Terrifying footage filmed by a passenger has revealed what it was like to be onboard the Spirit of Discovery cruise ship during the storm that killed one person.

Last November, the cruise ship was rocked by a violent storm while passing through the Bay of Biscay en-route back to the UK, being battered by force 11 winds and waves as high as 30ft.

The cruiseliner was battered by a storm last November (Horacio Villalobos/Corbis via Getty Images)

What happened onboard the Spirit of Discovery cruise last November?

An interim report has now been released regarding the incident, confirming that over 100 people where injured during the storm. Eight of these passengers were taken to hospital upon the ship's arrival back in Portsmouth two days later, and one unnamed person later passed away from their injuries.

The report - which is being conducted by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) with support from the cruise ship's parent company Saga - found the ship lost 'propulsion' at around 12:30 GMT on 4 November, which caused it to sway 'violently'.

"The propulsion issues, storm force conditions, and vessel motions continued until the following morning when Spirit of Discovery was able to continue its passage," the report read.

Passengers recalled 'holding on for dear life' during the storm (Richard Reynolds)

"During this period, over 100 passengers were injured. Eight of the seriously injured passengers were taken directly to hospital on arrival at Portsmouth, England, one of whom later died from their injuries."

Various accounts from passengers onboard began to circulate during and after the incident, with images and videos showing the ship in a state of disarray due to smashed glass and upturned tables.

In a terrifying clip captured by passenger Alan Grisedale, you can see some of the huge waves battering the ship's exterior. Grisedale added to the BBC that he had been filming the situation when his wife was knocked over by the movement.

A crew member can be heard saying 'Code Alpha' over the speaker system, which is a term for a medical emergency onboard a cruise ship.

Meanwhile another terrified passenger recalled being told to 'remain seated or lie down' as the swayed violently.

"It was quite frightening," she continued. "I'm not somebody who frightens easily... it was quite dramatic," 75-year-old Jan Bendall said.

"We were lucky - we're quite able-bodied, but I think some of the older people and people in their own cabins were quite worried."

A spokesperson for Saga has since shared condolences with the family of the deceased passenger in a statement, adding that everyone onboard was offered a full refund.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with the family of our guest who died following the storm in the Bay of Biscay last year. We are continuing to work with the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, supporting their investigation," they said.

Global cruise ship company Royal Caribbean has lifted the lid on its exclusive $250 million (£192 million) private island in the middle of the Bahamas.

One of the largest cruise ship operators in the world alongside Carnival, Royal Caribbean owns the seven largest cruise ships on the planet including the number one, Icon of the Seas, which has room for a staggering 7,600 passengers.

With so many people, and weighing a whopping 248,663 tonnes, it is an engineering marvel that the thing doesn't sink. There is some clever science behind why it doesn't, though.

Launching earlier this year, it is the most exclusive offering Royal Caribbean provides at open sea.

Royal Caribbean's CocoCay island (Royal Caribbean)

And one stunning location the ship visits adds to the exclusivity, with it being none other than the cruise line's own private island it bought for just shy of £200 million.

CocoCay island, also known as Little Stirrup Cay, is one of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas, around 55 miles north of Nassau.

Taking over the island back in 1988 with a 100-year lease, Royal Caribbean put hundreds of millions into the location back in 2019 as it completely overhauled it, officially renaming it Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Despite only cruise ship passengers being allowed to step foot on the island, Royal Caribbean has allowed TV cameras to step on shore as part of Channel 4's documentary special, Billion Pound Cruise.

The island with a RC ship docked (Royal Caribbean)

And one of the first revelations about the island is that it is completely uninhabited. It means that staff from the cruise ship must disembark and fully staff the five dining areas - plus other amenities - while also supplying their own food and drink for the island.

Staff go first followed by 60 tonnes of food and drink, the documentary reveals. It is only after this is complete that passengers can go and explore the 125-acre island.

The most eye-catching attraction on the island has to be the 120-foot water slide called Daredevil's Peak - the tallest water slide in North America - which stands out above the tree line in a multi-coloured tower.

There is also a wave pool within the island's own water park. And if you want something a little bit more relaxing, you can head to a number of beaches on the island where there are sun beds, swim-up bars, and hammocks to relax in the sun or shade.

One of CocoCay island's beaches (Royal Caribbean)

As well as Daredevil's Peak, the only other object to break the skyline is the island's very own helium balloon - dubbed Up, Up and Away - which takes holiday-goers 450 feet up in to the sky to enjoy the view.

And for the thrill-seekers, the island has a zip line taking you 1,600 feet across the tiny plot of land in the middle of the ocean.

CocoCay island is near another private island owned by another cruise company (Royal Caribbean)

A lot of the services are free, such as the Splashaway Bay waterpark and beach areas, which is a welcome bonus for people trying to keep excursion costs down.

The Snack Shack, Skipper's Grill, and Chill Grill - which has American classics such as hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches - are also included in the package you've paid to travel with Royal Caribbean in the first place.

A brand new $1.25 billion cruise ship is preparing to set sail with a first of its kind enormous swing dangling passengers over the open water.

The terrifying experience, that's perfect for thrill seekers, will be part of MSC Cruises' new vessel, the MSC World America.

Cruise ships can be scary enough as it is - yes, we're looking at you Drake Passage - but it seems those in charge are keen to keep the thrills alive in every roll of the dice.

Dubbed 'Cliffhanger', the design was unveiled in Switzerland on Tuesday (9 April) and advertised as the 'only over-water swing ride at sea'.

Cliffhanger will sit right at the top of the MSC World America's top deck.

And with just four seats on the experience, it'll be a rather exclusive experience should you want to dangle yourself over the edge of the boat.

"Cliffhanger’s four seats start off close to the deck before powered arms lift them into the starting position - up and out over the edge of the ship," MSC says.

"From there, riders are propelled back and forth, high above the waterline and dangling 50m above the ocean below. The one-of-a-kind, edge-of-your-seat thrill ride will have guests feeling the wind in their hair as their view oscillates between the water below and the sky above."

The over the ocean swing coming to MSC's latest cruise ship. (MSC)

The MSC World America will hit the open waters on 9 April, 2025.

Running through the core of the ship will be the World Promenade; a walkway complete with LED light shows, restaurants and bars.

In total, the cruise ship will boast more than 30 bars, lounges and dining venues.

And as well as the over-water swing, there will be a 'MSC SportPlex' - which includes bumper cars - and rollerskating arena.

Have a go... if you dare. (MSC)

When crafting the ship, MSC says it is 'carefully designed to help reduce her impact on the environment' with a focus on lower-emission fuels and using renewable sources.

The company adds: "Shore power connectivity, where available, reduces emissions by allowing the ship’s engines to be switched off in port. Smart technology is used throughout the ship to ensure guests can travel in comfort while keeping energy and water use low.

An existing MSC Cruises ship. (Anthony Devlin/Getty Images for MSC Cruises)

"A robust onboard recycling program minimises waste, and even the propellers are designed to reduce noise and avoid disturbing marine life."

A trip on the brand new cruise ship isn't cheap, with a 14 night cruise of the Caribbean costing at least £1,939 per person for the basic packages.

It'll depart from and return to Miami on the USA's east coast.

A cruise ship expert has revealed the items you should avoid packing if you're planning to set sail anytime soon.

You may be looking at cruises as a possible option this holiday season, but there are a number of things you should consider when you start packing.

They could be a fire hazard, an allergy risk, or they could simply be illegal, so to avoid breaking any laws, you may want to double check before your bag leaves the house and goes through the scanner.

In case websites were being too vague though, or if you aren't sure if you can pack a certain item, product director at Riviera Travel, Will Sarson, has weighed in on the subject and highlighted the five items you should not bring on your cruise travels across the world.

There are five items you should be aware of while packing. (Getty Stock Photo)

Will said: "When packing for a cruise holiday, it's important to do your research to understand the list of prohibited items.

"This can help better planning while packing and help avoid disappointment when items are confiscated."

So, here are the items you should be wary of.

Alcohol

There is alcohol on board a lot of cruise ships, so you can get your cocktail fix while at sea - just make sure you don't bring a ton of bottles.

Will explained: "While alcohol is not strictly banned from cruise ships, most companies have a range of restrictions in place to avoid travellers bringing large quantities along for the trip."

It turns out that guests are limited to just one bottle of wine or champagne with potential corkage fees to drink in public.

"With so much alcohol available on board, we recommend leaving the bottles at home to avoid further costs and instead making use of the available liquor found throughout the ship and at varying ports across the world," he stated.

You can probably get your alcohol fix onboard. (Getty Stock Photo)

An iron/steamer

This is a huge safety risk while you're at sea given that it's a fire hazard, but it seems to go over a lot of holidaymakers' heads.

Will compares them to extension leads in that most cruise liners prohibit you from bringing these aboard.

"This is an item that constantly catches people out, with travellers forced to part ways with their iron or steamer," he explained.

"To avoid disappointment, it's best to leave these items at home. Many ocean and river cruises have irons or steamers onboard that can be borrowed by guests during their stay."

Candles or incense

Once again, these are an obvious fire hazard, with the naked flame or ash created already risky enough for many cruise companies.

Will acknowledged that they can be relaxing and good at 'setting the mood', but but labelled them as 'incredibly dangerous', with cruise staff certain to confiscate these items.

He highlighted: "Similarly, incense products fall under the same category. Like the rest of the items on this list, leave the candles and incense behind!"

If it can get hot, you should probably leave it behind. (Getty Stock Photo)

CBD Oils

"CBD oil is a popular wellness product that provides relief for physical pain and mental health disorders," Will explained. "But it's not allowed on cruises due to its varying legality around the world.

"While the product is legal for sale and tender throughout the UK, this is not the case in certain cruise ship stop-off destinations. As a result, the substance is not allowed onboard the ship," he revealed.

It is legal in a number of European countries such as the UK, Spain and Italy, and the North American countries of the US and Mexico, but the majority of the world still haven't legalised the product.

Every country has different laws and requirements for a prescription over the THC content.

Pets

Hopefully you weren't planning on bringing your furry friends on board, 'cause they're a big no-no.

"While this one should go without saying, you'd be surprised at how many people try to gain access to their cruise alongside pets," the product director said.

"Domestic animals are not allowed on cruises due to the allergy risk and general health and safety aspects that come with allowing cats or dogs on board."

The allowance here is that guide dogs are permitted as they provide medical assistance, but if not, it's time to call your nearest pet hotel or kennel.