What was meant to be a high-energy New Year celebration at sea took an unexpected turn aboard MSC Preziosa, when severe winds forced crew members to abruptly halt an outdoor performance and rush guests to safety.
The incident unfolded in the early hours of 2nd January 2026, as Brazilian DJ DJ Alok was performing a live set on the ship’s open decks.
MSC Preziosa, a 139,072-gross-ton Fantasia-class vessel, encountered rapidly worsening weather conditions while sailing back to Santos, São Paulo, following a four-night New Year cruise.
As gusts intensified, ship security stopped the show and instructed guests to leave the open decks and move indoors, in line with standard maritime safety procedures.
Guests Rushed Indoors as Conditions Deteriorated
Footage shared on social media by passenger and influencer Francisco Garcia shows guests and crew struggling against powerful winds as they hurried inside.
The situation appeared chaotic, with loose objects moving across the deck and security staff shouting instructions over the noise of the gusts.
“It was us running everywhere, and security getting the people out and yelling ‘let’s go, get down, get down, get down’ and things flying,” Garcia said while describing the moment.
Strong winds at sea can pose serious risks, particularly on open decks. Sudden gusts can slam doors, shift deck furniture and create wind tunnel effects that increase the risk of falls or injuries. In extreme cases, conditions can also raise concerns about passengers being swept off balance near railings.
Brief Tilt Sparks Passenger Alarm
Adding to the tension, some guests reported that MSC Preziosa briefly tilted as the ship was hit by the strongest gusts. For a number of passengers, the sensation was alarming.
“The vessel started to tilt… a woman passed by me, I said, ‘What is it woman? What is happening?’ She said ‘The vessel is capsizing,’” Garcia recalled.
While the moment was unsettling, modern cruise ships are designed with advanced stability systems and powerful stabilisers. A temporary list caused by wind or waves is not uncommon and does not mean a ship is in danger of tipping over.
The tilt reportedly lasted only a short time before the bridge team adjusted course and stabilised the vessel.
No Injuries as Crew Praised for Response
Despite the dramatic conditions, no injuries were reported. Aside from spilled drinks and a few items knocked over, there was no damage to the ship.
Once conditions improved, celebrations were able to resume and DJ Alok later continued his performance.
Many guests subsequently praised the crew for their calm and decisive handling of the situation, highlighting the effectiveness of the ship’s safety protocols.
Stormy Weather Near Brazilian Coast
At the time of the incident, MSC Preziosa was approaching Santos to disembark guests from the New Year sailing, which had embarked on 29th December 2025. The region was experiencing unstable weather, with forecasts calling for heavy thunderstorms.
Brazil’s Defesa Civil had issued warnings for the São Paulo state, advising of strong winds, lightning, heavy rain and the possibility of hail affecting coastal areas, including the Baixada Santista region near Santos.
While the conditions felt extreme to many onboard, experienced bridge teams continuously monitor weather data and are trained to manage sudden changes. In this case, MSC Preziosa arrived in Santos safely and on schedule.
The ship completed disembarkation without further incident and has since departed with a new set of guests for a short three-night cruise, bringing an eventful New Year voyage to a safe conclusion.
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