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Traveler treated for injuries after acrylic glass on cruise ship water slide breaks

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 9:05 GMT by Fox News
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Water Slide Wreckage Leaves Traveler Injured on Cruise Ship

A tragic incident on a cruise ship last week has highlighted the growing concerns over the safety of on‑board attractions. While on a voyage with [Cruise Line Name], a water slide that was constructed entirely from acrylic glass abruptly failed, sending its riders into the surrounding pool area. The accident, which occurred on [date] aboard the vessel [Ship Name], left one passenger with injuries that required immediate treatment at the ship’s medical center.

The Incident

According to eyewitnesses, the slide—advertised as the newest addition to the ship’s “aquatic paradise”—began to sag after a short period of operation. At approximately 3:17 p.m. local time, the acrylic glass frame collapsed under the weight of a group of twenty–seven passengers. The impact caused several riders to tumble into the pool below, where they were quickly assisted by crew members.

The traveler who sustained injuries, identified only as a 36‑year‑old mother of two, was found lying near the base of the slide with a bruised head, a fractured rib, and a sprained ankle. “It was scary and painful,” she told reporters later that evening. “I was already shaken from the collapse, and the pain made me feel worse.” She was transported to the ship’s infirmary, where a medical team administered pain relief and immobilization for the rib fracture.

Company Response

Within hours, Cruise Line Name issued a formal statement via its social media channels and website. “We are deeply sorry for the incident that occurred on board [Ship Name],” the company said. “Our crew acted swiftly to evacuate passengers and ensure medical care for those injured. We are conducting a full investigation and have already begun a comprehensive review of all our on‑board attractions.”

The statement noted that the slide had undergone a routine safety inspection two weeks before the incident. “All components met the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) safety standards at the time of inspection,” the company added. “We are currently coordinating with the IMO and relevant maritime authorities to determine the root cause of the failure.”

The traveler’s injuries were classified as “minor but serious.” The cruise line offered a full refund of the voyage and an additional complimentary stay on a future cruise for the affected passengers. The company also announced that it would reimburse all medical expenses incurred as a result of the incident.

Broader Context

This is not the first time a cruise ship has experienced a problem with an on‑board water slide. In 2017, the [Ship Name] of [Other Cruise Line] suffered a similar collapse when a concrete slide failed, injuring 18 passengers. The incident sparked a wave of scrutiny over the design and maintenance of inflatable and acrylic attractions on the high seas.

Industry experts point to a growing trend in cruise lines investing heavily in “experience‑focused” amenities to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market. “The emphasis on novel entertainment—water slides, zip lines, rock climbing walls—has outpaced the regulatory frameworks that govern them,” said Dr. Emily Thompson, a maritime safety consultant at the Global Maritime Institute. “While these attractions add value for passengers, they also introduce new safety risks that need rigorous oversight.”

The IMO has issued guidance on “Safety of On‑board Recreational Facilities” to help cruise operators assess and mitigate hazards. However, critics argue that the guidelines are voluntary and not enforced with the same rigor as safety measures for lifeboats or navigation systems. “When an attraction fails, the damage is often immediate and visible. We need a stronger enforcement mechanism,” said Captain James Rivera, a former maritime safety regulator.

Passenger Perspective

While the injured traveler has received treatment, she remains cautious about on‑board attractions. “I’ve been on a few cruises before, and I never expected something like this to happen,” she said. “It’s scary because I have no idea how these slides are built or inspected. I want to make sure my kids are safe too.”

Other passengers on [Ship Name] were understandably shaken. Several reported feeling “on edge” during subsequent slides, prompting crew to pause operations for the rest of the day. A spokesperson for the cruise line confirmed that all slides were temporarily closed until a thorough assessment could be completed.

Moving Forward

Regulatory bodies are now eyeing the incident as a catalyst for stricter safety protocols. The U.S. Coast Guard, in a statement released on Friday, confirmed that it would conduct an independent audit of all cruise lines operating in U.S. waters, with a particular focus on “on‑board recreational facilities.”

The maritime safety community has already begun discussions about a possible amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) that would mandate standardized testing for inflatable and acrylic attractions. “We’re talking about a mandatory third‑party certification for all such devices,” Dr. Thompson explained. “That could help prevent future accidents and restore passenger confidence.”

Conclusion

The unfortunate collapse of an acrylic glass water slide on [Ship Name] serves as a stark reminder that entertainment and safety must go hand in hand on the high seas. While Cruise Line Name has taken swift action to care for its injured passengers and investigate the cause, the incident underscores the need for tighter regulation and oversight of cruise ship attractions. As the industry continues to evolve, passengers will likely demand clearer safety assurances, and regulators will face increasing pressure to protect travelers from preventable hazards.