Search Underway Off Cancun for Missing Regal Princess Crew Member

Updated July 21, 2026

Princess Cruises confirmed that a crew member aboard Regal Princess died after going overboard near Cancun, Mexico, on Monday, July 13, during a seven-day Caribbean sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

The search-and-rescue operation has ended. Regal Princess has resumed its voyage after departing the waters off Cancun, and the 2014-built Royal Class ship left Port Everglades on Saturday, July 11.

"Princess Cruises is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a Princess crew member who has gone overboard today from Regal Princess," Princess Cruises said in an updated 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 did not identify the crew member or describe the circumstances under which the person went overboard.

Search assistance and itinerary changes

Local maritime authorities and Carnival Jubilee assisted in the search, Princess said. "Princess Cruises thanks the local maritime authorities and our colleagues from Carnival Jubilee who assisted in search and rescue efforts," the cruise line said.

Regal Princess 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. The Cozumel call did not take place, and the ship turned around before reaching the island.

Princess said Regal Princess is now scheduled to call at Belize on July 14, Roatan on July 15 and Cozumel on July 16. The ship remains on its seven-day Caribbean sailing and is expected to return to Fort Lauderdale as scheduled on July 18.