Water slide incident on Icon of the Seas

A passenger recounts the moment a glass panel on the Frightening Bolt waterslide shattered aboard the Icon of the Seas, injuring a rider and triggering an investigation.

Icon of the Seas waterslide incident prompts safety scrutiny

On August 7, while on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, Erica Hunt and family heard a loud pop as the Frightening Bolt waterslide's acrylic panel shattered above them. A rider was injured and the ride was closed for the rest of the cruise; video clips on TikTok captured the moment as water flooded the deck and staff scrambled to clear the area.

Hunt says she and her husband rushed to reach their other son in line, fearing he might be next. Royal Caribbean confirmed an injured passenger and said repairs were underway; the ship has since been touring the Caribbean with a schedule including the Netherlands Antilles and Bahamas, returning to Miami on Aug. 9. The incident adds to the list of safety concerns about the ship, which is the world's largest at 1,198 feet long with 20 decks.

The account highlights how a moment of thrill on a mega ship can collide with everyday safety realities. When a ride fails, the immediate questions focus on maintenance, inspection, and how quickly crews communicate with guests. The episode could press cruise operators to be more transparent about safety steps and repairs. As ships grow larger, regulators and insurers may demand tighter standards and clearer public messaging.

For travelers, incidents like this shape trust. A cruise line's next move—clear updates, accountability, and visible safety improvements—will influence whether guests choose to cruise again and how investors view the industry.

Highlights

As ships grow bigger, safety must stay a priority for every traveler