A powerful storm north of New Zealand rocked P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Sun, injuring at least 40 passengers – some with broken bones, officials said Friday.

The ship charted a course from Vanuatu to Auckland to avoid the brunt of the storm, which struck with 23-foot swells and 60-mile-per-hour winds Wednesday night, according to a company spokeswoman.

The company did not describe injuries to passengers or crew, but said three passengers were held in local hospitals for medical observation overnight. Several newspapers reported passengers with broken ribs, collar bones and other injuries.