain, leading to the ship listing.”
The captain responded quickly, steering the ship to calmer seas.
Minor Damage and Medical Response
While the list was brief, it resulted in minor onboard damage. According to Carnival, “along with some broken glass, water entered the main lobby and some elevator banks, rendering some elevators inoperable.”
Photos and videos shared by guests show broken glass in dining venues, tipped displays in onboard shops, and water leaks in some public areas. The ship’s pools and spas were also partially drained due to the angle of the tilt.
A scheduled show performance was halted mid-act as a safety precaution.
The cruise line reported that nine guests were treated at the medical center, though no serious injuries occurred. “All are stable, but two guests will be referred to the hospital for additional evaluation when the ship arrives in La Paz,” Carnival said.
Cruise Continues as Planned
Carnival Panorama is continuing its itinerary without delay. The ship visited La Paz on Thursday, August 21, and is scheduled to call in Cabo San Lucas on Friday before returning to Long Beach on Sunday, August 24.
Most of the ship’s elevators have been restored, with a few still under repair. All other ship systems and services are operating normally.
Carnival Panorama sails year-round from Long Beach, offering 6- and 8-night Mexican Riviera cruises. The vessel is scheduled to remain on the West Coast at least through April 2027.
Why do cruise ships list?
Cruise ships can list, or tilt to one side, for several reasons, most commonly due to sudden shifts in wind or rough sea conditions that impact the vessel’s stability.
High wind gusts striking the broad sides of a ship, abrupt course corrections, or rapid wave movement can cause temporary imbalance.
While such movements may feel dramatic to those onboard, modern cruise ships are designed with wide beams, deep stabilizers, and ballast systems to recover quickly and safely.
Even during unexpected weather events, trained bridge officers and crew act swiftly to adjust course and restore equilibrium, minimizing risk to passengers and the ship itself.
