Icon of the Seas Waterslide Shatters, Injures Passenger, Slide Closed

On August 7, a section of the tallest waterslide, the Frightening Bolt, aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas shattered while an adult guest was riding it, causing injury. The incident was captured on video, showing water gushing from the broken acrylic glass panel as passengers shouted to stop the slide. The injured guest, who did not fall through the hole, received immediate medical attention and is reported to be in stable condition. Royal Caribbean has closed the slide for the remainder of the voyage and launched a full investigation to determine the cause, focusing on potential material fatigue or manufacturing defects. This incident adds to recent safety concerns on the Icon of the Seas, which also experienced a deadly altercation between crew members in July. The ship, known as the world’s largest cruise vessel, boasts six waterslides and the largest waterpark at sea, accommodating up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.