
Revealed: What really happens when a cruise ship loses power
There was the infamous 'Poop Cruise' incident in 2013, in which a Carnival liner was stuck at sea, leaving thousands of passengers without electricity - and recently became the subject of a hit Netflix documentary.
More recently, the Celebrity Cruises Constellation lost power for several hours and was drifting along the coast of Italy.
The incident was described as a 'technical issue' by the Royal Caribbean Group, Celebrity Cruises' parent company.
But what exactly happens when a cruise ship loses power?
Depending on what caused the electricity to be cut off, it's likely that the ship's propulsion would be lost.
The ship would probably drift until power is regained, like in the Constellation's situation.
Air conditioning was also shut off in this instance, and it's possible lights would go out too.
More recently, the Celebrity Cruises Constellation lost power for several hours and was drifting along the coast of Italy
As was the case of the 'Poop Cruise', toilets could stop working too if they use electrical pumps, while fresh water may also not be accessible.
Perhaps a more extreme example, passengers on the 'Poop Cruise' had to put their faeces into red biohazard bags and leave them in the corridor as the flush function would not work.
Passengers also camped outside on the deck to try and find cool shade in the heat, due to the air conditioning not working.
The Royal Caribbean website offers some insight as to what would happen on one of their ships during a power outage.
Back up generators are in place to help maintain power on the liner.
'If the main electrical power source is lost, we have plans for a contingency and we move to using the emergency generators,' the site reads.
The generators are able to work without the main electricity supply and are separate from the ship's fuel supply.
'These are typically located on the upper decks and they have their own fuel supply and are completely independent,' the website adds.
When used, the generators help to provide light and other aspects of the ship.
'The generators can provide emergency lighting, fire detection systems, operate elevators and even provide power to re-start the engines, if necessary,' the Royal Caribbean states.
Communication methods can also be powered by the generators, ensuring the vessel remains in contact with land.

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