Ahoy, movie lovers! If you're fascinated by the drama and peril that unfolds on the high seas, then this collection of disaster films about cruise ships is just the ticket for you. From epic tales of survival to chilling accounts of maritime mishaps, these films capture the essence of what can go wrong when luxury meets the unpredictable nature of the ocean. Whether you're a fan of heart-pounding action, intricate storytelling, or just love the sea, this curated list promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. Let's dive into the deep end of cinematic adventure!

The Poseidon Adventure (1972)
Description: This classic disaster film features the SS Poseidon, a luxury liner that gets hit by a rogue wave, capsizing it on New Year's Eve. The film follows a group of survivors as they navigate the inverted ship to escape.
Fact: The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards, winning two. The set of the ship was so large that it had to be built in a hangar at the former Hughes Aircraft facility.


The Deep (1977)
Description: While not directly about a cruise ship disaster, this film involves a couple who discover a shipwreck off the coast of Bermuda, leading to a series of underwater adventures and dangers.
Fact: The film was based on Peter Benchley's novel and was one of the first to use underwater cinematography extensively.


DeepStar Six (1989)
Description: Although not strictly about a cruise ship, this film involves an underwater military base that faces a disaster. It's included for its underwater setting and the theme of isolation and survival.
Fact: The film was one of several underwater-themed movies released in the late '80s, competing with "The Abyss" and "Leviathan."


Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)
Description: A sequel to the original "Speed," this film involves a cruise ship taken over by a hacker who sets it on a collision course with an oil tanker.
Fact: The film was shot on the Queen Mary 2, which was still under construction at the time.


Titanic (1997)
Description: The unsinkable ship meets its icy fate in this epic romance-disaster film. While Titanic was not a cruise ship, its maiden voyage and subsequent disaster are legendary.
Fact: The film won 11 Academy Awards, tying the record for the most Oscars won by a single film.


Virus (1999)
Description: A salvage crew aboard a tugboat discovers a Russian research vessel adrift in the South Pacific. They find it's been taken over by an alien intelligence, leading to a battle for survival.
Fact: The film was inspired by a comic book of the same name by Dark Horse Comics.


The Perfect Storm (2000)
Description: This film recounts the story of the Andrea Gail, a commercial fishing vessel caught in the "perfect storm" of 1991. While not a cruise ship, the film's depiction of maritime peril is compelling.
Fact: The film was based on the best-selling non-fiction book by Sebastian Junger.


Ghost Ship (2002)
Description: A salvage crew discovers a long-lost passenger ship floating lifeless in the Bering Sea, only to find it's haunted by the ghosts of its passengers. While not a traditional disaster movie, it explores the aftermath of a maritime catastrophe.
Fact: The film's opening scene, featuring a cable slicing through party-goers, was inspired by a real-life maritime disaster.


Poseidon (2006)
Description: A remake of the 1972 film, this version also deals with a rogue wave capsizing a cruise ship during a New Year's Eve celebration. The survivors must find their way to the bottom of the ship to escape.
Fact: The film was shot on a specially built set that was the largest indoor water tank ever constructed for a movie.


The Finest Hours (2016)
Description: This film tells the true story of the Coast Guard's daring rescue of the crew of the SS Pendleton, a tanker that split in half off the coast of Cape Cod in 1952.
Fact: The movie was shot in Massachusetts, where the real events took place.
