Search Underway Off Cancun for Missing Regal Princess Crew Member
Regal Princess turned around before reaching Cozumel, missing its July thirteenth call while ship-tracking data showed turns off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.
Updated July 14, 2026
Princess Cruises confirmed that a crew member aboard Regal Princess died after going overboard in waters off Cancun, Mexico, on Monday, July 13. The search-and-rescue effort has ended. Regal Princess has resumed its seven-day western Caribbean cruise from Fort Lauderdale and is scheduled to arrive in Belize on July 14.
The 2014-built Royal Class ship departed Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, July 11. Princess has not identified the crew member or released details about how the person went overboard.
"Princess Cruises is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a Princess crew member who has gone overboard today from Regal Princess," Princess said in a statement.
"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the crew's family and friends during this difficult time. Grief support services are being offered to guests and crew members affected by this event. Princess Cruises thanks the local maritime authorities and our colleagues from Carnival Jubilee who assisted in search and rescue efforts," the statement added.
Itinerary changes after the search
The voyage had been scheduled to call at Cozumel on July 13, Belize on July 14 and Roatan on July 15 before returning to Florida on July 18. Regal Princess turned around before reaching Cozumel, and the July 13 call did not take place.
Princess said Regal Princess departed the waters off Cancun and remained on its seven-day Caribbean sailing. The ship is scheduled to continue to Roatan on July 15, call at Cozumel on July 16 and return to Fort Lauderdale as scheduled on July 18.
Search response off Cancun
Ship-tracking data showed Regal Princess making turns off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on Monday morning during the search. Carnival Jubilee also assisted, according to Princess.
Princess had earlier said it was coordinating with maritime authorities while the operation was underway. The cruise line's latest statement did not provide additional details on the circumstances of the overboard incident.
