Unexpected Glass Breakage on Symphony of the Seas
Just before docking in Port Canaveral, Florida, on Sunday, 29 June 2025, an unexpected incident occurred on the Symphony of the Seas. A glass panel on the roof of the Solarium shattered, startling nearby guests. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Passengers React to the Incident
The 228,081-gross-ton ship was filled with the sound of a loud “pop” as the tempered glass panel fractured. This panel was part of the crystal canopy above the adults-only Solarium. It extended over the deck 15 lounge chairs and a bathroom entrance on deck 14. Passengers quickly took to social media to share their experiences. One cruiser noted, “I was close by, it was a loud pop!” Another remarked on the recurrence, “Again!!! We were right under the last glass breakage on 6/8. Every time docking in Florida.”
Safety Measures in Place
Photos from passengers showed the panel shattered but mostly intact. This is thanks to the tempered safety glass, which breaks into small, blunt fragments rather than sharp pieces. This design helps prevent injuries when the glass is compromised.
Second Incident in a Month
This was the second glass-related incident on Symphony of the Seas in June. A similar event occurred on 8th June, also while docking in Port Canaveral. During that incident, a glass wall panel at the Coastal Kitchen restaurant on deck 17 shattered. Fragments fell to a lower deck, but a quick-thinking waiter, Nitin Kumar, cleared the area just in time.
Possible Causes of Glass Failures
Royal Caribbean has not yet released an official statement about these incidents. However, many speculate that ship vibrations during complex docking manoeuvres might be the cause. Both incidents occurred while the ship was navigating into Port Canaveral. These movements often involve sharp turns and engine adjustments, leading to significant vibrations.
Weather and Structural Stress
While some suggest that Florida’s hot summer weather could be a factor, experts believe temperature alone is unlikely to cause tempered glass to fail. Instead, a combination of structural stress and ship movement is a more probable explanation.
Swift Response and Continued Operations
Despite the unusual nature of these incidents, no injuries have occurred. Crew responses have been swift and efficient. Clean-up teams secured the affected areas quickly, and the ship’s schedule remained uninterrupted. Symphony of the Seas continues to homeport out of Cape Liberty in New Jersey, offering 7-night sailings to Florida and The Bahamas.
Looking Ahead
Royal Caribbean is likely to investigate the cause of these repeated breakages. Preventing future incidents is crucial, especially as the ship continues its popular cruise itineraries. Passengers can remain confident in the crew’s ability to handle unexpected situations efficiently.
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