It was a scary night at sea for passengers on board a Royal Caribbean cruise ship after it was caught in a winter storm in the Atlantic off the Carolina coast.
Passengers on the 5,000 passenger Anthem of the Seas posted pictures and video to social media throughout the night as the ship endured heavy seas and reported wind gusts of more than 100 mph.
Leanna Petrone sent out several videos and pictures on her Twitter account of some of the damage, which included broken vases and scattered furniture.
Residents reported being told to remain in their staterooms for several hours during the worst of the weather.
No serious injuries were reported, Royal Caribbean officials said.
The Anthem of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest ship.
It left Cape Liberty, New Jersey, on Saturday, and was scheduled to stop in Port Canaveral on Monday before heading to the Bahamas and then back to New Jersey on Saturday.
Royal Caribbean Corp. on Twitter, however, said the ship will travel back to New Jersey.
#AnthemoftheSeas will turn around & sail back to Cape Liberty. This decision was made for guests' comfort due to weather forecasts.
— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) February 8, 2016
The forecast would likely have impacted #AnthemoftheSeas original itinerary. We're also sensitive to what guests have already been through.
— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) February 8, 2016
#AnthemoftheSeas guests will receive a full refund & a future cruise certificate for 50% of the cruise fare paid.
— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) February 8, 2016
We appreciate our guests’ patience and cooperation. We know it was tough day on Sunday apologize for their discomfort. #AnthemoftheSeas
— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) February 8, 2016
The winter storm is moving its way north and could bring one foot of snow to the New England area.
Royal Caribbean International sent out the following statement Monday morning:
On Sunday, February 7, while sailing to Port Canaveral, Florida, Anthem of the Seas experienced extreme wind and sea conditions, with wind speeds higher than what was forecasted. In an abundance of caution, the Captain asked all guests to stay in their stateroom until the weather improved. At this time there have not been any serious injuries reported. The ship has sustained some damage to the public areas and guest staterooms, which in no way affect the sea-worthiness of the ship.
Royal Caribbean is giving a full refund to cruise passengers -- and 50 percent off a future trip.
Brevard County couple won't get to see their son
A Brevard County couple will not be seeing their loved ones now that the Anthem of the Seas is headed back to its original port in New Jersey.
Linda and Bob Timko, of Cocoa, got word from their son the cruise ship was turning around and not coming to Port Canaveral.
The trip is postponed, and now they won't see their son or their daughter-in-law, who were cruising down to the Bahamas with a quick itinerary stop in Port Canaveral.
"He leaves for Qatar this coming Monday for two months, so they were really looking forward to this vacation," Bob Timko said.
"At least they are safe, and it's probably best that they (turn around)," Linda Timko said.
More of the damage on the Anthem of the Seas. (@flatgreg via Twitter)