Waterslide incident on Icon of the Seas

An acrylic waterslide on the Icon of the Seas broke open on Thursday, injuring one passenger and creating a large hole in the slide.

Waterslide breaks on worlds largest cruise ship injuring one passenger

Acrylic waterslide on the Icon of the Seas cracked open while a guest rode through it on Thursday. One passenger was injured and is in stable condition. Royal Caribbean said the slide is closed for the rest of the sailing while investigators review what happened.

Icon of the Seas is billed as the worlds largest cruise ship by capacity and features a water park called Category 6 that includes six slides on decks 16 and 17. The ship began service in January 2024 and can carry nearly 10,000 people at full capacity.

Incidents like this test how cruise lines manage safety in a setting that blends mass crowds with complex equipment. A single crack in a plastic slide and a hole in the bottom can become a public relations and safety risk at once. Operators will face questions about maintenance routines, inspection frequency, and incident reporting.

The outcome may influence policy and customer trust. If investigations point to a lapse, guardianship of guest safety could shift more resources to safety audits or lead to speedier repairs on flagship ships. For travelers, the incident underscores the need to know how safe onboard attractions are kept.

Highlights

Ongoing safety reviews will shape future onboard experiences.