The Barefoot Brief: August 8th
Broken Slide on Icon of the Seas Raises Safety Questions
A sunny cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas took a rough turn this week when a piece of acrylic cracked off one of the ship’s waterslides, resulting in a "catastrophic" injury. The ride has been shut down, and experts are reminding everyone that the sea’s swaying rhythm, interior wear, and tight ship layouts can stress feature durability. The U.S. Coast Guard doesn’t inspect entertainment attractions—so safety boils down to cruise lines doing their homework. Even so, cruisers continue to stampede aboard—mostly trusting the lines to keep the fun both thrilling and secure.
Tragedy Strikes at Celebration Key Island
In heartbreaking news, two American guests—ages 79 and 74—drowned mere hours apart at Carnival’s newly opened Celebration Key resort. The first incident occurred while snorkeling, and the second in a pool, both prompting swift lifeguard and medical team responses. Carnival expressed condolences and is supporting the families as investigations and autopsies proceed. It’s a somber reminder that even paradise can carry unexpected risks—and that vigilance isn’t just for high seas, but even for sunlit resort shores.
Diana Ross Cancels Godmother Role on Star of the Seas
Legendary singer Diana Ross won’t be christening Star of the Seas after all—has cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Royals are reportedly disappointed, but the line is already lining up a new godmother to step into her vintage shoes. The star’s cancellation leaves an emotional void, but anticipation for the ship’s August 31 inauguration remains high.
Photo Fail Sparks “Code Oscar” Rescue
Vacations aren’t always picture-perfect. One guest at Perfect Day at CocoCay got a little too close to the action and fell off a dock while snapping a photo of Star of the Seas. The ship immediately triggered a “Code Oscar” man-overboard alert, and the guest was swiftly rescued via jet ski. Cue the collective sigh of relief—and a gentle reminder to keep safety and photos balanced.
Disney Treasure Reroutes Ahead of Hurricane Erin
Disney Cruise Line diverted the Disney Treasure’s August 16 cruise from the Eastern to Western Caribbean—staying ahead of the brewing tropical disturbance Erin. Passengers will now enjoy Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Falmouth instead of Tortola and St. Thomas, though Castaway Cay remains on the itinerary. It’s flexibility in action—better to bob with the forecast than let it capsize your vacation.
Disney & Royal Plan for Tomorrow’s Voyages
On the horizon: Disney’s next big ship, Disney Destiny, is slated to debut in November with LNG power and a fresh chapter for DCL. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean is cooking up Perfect Day Mexico, a massive private destination featuring the tallest waterslide in the Americas and the world’s longest lazy river. It’s clear the cruise world isn’t just riding waves—it’s building entirely new ones.
⚓ That’s your mid-summer recap in wave after wave of news. Check back next week for more cruise stories—ships, safety, surprises, and everything in between.
