An adult passenger was injured on a waterslide aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas after an acrylic glass panel broke while the guest was passing through. The incident occurred on Thursday, August 7, during an Eastern Caribbean cruise. Videos shared on social media show water gushing from a large hole in the slide as panicked onlookers shout for the ride to be stopped.
Royal Caribbean confirmed the incident, stating that their medical team provided care to the injured guest. The severity of the passenger's injuries has not been publicly disclosed, but some reports from fellow guests suggest the individual suffered "skin laceration injuries." The guest is reportedly in stable condition.
Following the malfunction, the waterslide, identified as the "Frightening Bolt," was immediately closed for the remainder of the sailing, and an investigation is underway. The "Frightening Bolt" is part of the ship's "Category 6" waterpark, which is marketed as the largest at sea and features several record-breaking slides.
The incident is the latest in a series of cruise ship water park developments, highlighting both the growing popularity of these attractions and the potential for new challenges. Cruise lines are increasingly competing with one another by introducing more elaborate and extreme waterslides and water parks, both on their ships and at private island destinations. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced a new, nearly six-acre waterpark with 19 waterslides and the industry's first cliffside jumps, scheduled to open in 2026 at their private island in the Bahamas. Other cruise lines, such as Carnival, are also expanding their water park offerings with new slides and features.
While these innovations are a major draw for many passengers, the incident on the Icon of the Seas serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and maintenance on these high-tech, floating attractions.
