The Barefoot Brief: October 10, 2025
Royal Caribbean Rescues Dozen on Ramshackle Raft Between Cuba & Mexico
During a rerouted voyage in the Yucatan Channel (because hurricanes love to mess with cruise maps), Enchantment of the Seas spotted a group stranded on a decaying raft.
Crew deployed drones to assess, then sent a lifeboat and pulled about 10 individuals aboard. All are reported safe, receiving medical care, and the cruise line coordinated with Mexican Coast Guard authorities. It’s one of those “ships do good things sometimes” moments that restores a bit of faith in humanity (and cruise captains).
Medical Evacuation from Sky Princess Off Algeria
Algerian naval forces carried out a medevac of a British passenger from Sky Princess while it was sailing in international waters off the Algerian coast.
No further details yet on the patient’s condition or nature of the medical issue. These at‑sea operations always carry extra weight — the kind you hope never to need but are glad exist.
Viral Waterslide Fail: Woman Stuck Suspended Over Ocean on Norwegian Bliss
A TikTok video went viral showing a woman trapped inside a clear waterslide that juts 159 feet over the ocean aboard Norwegian Bliss.
The slide is part of the “Ocean Loops” feature, which protrudes 11 ft beyond the ship’s edge. Though emergency escape hatches purportedly exist, the image of someone suspended mid‑air over open sea triggered a wave of horror online. This comes on the heels of other slide incidents (e.g. glass panels cracking on Icon of the Seas) that are pushing safety concerns to the forefront.
Carnival Imposes “Guardian” Rule on Young Adults Booking Cruises
One young Canadian couple (in their 20s) received the shocking news from Carnival: they can’t board unless accompanied by a “guardian” aged 25+, even though they’re legally adults.
Carnival claims this policy is longstanding but rarely enforced — the couple had already booked, only to be told days later they need a plus‑one. Carnival offered refunds, but the situation lit up cruise forums and Reddit with frustration over confusing, age‑based boarding rules.
MSC Silver II Collides with Fishing Boat off India; No Formal Complaint Filed Yet
Off the coast of Kochi (Kerala, India), MSC Silver II allegedly struck a local fishing boat, damaging its structure.
About 45 fishermen escaped injury, though the fishing boat took damage. Local police say no formal FIR (First Information Report) has been filed, suggesting resolution behind closed doors. The incident underscores how cruise/merchant fleet activity sometimes brushes up against local livelihoods.
Disney’s New “Disney Adventure” Ship Raided by German Police During Test Voyage
Just days into its shakedown trip docked in Germany, Disney Adventure saw federal police board the vessel and arrest two shipyard workers with outstanding warrants.
One man (Croatian) paid a fine and stayed aboard; one (Slovenian) was taken into custody. The ship continues toward Bremerhaven for final outfitting before its December Southeast Asia debut. Not exactly the PR splash they were hoping for.
That wraps this week’s wave of drama, rescues, and policy oddities.
Anchors down till next week,
— Barefoot and Booked
