Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line face alarming incidents
Although cruises are most commonly associated with carefree vacation vibes, occasionally distressing incidents happen on board ships that leave some cruisers rethinking their vacation choices.
But just like a serious crime or accident can occur at any resort you choose to visit, or even in your own neighborhood, cruise ships sometimes become the setting of unfortunate and unexpected events. They are floating cities after all.In a regular city or a floating one, when you bring all kinds of people together, and especially when you add an abundance of alcohol into the mix, you're bound to have some accidents, violence, and crime happen.
It's rare, however, to have passengers and news outlets reporting almost simultaneously about serious incidents on two separate cruise ships from two different cruise lines that occurred within a day of each other.
But that's exactly what happened as word came from the sea to land about a shocking man overboard incident on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas on July 24. Not long after that news broke, it was reported that the FBI responded to an incident aboard Carnival Dream that concerned many passengers when medical calls rang out on board in the early morning hours of July 23.
Doug Parker shared more details on these troubling cruise ship events, and other cruise news, on the July 28 edition of Cruise News Today.Royal Caribbean crew member dies after violent on board altercation
Cruise News TodayTranscript:
This is Cruise News Today with Doug Parker.
Good morning, here's your cruise news for Monday, July 28th.
A man overboard incident aboard the world's largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has left one crew member dead and another recovering from stab wounds.
Bahamas police say a 35-year-old South African man stabbed a 28-year-old female colleague aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas on Thursday night and then jumped overboard. The woman was sent to a hospital. The man did not survive after being recovered.Royal Caribbean initially reported a man overboard, but later confirmed the violent altercation.
In a statement, the cruise line said: 'Our crew immediately initiated a search and rescue operation, but unfortunately the crew member passed away. We extend our condolences to the crew member's family and loved ones.'
The ship was sailing near The Bahamas at the time of the accident. It has since returned to Miami and started the next cruise.
Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Incident aboard Carnival Dream cruise ship leads to FBI response
In a story that is raising a lot of questions after multiple accounts on social media, an incident aboard the Texas-based Carnival Dream has prompted a federal response, but no criminal investigation has been confirmed.
The FBI says it's aware of an event that happened on Carnival Dream last week and is working with the Coast Guard, Customs and Carnival. Passengers reported early morning alerts and an all call for medical help on the Serenity Deck.
In a statement, the FBI local field office said: 'FBI Houston is aware of an incident that occurred on July 23, 2025 on the Carnival Dream cruise ship.'
Despite what's being posted on social media and quotes given to news stations, Carnival Cruise Line denies any investigation into a suspicious death and says, quote: 'It's disappointing to learn that any guests might be spreading rumors about something they know nothing about.'
It should be noted that the FBI has authority over most incidents at sea on American cruise ships, depending on location, departure points, and nationalities involved.Celebrity Beyond resumes cruises from Florida after repairs
Following five days at the Grand Bahamas Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas, the Celebrity Beyond returned to service yesterday.
Propulsion issues sidelined the ship for a week, canceling the July 20th sailing of Beyond. The ship instead went to Freeport last Monday for repair, where it stayed for five days. The ship arrived in South Florida just after 8 p.m. on Saturday night ahead of its cruise yesterday.
Beyond is currently sailing a Western Caribbean cruise with its first stop at Perfect Day.And cruise stocks were mixed on Friday. Carnival Corporation: flat, 29.75, Royal Caribbean: up 1%, 352.80, Norwegian: up 1.4%, 23.82 and Viking: up 1%, 58.34.
If you have a lead on a story, let us know: tips@cruiseradio.net.
Have yourself a great Monday. I'm Doug Parker with Cruise News Today.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
, or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
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