Experiencing the April Nor'Easter at Sea

My experience of the April Nor'Easter was a bit different from those on land. It was experienced at sea.

My husband and I, and my husband's parents were on an 8-day Caribbean cruise on the Queen Mary 2 from New York to New York. The weather was not very good as we headed down south on the two-day trip to the Caribbean. Once we arrived at our destinations, the weather was fine. However, as the Nor'Easter brewed up north in New Jersey, New York and further north on Sunday, April 15th, we started to head up to New York on our return trip. By Monday morning, April 16th, we were off the coast of the Bahamas, and it was so windy on the decks, that salt spray was finding its way to the top sunning decks (12 and 13 deck). The promenade deck on 7 deck, was awash in spray on one side of the ship. We were hundreds of miles from the storm, and were already feeling the effects.

At noon, the Commodore of the Queen Mary announced that he had altered course to allow us to go around the storm, rather than through it. However, he still expected it to be quite rough as day went into night, and we tracked further north toward Georgia and the Carolinas. By the afternoon, you could no longer go out on the open decks. Our cabin was in the higher part of the ship (11 deck), and by the time we prepared for our last formal evening at 6:00 p.m. that evening, we could hardly stand. Picture me in high heel dress sandles and formal wear, trying to keep my balance as we walked to dinner.

The main dining room was on a lower deck, and we were seated in the center of the restaurant. It was not too bad sitting, but as soon as you stood up, it was a challenge to keep your balance. By 10:00 p.m. that evening, we headed into what appeared to be the worst of the storm. Passing windows on 2 deck, the water was washing right past the windows to the amazement of the guests. Imagine that we were seeing and feeling this on one of the largest ocean liners in the world.

It was a short night. Although there was a masquerade ball, you couldn't think of dancing. My husband and I retired early wondering if we would ever sleep. He was nauseous, and needed to take Phenergan. I put on accupressure wrist bands to try to get through the night. I slept sitting up in bed, as it was the best position being the ship was bouncing forward and aft. Trying to sleep on my side was disorienting. I did fall asleep and get through the night. My husband woke up at 3:00 a.m. to feelings that the ship suddenly stopped and then went backwards! Obviously, it was hitting high waves and the sensation was of stopping and being pushed back.

We woke up to the same rocking and rolling. At this point, we were aware by the on-board TV that we were encountering 20 foot+ waves. The sea was broiling and it was raining. We were now by the Carolina's. The roughness lasted until mid-afternoon, when it slowly started to ease off. We were by this time near the Delmarva peninsula. At noon that day, the Commodore announced that we would be traveling into better weather, and that we had weathered 22 foot waves during the past night. He stated that if we had not altered course and taken the original route back to New York, it would have been far worse.

Considering the movement of the ship, and the fact that many people not feeling well, I think this ship handled the weather very well. We went through a Force 10 storm (over 80 mph winds) and were still able to eat, and take part in most of the activities.

Going through such a storm gave me new appreciation for those who make a living at sea. The sea is beautiful and peaceful when it is calm. When there's a storm at sea, the sea is ominous looking and it can be frightening and dangerous.

I don't want to put anyone off cruising because it is a beautiful way to vacation. These types of storms are rare. Out of 18 cruises we have taken this was about the worst we experienced.