ShipRocked cruise collides with Pier mid high winds

Due to weather conditions, the 2024 edition of the ShipRocked cruise voyage has ultimately changed its itinerary. Yesterday (6th), The Carnival Magic Ship took a hit when docking in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The ship wasn’t intended to make its first stop in Ocho Rios on Tuesday. However, the itinerary changed for everyone on board’s safety due to high winds and weather conditions.

Despite making changes, the incident occurred when strong winds drove the vessel into the dock, causing damage.

A number of guests were exploring Ochos Rios at the time when the ship had to relocate temporarily from the damaged dock. However, according to Metal Insider’s Sean Matthews, a passenger on ShipRocked and documenting the experience, all parties eventually made it back on the ship, with all promised amenities included on the voyage, including bands performing back on schedule.

The ship’s master, Captain La Farina initially issued the following statement:

“Earlier, due to strong winds, the ship made contact with the pier, impacting a small area of the vessel. These wind conditions are making it unsafe for us to remain docked. So, for safety reasons, it was necessary for us to sail out to sea.

We are now in contact with our local partners and our Fleet Operations Center and are working through plans to get our guests who are ashore back on board as soon as possible.”

Carnival later shared:

“Carnival Magic was involved in an incident while in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on Tuesday morning, Feb. 6 when strong winds and swells caused the pier fender to collapse under pressure, and the ship made contact with the pier. The ship was alongside at 8:10 a.m. and the incident occurred at 11:00 a.m. There were no injuries, and all the ship’s services remained operational.

The ship left the area for the safety of everyone on board and later docked at another nearby pier so that guests who went ashore Tuesday morning could rejoin the ship,” the statement continued. “

It is important to note that those ashore at the time were taken care of by the Carnival team and shore excursion partners, following their emergency policies to ensure the safety of all passengers on and off the ship. Due to the weather conditions, the itinerary for 2024’s ShipRocked has further changed, with Carnival Magic remaining in Ocho Rios on Tuesday Night and canceling its visit to Grand Cayman, set for today (7th). Carnival Magic is due back in Miami on Saturday morning.

Unfortunately, impending weather conditions can factor into cruise events. The sold-out 2024 ShipRocked edition featured headlining performances by I Prevail, Killswitch Engage, Beartooth, Highly Suspect, and Badflower.

Dates for the 2025 voyage have already been revealed. Set for January 19-25, 2025, ShipRocked will commence from Miami with stops from Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands, and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas.

The @CarnivalCruise Magic hit the Pier in Ocho Rios, Jamaica today while trying to dock in the high winds. Pier has significant damage but no reports on how badly the Ship is damaged. Should hear later today estimates of how long that Pier will be down. Pics from a… pic.twitter.com/IdW8Y5DjAO

— James Van Fleet (@JamesVanFleet) February 6, 2024