Royal Caribbean faces safety questions after waterslide break injures guest

A guest was injured when a waterslide on Icon of the Seas cracked, prompting an onboard response and an investigation.

Royal Caribbean faces safety questions after waterslide break injures guest

On the Icon of the Seas a waterslide cracked while a guest rode it leaving the rider with cuts to the back and legs. Video circulating online shows a hole and water gushing from the slide as bystanders shout stop. Royal Caribbean says the ride was damaged and it was closed for the rest of the voyage while engineers assess the cause. The ship traveled between Miami and Perfect Day at CocoCay when the incident occurred. The guest received medical care on board.

Royal Caribbean says the investigation will look at whether the failure came from a manufacturing defect, an installation issue, or an unexpected impact. Other pools and attractions remained open and the company said safety checks on board were increased in the days after the incident. The firm notes that guest health and safety is the top priority and that cleaning and health procedures on ships exceed standard guidelines.

Experts say this kind of incident raises questions about ship safety standards and the quality of ship components. The size of the Icon of the Seas makes repairs challenging and could prompt a wider review of safety checks across the cruise line and the industry. If the incident points to a supplier defect, the party at fault could face liability and insurers may push for tighter testing and warranties.

Beyond the technical issue, the case tests how cruise lines handle communications in a crisis. Clear updates and visible steps to fix the problem matter for customer trust and for investors watching the sector. The episode could push regulators to scrutinize maintenance on ships and raise safety investments across operators.

Highlights

The path to safety is measured in transparency and steady improvements.