Another Glass Incident on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas
Glass has shattered once more on a Royal Caribbean vessel, this time on the Utopia of the Seas. This marks the sixth occurrence in just four months across the cruise line’s fleet. The latest incident happened in the Windjammer Marketplace on Deck 15.
Photos shared online reveal a panel above the Boardwalk neighbourhood balconies completely fractured. Fortunately, it remained in its frame and did not fall. Crew members swiftly cordoned off the area, and the panel is set to be covered and replaced.
Impact on Passengers and Itinerary
No injuries have been reported, and the ship’s schedule remains unchanged. The exact sailing when the panel broke is unconfirmed. However, images surfaced on Friday, 26th September, suggesting it occurred during the three-night “World’s Biggest Weekend” cruise from Port Canaveral.
These short getaways often include a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay. Some longer four-night versions also include Nassau alongside CocoCay.
Recurring Incidents Across the Fleet
While broken glass on ships isn’t unheard of, the recent frequency is raising eyebrows. Symphony of the Seas alone has experienced three separate incidents since early June. On June 8, a panel in the Coastal Kitchen restaurant shattered, sending shards onto the pool deck below.
Later, on June 29, a canopy in the adults-only Solarium fractured while docking in Port Canaveral. In early August, a panel near the miniature golf course on Deck 16 shattered, possibly due to a stray golf ball.
Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas Incidents
On August 7, Icon of the Seas made headlines when part of its Frightening Bolt waterslide fractured mid-ride. This sent water cascading down, injuring one guest. The slide has since been repaired with a solid section of material.
Even the brand-new Star of the Seas faced issues. Just before its maiden voyage, a panel on Deck 15 shattered on August 26. Nearby guests reported hearing a loud pop as the glass broke without any apparent cause.
Possible Causes and Quick Responses
Royal Caribbean has not connected these incidents, and various factors could be at play. Glass can break due to impacts, manufacturing flaws, or weather stress. Each case might have a different root cause.
What remains consistent is the crew’s rapid response to secure areas and make repairs. This ensures minimal disruption to sailings. Passengers can be reassured that these breaks are rare events on ships carrying thousands of guests weekly.
Looking Ahead
With six incidents in such a short span, many cruisers are keenly observing if Royal Caribbean will provide further explanations. For now, the cruise line continues to prioritise passenger safety and seamless travel experiences.
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