Accident on Caribbean Cruise
Icon of the Seas waterslide opened up on Thursday, sending a male passenger tumbling to injury as the ship sailed in the Caribbean. The acrylic panel of the slide opened up during use, creating a large hole in the lower section.
Water pours from a large opening after the slide’s acrylic panel broke
Royal Caribbean confirmed that the guest was seen right away by the medical team onboard. The guest is reportedly stable, and the waterslide involved will remain closed for the rest of the cruise.
Royal Caribbean’s Official Statement
A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said medical treatment was provided when acrylic glass broke on the waterslide as the passenger went through. The spokesperson also added that the ride will remain closed while it investigates.
Campus News Service is not informed about the level of the injuries. In the inquiry, the cruise line released statements of its concern about the safety of its passengers.
Footage Shows Hole in the Slide
Video shot by witnesses recorded water spraying out of a large gap in the slide, which passes over one of the ship’s decks. The video shows passengers yelling for the ride to be stopped.
The water was still flying out of the broken part as one of the crew members came to shut down the attraction and also to provide medical assistance to the injured visitor.
The largest cruise ship in the world
Category 6 waterpark has six waterslides, including the one in the incident
Icon of the Seas, in its stage, is the biggest in the world in the present world, accommodating nearly 10,000 passengers and personnel. It entered service in January 2024 and has a host of activities onboard.
The waterslide in focus is part of Category 6, which Royal Caribbean touts as the biggest waterpark at sea. The complex boasts six slides on decks 16 and 17.
Details of the Voyage
The ship left Miami on 2 August for a week-long Caribbean cruise
The ship departed Miami on 2 August for a seven-night eastern Caribbean cruise and is due to return to port on 9 August. The incident occurred halfway through the cruise when guests were utilizing the ship’s waterpark features.
Other features remain available as scheduled, while the slide involved remains closed pending further inspection.
Previous Incidents on the Ship
This accident on the waterslide occurred after another incident on 24 July, in which two crew members were involved. Police reported a fatal incident following a fight on board off the Bahamas.
Royal Caribbean confirmed that local officials had addressed the prior problem and that the safety of all passengers and staff members was its top priority.
Industry Perspective on Cruise Ship Safety
Cruise ship incidents, though rare, highlight the importance of strict safety checks and transparent reporting. Maritime safety experts note that attractions such as waterslides and adventure activities at sea require constant monitoring to ensure guest security.
For more updates on cruise industry news, passenger safety, and travel insights, Colitco.com — a digital media platform delivering timely, factual coverage across global travel, business, and lifestyle sectors.
Final Thoughts
The cause of the acrylic panel’s failure on the waterslide has not yet been determined. Royal Caribbean’s probe will attempt to determine whether there are technical or operational issues. The company has not announced when the slide can reopen.
