Holidaymakers took to social media to post videos and pictures as their ship, MS Anthem of the Seas, passed through a hurricane-force storm off the coast of South Carolina.
Passengers were told to stay in their rooms as the Royal Caribbean cruiser, bound for Port Canaveral, rocked from side to side.
Jacob Ibrag described the carnage on Twitter.
"Hungry, tired and seeking prayer from all of you tonight," he wrote. "The #anthemoftheseas has been rocking with no end in sight.
"Don't think I’ve ever missed land this much. In other news, wish I took those swimming lessons.
"Mother nature decided to take us all for a ride. Just wonder if this storm system could've been avoided."
This was the scene at the ship's bar and outdoor-seating areas:
This image made available from Flavio Cadegiani shows damage to the ship. Source: AP
A spokesman from Royal Caribbean, which operates the ship, told CBS News the captain asked all guests to stay in their staterooms until the weather improved.
Passenger Leanna Petrone posted the following Instagram pictures:
