royal caribbean world cruise passengers : A heartbreaking incident occurred aboard Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas on September 8, 2024, when a 12-year-old child tragically fell from a balcony, resulting in his death. The child was on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise, with the ship en route to Galveston, Texas, when the accident took place.
Incident Details
The tragic fall happened from an interior-facing balcony cabin located in Central Park, a lush area on Deck 8 of the Oasis Class ship. Central Park is known for its array of bars, restaurants, and shops, and is one of the seven distinct neighborhoods onboard. Witnesses report that the boy was playing with friends he had met during the cruise when he accidentally went over the railing of the stateroom balcony. The child was on the cruise with his family to celebrate a birthday.
Royal Caribbean crew attempted to resuscitate the young passenger, but their efforts were in vain. The child was pronounced dead before the ship arrived in Galveston.
Royal Caribbean Response
In a statement, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson expressed the company deep sadness over the incident. “We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests. Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share,” the spokesperson told PEOPLE.
Community Reaction
The news of the tragic fall has led to an outpouring of support and condolences from the community. Sara Tullas, a member of a Facebook group dedicated to Harmony of the Seas, shared her shock and sadness, noting that her daughter had been friends with the boy. “If anyone knows the family, please send them thoughts and prayers…I wish I would have known he was struggling today,” Tullas wrote.
Similarly, Shannon Elizabeth expressed her grief, revealing that her son had also befriended the boy. “I haven’t been able to really wrap my head around this and the conversations I have had to have with my son really tripped me up,” Elizabeth said.
Boarding Delays and Current Voyage
As a result of the incident, boarding for the September 8 voyage was delayed. Passengers received a notice that boarding would be postponed until 12 PM due to an emergency on the previous sailing. The terminal was closed, and guests were instructed to arrive one hour after their pre-selected time, with the latest arrival being 3:00 PM.
Currently, Harmony of the Seas is on a 6-night Western Caribbean cruise with stops in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico, and is scheduled to return to Galveston on September 14.
Previous Incidents
This incident is not the first of its kind. In November of the previous year, a 16-year-old boy fell from a cabin balcony into Central Park on Allure of the Seas and later died from his injuries. Another similar tragedy involved a 16-year-old who fell while attempting to enter his cabin through a balcony in Labadee, Haiti.
Final Thoughts
The tragic death of the 12-year-old aboard Harmony of the Seas underscores the need for heightened safety measures on cruise ships. As the cruise industry continues to offer luxurious experiences, ensuring the safety of passengers, especially children, remains paramount.
Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time. For more updates and details on this and other similar incidents, stay tuned to our coverage.
