Waterslide Malfunction on Icon of the Seas Prompts Fleetwide Safety Review
The incident on Icon of the Seas has led Royal Caribbean to review waterslide safety across its fleet, highlighting industry focus on the integrity of innovative shipboard attractions.
A waterslide malfunction aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas on August 7, 2025, left an adult passenger injured, prompting immediate safety measures and an extensive investigation. The incident occurred during an Eastern Caribbean itinerary and has raised questions about onboard attraction safety. The Icon of the Seas, renowned as the world's largest cruise ship, debuted in January 2024 and features the Category 6 waterpark, which is billed as the largest at sea. The malfunction happened on the Frightening Bolt waterslide, a popular drop-style slide within the six-slide complex.
Details of the Incident
A clear acrylic glass panel on the Frightening Bolt slide shattered while the guest was riding it, causing severe lacerations to the individual’s arms and legs. Eyewitness accounts described hearing screams of panic as water gushed from the damaged section. Footage captured by passenger Jim Muldoon showed startled guests yelling for operators to stop the ride as lifeguards blew whistles to manage the situation. The injured guest, who did not fall through the hole created by the broken panel, received immediate medical attention from the ship’s medical team and is reported to be in stable condition.
The waterslide, along with the surrounding deck area, was immediately shut down. Royal Caribbean confirmed that the slide would remain closed for the remainder of the voyage while repair efforts and a full investigation are completed. The ship continued its Eastern Caribbean itinerary as planned, with stops including a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private destination, CocoCay, before returning to PortMiami on August 9.
What Makes the Frightening Bolt Unique?
The Frightening Bolt, located within the Category 6 waterpark, is designed to be one of the most thrilling slides at sea, featuring a trapdoor launch and a steep drop. Its standout feature, a clear acrylic section that allows riders to view the ocean and ship deck as they descend, is now central to the investigation. This unique design element, previously hailed for its innovation, will likely undergo scrutiny as part of safety evaluations moving forward. Observers onboard noted that initial repairs have involved replacing the damaged clear panel with solid tubing to enhance durability.
Royal Caribbean’s Response and Safety Measures
Royal Caribbean acted swiftly in addressing the incident. In a statement, a company spokesperson emphasized, “Our team provided medical care to an adult guest when acrylic glass broke off a water slide as the guest passed through the slide. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation.” Shipboard medical teams also cordoned off the affected area while evaluations of other waterslides and attractions on board were conducted.
As a precaution, Royal Caribbean temporarily closed a similar waterslide on Star of the Seas, a newly launched sister ship, while components are inspected. Early reports indicate that the cruise line is already replacing the acrylic tubing on both attractions with solid designs to prevent future breakages. Industry experts and onboard passengers have commended the cruise line’s rapid response and proactive measures in ensuring passenger safety.
Passenger and Industry Reactions
The incident has shocked passengers and sparked broader discussions about the materials used in waterslide construction and maintenance protocols. Social media users expressed mixed reactions, with some praising the cruise line's quick actions and others expressing hesitancy to ride such attractions in the future. An eyewitness, Lillian Destefano, recalled the frightening moment, adding, "It was cracked, the glass sliced the next rider, and then it fell completely. Thank God no one fell through." Another passenger remarked, “It’s a little frightening. It could’ve happened to us.”
Cruisegoers onboard were largely reassured by the company’s enhanced inspections of other water attractions, though some speculated about potential manufacturing defects or environmental factors contributing to the malfunction. Royal Caribbean reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, stating that a comprehensive assessment of waterslide materials and design is underway.
Safety Future and Operational Impacts
In addition to repairing the affected slide, Royal Caribbean has pledged to conduct a fleetwide review of similar attractions. The incident has prompted industry-wide discussions about safety standards and maintenance schedules for cruise ship waterparks, especially those featuring innovative designs like the clear tubing on the Frightening Bolt.
Repairs are already underway on Icon of the Seas, with construction crews replacing the shattered acrylic section with solid tubing. Observers onboard have noted the speed of the repair efforts. Meanwhile, the ship’s remaining water attractions continue to operate with enhanced safety checks, ensuring guests can still enjoy the cruise experience with minimal disruption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What caused the glass panel on the Frightening Bolt slide to break?
The root cause of the malfunction is still under investigation. Initial speculation includes potential manufacturing defects, material stress, or environmental factors. Royal Caribbean is conducting a full review of the slide’s components to determine the exact cause.
Did anyone fall through the broken panel?
No, the injured guest did not fall through the opening. The individual sustained lacerations from the broken glass and is receiving medical care onboard.
How is Royal Caribbean addressing the issue?
Royal Caribbean immediately closed the affected slide and conducted safety inspections across other attractions. Repairs are already underway, replacing the broken acrylic panel with solid tubing for added durability. A similar slide on Star of the Seas has also been temporarily closed for precautionary checks.
Will the slide reopen before the investigation is complete?
No, Royal Caribbean has confirmed that the Frightening Bolt slide will remain closed until the investigation concludes and all repairs meet or exceed safety standards.
Are other onboard water attractions operating?
Yes, other water attractions within the Category 6 waterpark remain open. Enhanced safety inspections have been implemented to ensure guest safety during the remainder of the cruise.
