Slide on a cruise ship malfunctions, causing an injury to a passenger
On August 7, 2025, a shocking incident occurred onboard Royal Caribbean's latest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas. During a ride on the Frightening Bolt, one of the ship's extreme water slides, a section of the acrylic glass panel unexpectedly shattered, causing a large hole in the enclosed tube.
The incident, which took place in the Category 6 water park, sent hundreds of liters of water gushing forcefully onto the deck below. A male passenger was riding the slide at the time and sustained laceration injuries to his legs and hands from the broken glass or slide edges. Despite the panic and reactions of alarm among the passengers present, the injured passenger did not fall through the hole.
The Frightening Bolt is known for its 46-foot-tall biggest-drop-at-sea design and trapdoor launch, making it one of the more intense and high-speed attractions onboard. The incident has raised safety concerns regarding the durability and maintenance of such high-intensity water slides on large cruise ships.
Royal Caribbean has confirmed the incident and provided medical assistance to the injured passenger. However, the company did not provide any details about the severity of the male passenger's injuries. The aquatic slide will remain closed for the rest of the voyage pending the results of the investigation.
Fortunately, no other passengers were injured apart from the male passenger mentioned earlier, and there were no other material damages aside from the broken acrylic glass panel. The viral video shared by user @jimmuldoon, who was present, shows the moments after the glass panel detached, with calls to stop the operation of the slide immediately.
Despite the incident, the cruise concluded on August 9 in the port of Miami, Florida, and no changes were made to the itinerary. Royal Caribbean has stated it is reviewing safety protocols in response to the incident. The cruise line did not provide any further information about the investigation into the incident.
The company, Royal Caribbean, has acknowledged the accident on their latest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, which has brought general-news attention. The incident, involving a shattered acrylic glass panel on the Frightening Bolt water slide, has raised questions about the company's maintenance procedures, as well as the overall safety of such high-intensity travel attractions. Moreover, the lifestyle of travelers onboard these ships may be influenced by these safety concerns.
