Cruises are supposed to be fun experiences. Being entertained and fed while cruising on the water is almost like being in heaven, except when it is not.
Cruise ships are not immune to accidents and injuries. With so many people and activities on board, anything can happen at any time. Something as fun as going down a water slide can easily turn into a medical emergency.
A frightening moment that recently happened aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas was caught on camera when an acrylic glass panel on a water slide shattered mid-ride, injuring an adult passenger and triggering panic among onlookers.
The incident occurred on August 7 during a cruise departing from Miami and heading toward the Bahamas and Mexico. In a video posted on Instagram, a man can be seen going down the slide when the acrylic panel suddenly breaks. Shards scatter onto the deck below as water forcefully gushes through the gap.
Panicked bystanders are heard shouting “Stop the slide!” as chaos erupts in the waterpark area. Fortunately, no one beneath the slide was struck by the falling glass. However, Royal Caribbean confirmed that an adult guest was injured while passing through the slide. He received medical treatment from the ship’s team. Although the exact nature of the injuries has not been disclosed, several reports describe the guest as being “sliced” or sustaining deep cuts to the leg and back. The injured passenger is reportedly in stable condition.
Royal Caribbean kept the water slide closed for the remainder of the voyage pending a full investigation. The water slide involved, known as the “Frightening Bolt,” is part of the ship’s sprawling Category 6 Waterpark. It is one of several record-setting slides aboard the Icon of the Seas.
This event comes on the heels of other unsettling incidents aboard the same ship, including a fatal altercation involving two crew members. There was also a separate case where a passenger fell over a glass railing while retrieving sunglasses, but in that instance, the person was not injured.
Dangers of Cruise Ships
Dangers can happen anywhere, even on cruise ships. Here are some common ones to be aware of:
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- Slips, trips, and falls. Wet pool decks, spilled drinks, and narrow stairways make falls one of the most common accidents at sea. Motion from waves also increases the chance of losing balance. Injuries can range from sprains to broken bones and head trauma. Wear slip-resistant shoes, use handrails, and avoid running on deck. Be extra cautious in wet or dimly lit areas.
- Illness outbreaks. Cruise ships bring thousands of people together in confined spaces. Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug, is particularly common and spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, or person-to-person contact. Other illnesses, like influenza or COVID-19, can spread rapidly in shared spaces. Wash your hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, and avoid touching your face.
- Food and water safety issues. Improper food handling or contaminated water supplies can trigger large-scale outbreaks of food poisoning. Buffets, in particular, are prone to hygiene risks.
Prevention: Eat freshly cooked food, avoid raw seafood if concerned about hygiene, and drink bottled water if advised by the crew. - Mechanical failures. Engine breakdowns or power outages can lead to “cruise ship blackouts.” This leaves passengers stranded with limited services, such as no working toilets, air conditioning, or running water. This can quickly escalate into health risks. While this is beyond passenger control, purchasing travel insurance can cover trip interruptions and medical needs if delays occur.
- Rough seas and weather hazards. Storms or rough seas can cause seasickness, falls, and damage to the ship’s interior. Severe weather can disrupt itineraries and make walking dangerous. Take seasickness medication if prone to motion sickness, hold handrails in rough waters, and stay updated on safety announcements.
- Man overboard incidents. Falling overboard, whether accidental or intentional, is almost always life-threatening. Survival depends on rapid detection, which is challenging at night or in bad weather. Alcohol often plays a role in overboard cases. Avoid leaning over railings, refrain from horseplay near edges, and drink responsibly.
- Fires. Despite strict safety standards, fires can occur from kitchen mishaps, faulty wiring, or even passenger negligence (such as smoking in cabins). A fire on a ship is especially dangerous since evacuation options are limited. Pay attention to safety briefings, know the nearest exit, and never tamper with smoke alarms or use prohibited items like hot plates.
- Crimes on board. While cruise ships have security teams, theft, sexual assault, and physical altercations can still occur. Since ships travel through international waters, legal jurisdiction can be complicated, making prosecution difficult. Keep valuables in safes, avoid leaving drinks unattended, travel in groups when possible, and report suspicious behavior immediately.
Contact Us Today
Cruises are supposed to be relaxing vacations. Sometimes, though, passengers are injured while aboard a ship or on a shore excursion sold by the cruise line.
Injuries can turn your dream trip into a nightmare quickly. Fortunately, the law gives injured passengers a legal remedy to hold cruise ship owners and operators accountable for negligent actions. The Florida maritime law attorneys from Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm, will work tirelessly to get you the compensation and justice you deserve. Schedule a consultation with our office by filling out the online form or calling (954) 876-4344. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.