Water Slide Panel Breaks on Icon of the Seas, Injuring Passenger Amid Panic

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On August 7, 2025, a passenger on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, was injured when an acrylic glass panel on the Frightening Bolt water slide shattered during a ride, causing water to spill onto the deck below and prompting panic among passengers. The incident led to the immediate closure of the slide and an ongoing investigation into its cause, raising concerns about the safety of high-thrill attractions at sea.

The incident occurred during a seven-day eastern Caribbean cruise that departed from Miami, Florida, on August 2, 2025, and is scheduled to return on August 9. The Icon of the Seas, a 250,800-ton vessel operated by Royal Caribbean Group (RCG), features the Category 6 waterpark, the largest at sea, with six slides, including the 46-foot-tall Frightening Bolt, known for its trapdoor launch and 360-degree loop. During the ride, an acrylic panel broke as an adult male passenger slid through, causing water to gush onto Deck 15. Footage captured by passenger Jim Muldoon shows water pouring from a jagged hole as onlookers shouted, “Stop the slide!” to alert operators. Royal Caribbean confirmed the passenger did not fall through the hole and was treated at the slide’s base.

The injured passenger, whose identity remains undisclosed, received immediate medical attention from the ship’s crew and is reported to be in stable condition, though the extent of the injuries is not public. A passenger told Cruise Radio, “From what I saw, the area below was empty!”, ensuring no additional injuries occurred. Royal Caribbean stated, “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 guest is being treated for his injuries. The water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing pending an investigation.” Deck 15 was closed to ensure safety while the company investigates potential causes, such as material fatigue or a manufacturing defect.

The Icon of the Seas, launched in January 2024, is a 20-deck ship with 2,800 cabins, accommodating 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members. It’s Category 6 waterpark, part of the Thrill Island neighborhood, includes slides like Pressure Drop and Storm Surge, designed for thrill-seekers. The incident has drawn attention to the safety of such attractions, especially following recent incidents on the ship, including a crew member’s fatal overboard incident on July 25 and a passenger’s fall from an infinity pool on July 27. These events highlight the challenges of maintaining safety on massive cruise ships with complex amenities.

The investigation into the Frightening Bolt slide’s failure is ongoing, with no confirmed cause yet reported. The closure of the slide and Deck 15 reflects a cautious approach to passenger safety, but questions remain about the maintenance and inspection protocols for such high-intensity features. As the Icon of the Seas continues its itinerary, including a stop at Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, passengers await answers on how such incidents will be prevented in the future to ensure safe enjoyment of the ship’s attractions.