A cruise ship battered by a major storm in the Atlantic Ocean has returned to its US port.
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas docked at Bayonne’s Cape Liberty in New Jersey shortly after 9pm, its passengers cheering wildly.
It was escorted by two tugboats and a Coast Guard vessel.
“I could kiss the ground,” a woman cried as she rushed toward the cruise terminal, where passengers were being reunited with family members.
“Free at last,” shouted a man.
The ship was carrying 4500 passengers and 1600 crew members when it departed Saturday on a seven-day cruise to the Bahamas. But the 348m vessel sailed into a major winter storm on Sunday.
Powerful winds and waves as high as nine metres tossed the vessel around. Royal Caribbean says four passengers reported minor injuries and the ship sustained some damage to its public areas and staterooms.
Passengers will get a full refund and a certificate towards 50 per cent off a future cruise.
Image credit: iStock
