Biggest Wave to Hit a Cruise Ship The cruise ships MS Bremen and MS Caledonian Star, both with Bahamian registrations, were both struck by a rogue wave in the South Atlantic Ocean in 2001. A rogue wave that was around 100 feet tall struck both ocean liners.

Yes, cruise ships do encounter large waves, but they are engineered to be among the safest vessels on the ocean. Modern cruise ships are designed with reinforced hulls and massive stabilizers—wing-like fins that extend from the side of the ship to reduce rolling by up to 90%. While "rogue waves" (enormous walls of water over 100 feet) are a historical reality, they are extremely rare. In the event of a storm, the ship’s captain uses sophisticated satellite weather tracking to steer around the worst conditions. If a large wave does hit, the ship's high freeboard (the height above the waterline) and specialized drainage systems ensure the water is cleared quickly. Passengers might feel a sudden "shudder," but catastrophic damage is nearly non-existent in modern maritime history. To minimize discomfort, ships often alter their speed and heading to "take the waves" at an angle rather than head-on, ensuring a smoother ride for the thousands of guests on board.