Royal Caribbean Enhances Waterslide Safety Across Fleet
Royal Caribbean is taking significant steps to enhance the safety of its waterslides. The cruise line is replacing acrylic panels with reinforced fibreglass sections on multiple ships. This decision follows an incident on the Icon of the Seas in August, where an acrylic panel on the Frightening Bolt waterslide shattered during use. Although no serious injuries occurred, the event prompted immediate inspections and temporary closures of similar slides across the fleet.
Navigator of the Seas: Temporary Waterslide Closures
Guests aboard the Navigator of the Seas recently found the ship’s popular waterslides, The Blaster and Riptide, temporarily closed. These closures are not due to mechanical issues but are part of Royal Caribbean’s proactive safety measures. The cruise line is replacing the acrylic panels with more robust fibreglass tubing. Captain James, speaking to passengers, explained that the decision was made after engineers recommended removing the acrylic sections from service.
Fleet-Wide Inspections and Upgrades
Royal Caribbean has been conducting thorough inspections across its fleet. Ships with waterslides featuring acrylic or clear-panel sections are being prioritised. Newer vessels, such as those in the Icon-class, were inspected first. Now, ships like the Navigator of the Seas, part of the Voyager-class, are undergoing similar upgrades. Some ships had replacement parts ready, allowing for swift repairs. However, others, including the Navigator, require custom fabrication, resulting in longer downtimes. Installation on the Navigator is set to start on 1st December 2025, with completion expected by 22nd December 2025.
Guest Reactions to Waterslide Closures
While many passengers appreciate the focus on safety, some have expressed disappointment about the unexpected closures. A few guests voiced their frustration online, noting they were unaware of the situation until boarding. One passenger commented on Reddit, “No waterslides for us, I guess. It would have been nice to know a month ago.” Despite this, Royal Caribbean maintains the right to close attractions without prior notice, especially for safety reasons. Meanwhile, guests on the Navigator can still enjoy other amenities, such as swimming pools and the FlowRider surf simulator.
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