The Safety Concerns Surrounding Cruise Ship Water Slides
Cruise ships have become synonymous with luxury, adventure, and entertainment. Among the many amenities offered, water slides have gained popularity as a thrilling way for passengers to enjoy their time at sea. However, recent incidents have raised questions about the safety of these attractions, prompting concerns among travelers and legal experts alike.
One such incident occurred on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas in August, where a passenger was injured when a piece of acrylic glass broke off from the slide. Although the passenger did not fall through a hole in the attraction, the incident sparked widespread concern. Videos of the event showed fellow passengers reacting in shock, with some shouting, “Stop the slide.” This event has led many to question whether cruise lines are doing enough to ensure the safety of their passengers on such attractions.
The Icon of the Seas, which can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers and crew, is considered the largest cruise ship in the world since its launch in 2024. Yet, this incident is just one of several involving water slides on cruise ships. Legal professionals who have represented passengers in similar cases argue that these slides are often not designed with the constraints of a ship in mind. Unlike land-based water parks, cruise ships have limited space, which can complicate the design and maintenance of such attractions.
Additionally, the constant movement of a ship can place extra stress on these structures. Jason Margulies, a personal-injury lawyer specializing in maritime cases, explained that materials used in these slides may degrade more quickly due to the unique conditions aboard a vessel. His firm is currently representing the unnamed passenger involved in the Icon of the Seas incident. In a statement, another attorney from the firm, Alex Perez, emphasized that cruise ships have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their attractions.
Royal Caribbean has not commented on the ongoing legal matter but stated that the guest is receiving treatment for his injuries and that the water slide is closed for the remainder of the sailing while an investigation takes place.
This incident is not isolated. Other cases involving cruise-ship slides include a 2015 incident aboard the Carnival Cruise Line’s Ecstasy, where a passenger was severely injured due to issues such as improper configuration and insufficient assistance. A similar case in 2022 involved a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, where a passenger became stuck on a slide, as captured in a viral TikTok video. While the passenger eventually exited, the incident highlighted potential problems with maintenance and oversight.
Royce D’Orazio, a former amusement-park ride technician turned content creator, believes that many of these incidents stem from inadequate preventative maintenance. He pointed out that operational issues, such as weight restrictions on slides, must be carefully managed by staff to avoid overloading the structures.
While water slide accidents can occur at land-based water parks, they are typically subject to state regulations requiring regular inspections. On cruise ships, however, the U.S. Coast Guard does not oversee the inspection of water slides or other entertainment equipment. This leaves the responsibility solely on the cruise lines to ensure compliance with manufacturer standards.
Despite these concerns, many passengers continue to enjoy the amenities offered on cruise ships without incident. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), there were 34.6 million passengers in 2024, a 9.3% increase from the previous year. Melissa Newman, a regular cruiser and content creator, says she is not overly concerned about safety issues. She believes that the risk of reputational damage is enough to keep cruise lines vigilant.
As the demand for cruises continues to grow, the industry must balance the thrill of onboard attractions with the responsibility of ensuring passenger safety. With increasing scrutiny on the design and maintenance of water slides, it remains to be seen how cruise lines will address these concerns moving forward.
