The 10 Roughest Waters in the World for Cruise Ships

Cruising is synonymous with long peaceful seas, soft breezes, and endless relaxation, but not all waters play nice. Some regions have earned a reputation for their unpredictable waves, strong currents, and terrible stormy skies. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a landlubber wondering what life at sea is like, these treacherous waters will give you a new level of admiration for sea travel.

These waters are as impressive as they are terrifying; from legendary storms to areas that are famous for their wild waves. Read on to learn the 10 notoriously rough areas for cruise ships.

The Drake Passage

Famous for its tempestuous waters is the Drake Passage, which is situated between the southern tip of the continent and Antarctica. There are no continental land masses to obstruct the westward flow of wind and currents, this area has some of the roughest seas on the planet. Winds and waves can build to more than 30 feet, and the temperature is usually quite harsh. Nonetheless, the incredible reward of reaching Antarctica keeps cruise lines and their adventurous passengers coming back for more.

The Bay of Biscay

The Bay of Biscay, off the western coast of France and northern Spain, has a fearsome reputation amongst sailors. It serves as a meeting point for Atlantic storms and choppy winds. Together with shallow sea beds that exaggerate wave heights, the Bay of Biscay is a rollercoaster trip for even the sturdiest vessel.

The Tasman Sea

The Tasman Sea, often referred to as ‘The Ditch,’ lies between Australia and New Zealand. This body of water is far from a calm puddle and infamously boasts wild storms and huge towering swells. While passengers on cruise ships are frequently treated with jaw-dropping views of rugged coastlines, the journey is often more like riding a mechanical bull than floating in luxury. Crossing the Tasman is tricky, and even the most experienced captains take caution.

The North Atlantic Ocean

The North Atlantic is notorious for its massive swells and icy waters; and even more so during the winter. The tragic sinking of the Titanic made this ocean famous, and its legacy of danger continues. Modern technology now helps cruise ships steer past the worst storms, but the North Atlantic is still a tough route.

The Cape of Good Hope

The Cape of Good Hope, off South Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet over treacherous waters, is notorious. The seas have strong currents with sudden wind shifts, making them unpredictable and usually turbulent. It’s also an area where rogue waves (giant walls of water that appear from nowhere) are known to occur.

The Bering Sea

Settled between Alaska and Russia, the Bering Sea is a cold, rough stretch of water known for its fierce storms and freezing conditions. The journey is a daunting one even for experienced mariners, with giant swells, freezing temperatures and the occasional iceberg that contend with cruise ships.

The Norwegian Sea

The Norwegian Sea is part of the Arctic Ocean, and whilst the landscapes are beautiful, they come with rough seas and freezing winds. The weather here turns on a dime and even the most prepared vessels can be caught off guard. Cruise passengers might need to swap their cocktails for sea-sickness remedies.

The Southern Ocean

The Southern Ocean, encircling Antarctica, is simply the ultimate test for ships and their crews. This ocean is unforgivable as it is awe-inspiring: waves can be skyscraper high, and winds can seem set on shredding sail. While not a nice ride, cruise passengers willing to brave its waters are sometimes treated to breathtaking views of icebergs and wildlife.

The Caribbean Sea During Hurricane Season

The Caribbean is known for its calm, crystal clear water, but during hurricane season, it becomes a tempestuous zone. From June until November, tropical storms and hurricanes can churn up giant waves and winds, making it necessary for cruise ships to reroute or even cancel their itineraries altogether.

The Pacific Ocean Near Alaska

Alaska’s Pacific waters are breathtakingly beautiful but come with a side of turbulence. These waters are especially rough in the fall and winter because the winds are strong and the swells are icy. The bumpy journey is partly worth it however, with stunning glaciers and wildlife.