News

A late-night snack run turned violent aboard a Carnival cruise when a group of passengers began fighting in the ship’s buffet, reportedly over chicken tenders.

The incident happened around 2 am in the Lido Marketplace, where Carnival typically offers round-the-clock bites.

Video captured by fellow passenger Mike Terra and widely shared on social media shows shouting, punching, and tackling, with the occasional shoe and mobile phone hurled across the room.

At one point, a bystander can be heard yelling, “Where the f— is security?” as one crew member attempts to intervene.

Terra, who filmed the altercation, later remarked, “Over chicken tenders is crazy.” He later clarified to the Daily Mail UK that there was “more to the fight than just fried chicken, but that is really the basics.”

The video contains strong language and violent scenes, should you wish to watch it.

Carnival Cruise Line has not yet issued a public statement, and it remains unclear which ship the incident took place on.

Carnival’s Zero-Tolerance Policy

Carnival enforces strict rules against violence and disruptive behaviour.

Guests involved in fights typically face severe consequences, which may include confinement to their staterooms, disembarkation without refund, a $500 fine, and in many cases, a lifetime ban from the cruise line.

“All guests must acknowledge and commit to our code of conduct during the check-in process, and any violation may result in a fine of $500, possible stateroom confinement and removal from the ship,” the cruise line’s policy states.

A Pattern of Misconduct

This is not the first outbreak of violence aboard a Carnival ship this summer.

Earlier in August, a brawl involving more than a dozen guests erupted outside the cruise terminal in Long Beach, California.

In June, passengers aboard Carnival Sunrise were banned after throwing both punches and chairs during a lido deck altercation near the ship’s pizzeria.

Carnival has recently reinforced its “Have Fun. Be Safe” guidelines, which include curfews for under-17 guests, bans on smoking in non-designated areas, and strict enforcement against drugs and disruptive conduct.

Despite those efforts, isolated incidents of passenger misbehaviour continue to draw headlines.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

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An 83-year-old British man has died aboard the Marella Voyager after being found unresponsive in the ship’s swimming pool while it was docked in Naples, Italy.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, 19th August 2025.

Fellow passengers and crew members attempted to revive the man, but despite their efforts, he could not be saved.

Investigation in Naples

Local authorities boarded the TUI-operated vessel and temporarily detained it while an investigation was carried out.

The ship’s scheduled 5 pm departure was delayed by several hours.

After interviews and examination, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.

It is believed the passenger suffered a medical episode while seated near the pool, causing him to fall into the water.

Officials ruled the death as natural causes, and the ship was released to continue its itinerary.

Cruise Line and Government Response

A spokesperson for Marella Cruises said:

“We can confirm that sadly a passenger passed away of natural causes onboard Marella Voyager. Our thoughts are with the passenger’s family during this difficult time, and our care team is providing assistance.”

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) also confirmed it is supporting the man’s family.

Marella Voyager had departed Palma de Mallorca on 16th August and called at Olbia, Sardinia, before arriving in Naples.

The ship is now sailing onward to Rome, Ajaccio (Corsica), Palamós (Spain), and will return to Mallorca at the end of the voyage.

Not The Only Tragedy This Week

The sad news comes just days after two American cruise passengers drowned at Carnival Cruise Line’s newly opened Celebration Key private resort in the Bahamas on Friday, 15th August.

In separate and unrelated incidents, a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman lost their lives despite lifeguards and medical staff responding immediately.

Investigations are still ongoing but there is speculation that both guests also suffered unrelated medical issues whilst in the water, causing them to drown.

One guest was snorkelling while the other was swimming in one of the resort’s lagoons.

Carnival confirmed that the victims were travelling on different ships – Mardi Gras and Carnival Elation.

Both vessels continued their scheduled itineraries after the incidents, with Carnival’s Care Team providing support to the families.

While rare, such tragedies can occur even in supervised or controlled environments.

Cruise lines urge guests to remain mindful of their own health conditions and swimming abilities, to avoid entering the water alone, and to take care in unfamiliar settings.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Villa Vie Residences, the residential cruise brand known for its continual world voyages, has introduced a new lifetime cruise fare based on age.

The “Golden Passport” programme, unveiled on 19th August 2025, lowers the cost of joining its around-the-world lifestyle the older a guest is when they book.

The line’s single vessel, Villa Vie Odyssey, is currently on her maiden three-and-a-half-year circumnavigation, visiting more than 140 countries and roughly 400 ports across all seven continents.

Age-Tiered Pricing Model

Golden Passport offers eight pricing tiers, beginning at $99,999 per person for those aged 90 and over booking the lowest category cabin – a Deck 2 porthole stateroom.

At the other end of the scale, travellers between 55 and 59 years old pay $299,999 for the same accommodation.

Sample pricing shows steady reductions across each age bracket:

• Ages 65–69: $249,999 per person
• Ages 75–79: $189,999 per person
• Ages 85–89: $129,999 per person

Upgraded cabins naturally cost more. A Deck 6 ocean view cabin starts at $199,999 for those aged 90 and above, rising to $399,999 for the youngest eligible group.

The fare includes all meals, beer and wine with meals, internet access, housekeeping, laundry, entertainment, medical check-ups, and more.

Founder Mike Petterson explained: “As people retire, one of their biggest fears is outliving their money. With the Golden Passport, that uncertainty disappears – one payment secures a lifetime of adventure.”

Signals of Expansion?

The company also noted that the new pricing model provides “transferable access across the Villa Vie Residences fleet.”

At present, however, the line operates only one ship, sparking speculation that a second vessel may be on the horizon.

However, the cruise line did have a tough time launching their first ship with several delays. It may yet be some time before a second ship could join the fleet, even if planned.

Launched 32 years ago, Villa Vie Odyssey previously sailed as Braemar for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, and before that operated under several other lines including Cunard and Norwegian Cruise Line.

The 24,344-gross-ton ship accommodates 929 passengers, though current guest numbers are thought to be under 200.

Growing Menu of Offers

Villa Vie Residences has continually expanded its products since debuting in 2023. Alongside full cabin purchases and rentals, options include:

• Endless Horizons: a retirement-geared ownership plan.
• Seasonal Ownership: $24,999 for 120 credits to be used flexibly.
• Tour La Vie: one- to four-year memberships with prices from $49,999, featuring ocean-view villas.

The new Golden Passport is aimed squarely at older travellers seeking financial certainty while embracing long-term global cruising.

One thing that customers will need to consider is their insurance costs.

Guests in their 90s may like the sound of a lifetime cruising passport costing less than $100,000, but their insurance premiums for each trip they take is likely to be extremely high.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

Hurricane Erin is continuing to disrupt cruise plans across the Atlantic and Caribbean, with at least half a dozen major ships adjusting itineraries to keep guests and crew safely out…

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Hurricane Erin is continuing to disrupt cruise plans across the Atlantic and Caribbean, with at least half a dozen major ships adjusting itineraries to keep guests and crew safely out of harm’s way.

The storm, which briefly reached Category 5 strength with sustained winds of 160 miles per hour, has already altered voyages for Carnival, Norwegian, MSC Cruises, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.

Carnival Sunshine Heads South Instead of Bermuda

Carnival Sunshine guests boarding in Norfolk on Sunday 17th August were expecting a 6-night Bermuda sailing.

Instead, the vessel is bound for Celebration Key and Nassau after the Bermuda calls were cancelled.

All Bermuda excursions have been refunded, with new tour options offered for the revised ports.

MSC World America Shifts to Mexico

MSC’s brand-new World America – sailing her inaugural season – was forced to drop calls to Amber Cove and San Juan.

The ship is now calling at Costa Maya and Cozumel, with Ocean Cay still on the schedule before returning to Miami.

Excursion refunds have been provided, and new tours opened for booking.

Norwegian Aqua Swaps Bermuda for Canada

Guests aboard Norwegian Aqua’s 4-night cruise from New York were expecting Bermuda, but instead will head north to Saint John, New Brunswick.

Norwegian is compensating passengers with onboard credit and a 20% Future Cruise Credit, while also warning that docking in Saint John will depend on final weather conditions.

Zuiderdam Cancels St. John’s, Heads to Halifax

Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam, on a transatlantic voyage, has cancelled an overnight call in St. John’s, Newfoundland, citing rough seas.

The ship will now enjoy an extended stop in Halifax before continuing on toward Boston.

Norwegian Jewel Cuts Bermuda Visit Short

From Boston, Norwegian Jewel arrived in Bermuda as planned but departed a full day early to allow ample distance from the approaching storm before her return to New England.

Liberty of the Seas Trades Bermuda for Nova Scotia

Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas was to have enjoyed an overnight in Bermuda, but instead sailed north to Halifax, where guests received onboard credit to compensate for the change.

Disney Treasure Switches to the Western Caribbean

Meanwhile, Disney Cruise Line has rerouted its newest ship, Disney Treasure, away from the Eastern Caribbean entirely, opting for a Western Caribbean itinerary far from Erin’s path.

Across all sailings, cruise lines continue to emphasise that safety remains the top priority.

How Cruise Lines Handle Hurricanes

While the disruptions may be disappointing for travellers, cruise ships are among the safest places to be during a storm.

Ships rarely, if ever, sail into hurricanes. It wouldn’t make sense. Instead, they reroute to calmer waters or adjust itineraries to ensure safety.

With average speeds exceeding 20 knots, cruise ships are faster than most hurricanes and can easily outpace storms.

Captains also receive detailed forecasts from the National Hurricane Center and in-house meteorologists, giving them ample time to avoid dangerous conditions.

Itineraries are often adjusted to substitute different ports, add sea days, or switch to an entirely different region if necessary. Cruises are only cancelled outright when departure or arrival ports are directly affected and cannot operate safely.

While these changes can be frustrating, they underscore the industry’s strict safety-first approach, ensuring guests remain comfortable while still enjoying their vacation.

Travel insurance is also vital for anyone cruising during hurricane season.

Even though cruise lines refund cancelled tours and sometimes offer credits, independent bookings like private excursions, hotels, or flights usually aren’t covered unless you’ve taken out the right policy.

Guests should look for insurance that specifically includes missed port cover so they’re not left out of pocket when itineraries change unexpectedly.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Reports in Italian media suggest that a tragic accident at the port of Livorno, Italy, has claimed the life of an American tourist and left her husband critically injured.

The incident happened on 12th August, shortly after the couple returned from a city excursion and disembarked their shuttle bus.

According to initial reports, the 83-year-old woman and her 84-year-old husband were struck by a bus manoeuvring in the port area. It is unclear whether it was the same bus they had just stepped from.

One unconfirmed report named the victims as Ellen Jan and Samuel Davis.

The woman was rushed to hospital but sadly died shortly after arrival. Her husband remains in critical condition and has been admitted under code red.

Guests Were Onboard Queen Victoria

While the cruise line has not released an official statement, one guest onboard Queen Victoria contacted me to report the incident, and to confirm it was two guests from that ship that were the victims.

The guest, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that the captain had announced the tragic news to passengers onboard.

Early investigations suggest the accident occurred as the bus reversed and the couple entered the driver’s blind spot.

Witnesses say the driver had only just assisted the woman off the bus and handed her a walker before moving to continue his service.

Police immediately cordoned off the area to conduct investigations and interview witnesses.

The driver, described as highly experienced, was visibly shaken, telling officers he realised something was wrong only when he heard shouts and a noise from behind the vehicle.

The accident has caused deep shock at the busy Tuscan port, which regularly handles cruise traffic. Authorities are now working to reconstruct exactly how the tragedy occurred.

Bus Accidents Are Rare, But Do Happen

While such incidents are rare, this is not the first time cruise passengers have been involved in serious bus accidents.

In June 2025, a sightseeing bus in Ketchikan, Alaska, carrying 46 cruise guests collided with an SUV, sending the bus into a roadside ditch. Three people were hospitalised, though thankfully no lives were lost.

Just a year earlier in September 2024, another Alaska excursion turned dangerous when a tour bus overturned on the South Klondike Highway near Skagway after the driver suffered a medical emergency. That accident left 12 passengers injured.

Elsewhere, in March 2025, a tour bus in Barcelona carrying cruise tourists was struck by another vehicle transporting Italian students. The collision, which happened close to the Sagrada Familia, left 53 people injured, including several in critical condition.

Despite these rare but high-profile incidents, the overwhelming majority of bus transfers and excursions connected to cruises are completed without incident, carrying thousands of guests safely each year.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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More than 120 naturists shed their clothes for the 13th annual “Nude Cruise,” a three-hour trip along the River Exe estuary in Devon celebrating body freedom and naturism. Organised by…

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More than 120 naturists shed their clothes for the 13th annual “Nude Cruise,” a three-hour trip along the River Exe estuary in Devon celebrating body freedom and naturism.

Organised by Bare West Events, the cruise has been a fixture since 2012, with passengers of all ages mingling, dancing, and enjoying the voyage without a stitch of clothing.

Organiser Rachel Wick, 50, told The Sun that the event was about breaking misconceptions.

“It’s really sad that a large percentage of the population equate being naked only with sex – it’s not,

“If somebody misbehaves, they will be on our banned list. Not that it’s ever happened, but we’re always mindful that this has to be a safe environment because you can feel quite vulnerable when you haven’t got your clothes on.”

She added that naturism breaks down social barriers: “One of the things I love about it is you can’t tell from looking at all of us whether we are rich or poor, working or retired. When you can’t judge people’s status, we’re all on a level.”

Her partner, Nigel, said businesses are always willing to host nude events, with venues happy to welcome the so-called “buff pound.”

He said: “The nudist world is a real mix of people, from prison officers to barristers and doctors. It is the sense of freedom and being relaxed in your own body that draws people in. It’s a very friendly environment.”

On board, guests enjoyed a disco, raffle, and bar, with some passengers using pouches to carry cash and phones.

The £22 ticket included a hot pasty, while passing pleasure boats cheered on the sight of the unclothed party.

For some attendees, however, participation in such events remains private.

Dee, from Plymouth, admitted: “My employer and child would be shocked if they knew I was doing this. For some reason, a lot of people associate what we do with swinging but it doesn’t mean that. It’s just people wanting to take their clothes off and enjoying the freedom, nothing else.”

Naturists Mark Carroll and Claire Stone said attitudes are slowly shifting.

Stone, on her first community naturist event, said: “I love it. I do a lot of naturist beaches but this is the first time I have done a community event. Times are changing – it’s becoming more popular but the younger generation are still quite prudish.”

Kevin Little, 61, who has practiced naturism since 1997, highlighted the benefits of living clothes-free.

“It’s quite addictive. I love being on a beach and just connecting with nature,” he said. “A lot of people tell me: ‘I wish I could do that’… Well, you can. But people are very body conscious, although nobody cares.”

His wife Tanis added that younger people are slowly becoming more involved, with their son encouraging friends to try naturist activities.

One of the few younger passengers, 39-year-old marketing professional Martin Niebroj, said: “I really like the social part of it. Technically it’s not illegal to be naked in public in Britain, but it always causes a lot of interest. I feel people who are naturists should be allowed to express themselves and should have a space to do it. Events like this allow that.”

While a YouGov poll suggests 59% of Britons feel uncomfortable with public nudity, naturists argue such events are helping to challenge stigma.

An Ipsos survey previously found that 14% of people in the UK identify as naturists or nudists.

After three hours of sailing, music, and mingling, the cruise returned to dock, with passengers reluctantly reaching for their clothes once more.

Ocean-Faring Nude Cruises

While Devon’s annual nude boat trip is a distinctly local affair, naturist cruising has also gone global, with major ocean itineraries dedicated to those who prefer life without clothes.

A Reddit discussion from a passenger on one of the world’s most popular nude cruises offered an insight into what these voyages are really like.

Unlike the nude boat trip, not everyone onboard a nudism ocean cruise is a paying guest; some operators invite professional models to join the sailing to help balance the demographics.

The majority of passengers tend to be older, typically between 50 and 70, though younger naturists are also part of the mix. Age differences, however, quickly become irrelevant once everyone is sharing the same sense of freedom.

The cruises are also popular with gay men, and while the atmosphere is friendly and inclusive, organisers are quick to stress that nudism is not sexual – just as with this smaller cruise.

Behaviour on board is expected to remain respectful at all times. Hygiene is a priority too, with towels provided throughout the ship and guests expected to sit on them whenever they use public seating.

Practical considerations also come into play. Shoes or sandals are required when moving around the decks for safety reasons, while sunscreen becomes essential given that every inch of skin is exposed to the sun. Clothing is generally optional in most parts of the ship, including bars and lounges, though formal restaurants do require guests to dress.

Excursions often extend the naturist experience, with nude beaches and resorts forming part of the itinerary.

Crew members, meanwhile, remain clothed, though staff are given the choice of whether to work on a nudist voyage. Perhaps most importantly, the cruises are open to everyone, regardless of body shape, size or age, with passengers consistently describing them as welcoming and relaxed.

For many naturists, these ocean-going holidays offer the same appeal as the River Exe cruise – a chance to unwind, meet like-minded people, and enjoy the freedom of life without clothes.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed two tragic deaths at its newly opened Celebration Key in the Bahamas, after unrelated drowning incidents occurred on Friday, 15th August 2025.

According to reports, a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman – both American citizens – died despite the immediate intervention of lifeguards and medical personnel stationed at the private resort.

“Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate water emergency incidents at Celebration Key on Friday – one in the lagoon and one at the beach. Sadly, both guests have passed away.”

Carnival statement

One of the victims had been snorkelling, while the other was enjoying one of the site’s lagoons, though it has not been confirmed whether this was the family-focused Starfish Lagoon or the adults-only Oasis Lagoon.

Multiple Ships Impacted

Carnival noted that the victims were sailing on different vessels.

“One guest was sailing with family on Mardi Gras and one guest was sailing with family on Carnival Elation. Our Care Team is providing assistance,” the statement read.

Carnival Elation is currently operating a four-night Bahamas itinerary, while Mardi Gras is completing a six-night Eastern Caribbean voyage.

Both ships have since continued their scheduled cruises.

The double tragedy highlights the risks travellers can face even in controlled environments.

Drowning incidents are sadly not unprecedented on cruise holidays – with recent examples at MSC’s Ocean Cay in 2023 and at Mystery Island in Vanuatu the same year, both believed to involve possible medical complications.

Guests are advised to stay alert to their own limitations when swimming, use the buddy system, and be particularly careful in unfamiliar waters.

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Guests on Royal Caribbean’s brand-new Star of the Seas got more excitement than expected during their preview sailing when an emergency “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” alert sounded while the ship was at Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas on Thursday, 14th August.

The 5,610-passenger vessel, the cruise line’s second Icon-class ship, had docked alongside the 5,518-passenger Symphony of the Seas when a man fell from the pier just after 8 am.

According to photos shared online, the guest could be seen in the water clinging to a life ring thrown by crew members.

He was quickly retrieved by jet ski and returned safely to shore. Fortunately, the incident did not appear to result in serious injuries.

Royal Caribbean later confirmed that the guest had fallen after becoming distracted while filming the ship on his phone.

“A guest fell off the dock while capturing footage of the ship on his smart phone. Our team immediately picked him up via jet ski and returned him to shore,”

Star of the Seas had arrived at CocoCay as part of a special preview cruise sailing from Port Canaveral, Florida.

The ship is now en route back to Florida and will begin her next voyage on 16th August. Symphony of the Seas, meanwhile, is completing a seven-night Bahamas itinerary from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, with CocoCay as her final port of call.

Not the First Pier Incident at CocoCay

This is not the first time a pier incident has taken place at Royal Caribbean’s popular private island.

In April 2025, a child fell between Oasis of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas while the ships were both docked at the island. On that occasion, crew acted swiftly to rescue the youngster, and the itineraries were unaffected.

There have also been less serious but concerning cases in which guests have ignored safety markings for photographs, attempted to retrieve dropped belongings, or stumbled into the water after consuming alcohol.

In February 2025, for example, a Carnival Valor passenger jumped into the sea in Progreso, Mexico, to retrieve a sentimental item.

The cruise line reminds all visitors to remain behind designated safety lines when on the pier and to exercise caution at all times, especially when distracted by devices or trying to capture that “perfect shot” of the ship.

No Smooth Sailing For Star

The pier incident is just the latest in a string of setbacks as Star of the Seas begins her debut season.

Royal Caribbean had previously announced that legendary Motown singer Diana Ross would serve as the ship’s godmother, with the 81-year-old star scheduled to preside over the naming ceremony on 20th August in the AquaDome.

However, the cruise line has now confirmed that Ross has withdrawn from the honour.

“We are disappointed that Diana Ross is unable to join us to be godmother of Star of the Seas,” the line said in a statement, though no reason has been given for her withdrawal. Ross has recently completed a UK arena tour and is due to begin her US “Beautiful Love” tour just days before the naming ceremony.

The cruise line has not yet named a replacement, though options may include celebrities, athletes, or public figures recognised for their charitable or professional achievements. Star of the Seas’ sister ship, Icon of the Seas, was named by footballer Lionel Messi earlier this year.

At the same time, one of the vessel’s key attractions, the Frightening Bolt waterslide, has been shut down indefinitely.

The decision follows a serious incident on Icon of the Seas on 7th August, when a glass panel in the same slide broke mid-ride, injuring a passenger and leaving a large hole in the structure. The guest is now pursuing legal action against Royal Caribbean.

While the five other slides in Icon’s Category 6 Waterpark remain in operation, the identical Frightening Bolt on Star of the Seas will stay closed until investigations are complete and repairs are made if necessary.

The closure is an unwelcome complication during a high-profile period when the ship is being previewed by travel professionals and media ahead of her christening.

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A cruise guest injured on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas after the Frightening Bolt waterslide broke mid-ride is now pursuing legal action against the cruise line.

The passenger, who has not been identified, sustained lacerations to his legs and hands on 7th August 2025 when an acrylic glass section of the slide shattered.

The accident occurred on “the tallest waterslide at sea”, part of the Category 6 Waterpark, which features a 46-foot drop and a full 360-degree loop.

While the rider did not fall through the resulting hole, water poured from the slide onto loungers below, soaking sunbathers and creating slip hazards.

The ship’s medical team treated the man immediately, though the full extent of his injuries has not been disclosed.

Two days after disembarking in Miami on 9th August, the man announced through his legal representatives, Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A., that he would be seeking compensation.

The Florida-based firm specialises in maritime and cruise injury cases and has recovered more than $500 million for clients.

“Cruise ships have a responsibility to ensure that the attractions they open and encourage passengers to use are safe,

“We are thankful for the trust this family has placed in us to represent them.”

Maritime attorney Alex Perez

Ongoing Investigation

The Frightening Bolt slide remained closed for the remainder of the voyage while engineers assessed the damage.

Royal Caribbean is investigating whether the failure was due to a manufacturing defect, installation problem, or unforeseen impact. No timeline has been given for repairs.

Some rumours had circulated online that the cause was the weight of the guest, but these appear to be completely unfounded – a reminder to always be careful of trusting what you read online.

The five other waterslides in the Category 6 Waterpark continue to operate normally, but the identical Frightening Bolt slide aboard Royal Caribbean’s new Star of the Seas has also been closed as a precaution.

The incident comes at an awkward time for the brand, with Star of the Seas currently being previewed by travel agents and media ahead of her official launch.

Royal Caribbean says guest safety is its top priority and that it often exceeds international requirements under the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention and the US Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

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It has been a sombre day aboard Norwegian Star following confirmation of an overboard incident during the ship’s current transatlantic voyage.

The 14-night, one-way cruise departed New York on 7th August 2025 and is bound for Reykjavik, Iceland, with port calls in Canada, Greenland, and Iceland along the way.

The emergency unfolded at around 5 am on Tuesday, 12th August, while the vessel was sailing in the waters of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, en route to Nuuk, Greenland.

Passengers reported being awoken by a series of short blasts from the ship’s horn, followed by a “Code Oscar” announcement – the emergency code used to signal a person overboard.

Several guests have claimed to have seen lifeboats lowered and one reported witnessing a recovery.

While there is speculation that the person did not survive, this has not been officially confirmed.

The frigid water temperatures in the region – currently about 13°C (55°F) – would make survival beyond a short period extremely challenging without protective gear.

A Brief Search

Tracking data indicates Norwegian Star slowed and briefly turned back along her course, consistent with a search-and-rescue operation.

In a statement, Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the overboard involved a 79-year-old male guest.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our guests… was reported to have gone overboard while the ship was sailing to Greenland. The appropriate authorities have been contacted and an investigation is ongoing,” the cruise line said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the guest’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

Rescue boats were launched immediately but returned shortly afterwards, with the ship later resuming her journey.

The incident has not affected Norwegian Star’s itinerary, which includes Nuuk on 14th August before continuing to further calls in Greenland and Iceland.

This sailing has already included calls at Halifax, Sydney, and Corner Brook – the latter marking Norwegian Star’s first-ever visit to the port in her 24-year history.

The 91,740-gross-ton vessel accommodates 2,348 guests and is staffed by approximately 1,000 crew members.

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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

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