Royal Caribbean Enhances Water Slide Safety Amid Passenger Concerns

Royal Caribbean International has temporarily closed several water slides across multiple ships in its fleet to conduct essential maintenance and safety upgrades. The cruise line emphasizes that passenger safety remains its top priority, though the closures have caused disappointment among some guests.

The company took preventive action after identifying potential safety concerns with certain water slide components. Captain James of Navigator of the Seas revealed that cracks were discovered in acrylic tube sections of some slides, prompting immediate closures for comprehensive evaluation.

The following vessels and attractions are currently undergoing maintenance:

• Navigator of the Seas: Hurricane Blaster and Riptide slides closed since November 20
• Independence of the Seas: Cyclone and Typhoon slides closed since November 20
• Harmony of the Seas: Supercell slide status varies - check onboard announcements

Royal Caribbean engineers are replacing problematic acrylic components with fiberglass, which offers:

• Superior strength and impact resistance
• Enhanced durability against weathering
• Improved long-term safety performance

The retrofit process faces logistical challenges as each component requires custom fabrication. Navigator of the Seas will begin installing new fiberglass parts on December 1, with completion targeted before Christmas holidays. Some notifications suggest certain slides may remain closed until February 2026.

The company has initiated a comprehensive review of water slides across its entire fleet following an incident earlier this year on Icon of the Seas, where a passenger was injured due to a fractured acrylic panel on the "Frightening Bolt" slide.

Many guests expressed frustration about the lack of advance notification regarding closures. Social media posts reveal disappointment, particularly from families who selected ships specifically for their water attractions.

While water slides remain unavailable, Royal Caribbean highlights other onboard amenities:

• Multiple swimming pools and splash zones
• FlowRider surf simulators
• Rock climbing walls
• Sports courts and entertainment programs

Royal Caribbean reaffirms its dedication to safety through:

• Stringent maintenance standards
• Professional safety teams
• Enhanced communication protocols
• Comprehensive emergency preparedness

The temporary closures represent Royal Caribbean's proactive approach to safety management. While current guests may experience inconvenience, the upgrades aim to ensure long-term reliability of these popular attractions across the fleet.