Power outages on cruise ships occur more often than many holidaymakers expect, although experts stress there is usually no cause for alarm because modern vessels are equipped with robust safety systems.
The risks of a total blackout were highlighted by the infamous 2013 “poop cruise” incident, later documented in a Netflix series. The ship lost power, causing severe sanitation problems and widespread discomfort. While such extreme cases are rare, engine failures, electrical faults and minor fires can temporarily disable main systems, sometimes forcing ships to drift or change course.
Cruise expert Mark Barton, working with Avanti Travel Insurance, pointed to several high-profile cases in 2025 and early 2026.
Celebrity Cruises’ Constellation lost power for nearly three hours off the Italian coast in August due to a technical issue. Passengers were left without air conditioning, lighting, flushing toilets or hot meals as the vessel drifted at reduced speed.
In another incident, MSC World Europa suffered an electrical failure that disabled propulsion off Ponza, Italy, in late August. The ship, carrying more than 6,400 passengers and 2,000 crew, required coast guard assistance.
Celebrity Infinity also experienced power-related problems, including an incident in July and another in February 2026 that resulted in a cruise cancellation and the ship being towed to port in Piraeus, Greece.
“These incidents are more common than you realise, but there’s never any reason to panic,” Barton said.
A separate case involving MSC Orchestra in June 2025 saw a brief electrical fire in the engine room switchboard. The incident caused smoke and a power loss lasting several hours off Corsica, leading to itinerary suspension and cancellations.
The disruption affected passengers waiting to board as well. One Reddit user described being stranded in Genoa, Italy: “My boyfriend and I were supposed to board the ship today and last minute told us that the cruise is cancelled. We’re now stuck in Genoa Italy stranded with no plan for our vacation.”
Barton warned that passengers should never use candles during a power outage. “It might seem like the natural thing to do when plunged into darkness in your cabin, and when you’re unsure what has happened panic can make people reach for matches or lighters. Lighting candles on a vessel is extremely hazardous and can quickly become dangerous. Lit candles can easily tip over causing a fire which can spread out of control in record time due to vessel movement or limited space.”
He added that even slight movement can turn a small flame into a serious fire risk in confined spaces. Instead, passengers should use provided flashlights or wait for backup systems to activate.
Modern cruise ships are designed with independent emergency generators, typically located on upper decks with separate fuel supplies.
“If the main electrical power source is lost, the ship switches to emergency generators. These are typically located on the upper decks, have their own fuel supply and are completely independent. They provide emergency lighting, fire detection systems, elevators, and even enough power to restart the engines if necessary. They can also keep communication channels open via radio or email, so the ship can continue to communicate with shoreside,” Barton explained.
In most cases, power is restored quickly and voyages continue, although sometimes at reduced speed or with missed ports. In more serious situations, cruises may be cancelled and ships towed to a repair port.
Barton advised passengers to prepare carefully before travelling. “A well-planned trip is the key to ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones,” he said.
Passengers are encouraged to review their travel insurance policies. Cruise lines may offer refunds, future credits or reimbursements, but these vary and are not always guaranteed, particularly when disruptions are caused by uncontrollable factors.
Cruise travel insurance can provide additional protection, covering shortened trips, missed ports and emergencies such as medical repatriation, which can cost thousands of pounds.
As cruise ships grow larger and routes become more ambitious, understanding emergency procedures and following safety guidance remains essential for passengers.