Cruise Gone Wrong: 10 Real Horror Stories and How to Avoid Them

5. The Sinking of the MS Estonia: Weather and Structural Vulnerabilities

The MS Estonia tragedy in 1994 remains one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters, with 852 lives lost when the ferry sank in the Baltic Sea. The disaster was triggered by a combination of severe weather and structural vulnerabilities, as the ship's bow visor failed, allowing water to flood the car deck. This incident underscored the importance of vessel design and maintenance in ensuring passenger safety. In response, regulatory bodies have introduced stricter design and inspection standards to prevent similar disasters. Travelers can safeguard themselves by choosing cruise lines with a strong safety record and modern, well-maintained fleets that meet the latest safety standards.