Popular Royal Caribbean cruise excursions impacted by new laws
For many families taking a cruise vacation, especially those cruising to The Bahamas and Caribbean with teens, participating in water sports is an exciting way to spend a port day in paradise.
Many water sports come with inherent safety risks, however. It's important for travelers to be aware of the dangers and take proper precautions to ensure the safest experience possible when participating in these popular cruise port activities.Some cruise ports in The Bahamas and Caribbean have a reputation for poorly regulated water sports rental industries, and a rise in recent jet ski and boating accidents in The Bahamas has led to growing concerns about the safety of water sports excursions.
Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department issued new warnings about the risks associated with jet ski and boating activities in The Bahamas in the wake of fatal jet ski accidents and other incidents involving visitors.
In one of those accidents, a Holland America Line cruise passenger tragically died after losing control of a jet ski and crashing into a rock at the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas, RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
In response to recent jet ski accidents and safety concerns, the Bahamian government stepped up its oversight of jet ski operations and recently introduced new laws and penalties aimed at deterring unsafe and unregulated watercraft activities.Crackdown on jet ski rentals brings new rules for cruise excursions
As the Parliament of The Bahamas overhauled its maritime regulations this summer, it began implementing new fines and penalties to crack down on commercial jet ski and boat operators who breach laws governing their operations.
Passengers booked on jet ski excursions at Royal Caribbean's private island in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, have reported receiving emails from the cruise line about a new rule related to the commercial watercraft crackdown.
'Due to a recent change in local government regulations in The Bahamas, the minimum age required to operate a Wave Jet is now 18 years old,' the cruise line informed passengers who booked a reservation for a 16 or 17-year-old.Previously, the minimum age to drive a jet ski during an excursion at CocoCay was 16 years old, but a driver's license was required and parents had to sign a waiver for any driver under 18 years old. Now, it appears that to ensure compliance with Bahamian regulations, 16 and 17-year-olds are only permitted to participate in a jet ski excursion as riders, not drivers, regardless of whether they have a driver's license and waiver.
In addition to impacting Royal Caribbean excursions at CocoCay, the new regulations will likely prevent teens from driving jet skis in The Bahamas during excursions with any cruise line or private tour operator.
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Cruise passengers should remain cautious about jet ski rentals
No matter what cruise port you're visiting, it's always a good idea to only book jet ski excursions and other activities through your cruise line, since those tour operators have been vetted by the cruise line. Keep in mind, however, that jet ski use always comes with risks.
If you're considering renting jet skis while visiting The Bahamas on a cruise (or any type of trip), you should make sure to only rent jet skis from reputable operators who offer equipment that is in good condition. Make sure the tour operator provides you with adequate training so you feel comfortable before setting off on your excursion.Here's what the U.S. State Department advises about jet skis and boating in The Bahamas in its Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution Travel Advisory for the islands:
Boating is not well regulated. Injuries and deaths have occurred.
Sexual assaults by jet ski operators have also been reported.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees are prohibited from using jet skis and personal watercraft rented from independent operators on New Providence and Paradise islands.
Watercraft may not be safe, and some operators are not licensed or insured.
Watercraft operators sometimes ignore weather forecasts. Always follow local weather and marine alerts.
(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 Aug 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
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