Royal Caribbean is facing criticism from passengers who claim the cruise line failed to disclose the closure of popular water park attractions before they booked their trips. The company, known for its extensive water parks on newer ships, has reportedly shut down slides without prior notice, leaving guests frustrated.
Passenger Complaints Surface on Reddit
Multiple passengers took to Reddit to express their dissatisfaction. One user wrote, 'We specifically booked this cruise for the water park. Unfortunately, the majority of the slides have been closed for multiple days, including sea days, with only ONE slide intermittently open. What’s been frustrating isn’t just the closures—it’s the complete lack of transparency.' They added that staff gave scripted responses about maintenance and provided no timeline for reopening.
Another passenger commented, 'They advertise the slides on these ships, especially the Icon. I can't imagine what the kids would have been like if nothing was open. It's really a bad look.' A third traveler described waiting an hour and a half to ride just two slides on the Star of the Seas ship due to multiple closures.
Royal Caribbean’s Response
When contacted by Fox News Digital, Royal Caribbean confirmed that a few rides were closed on two ships for maintenance but did not specify which vessels. The Independent has also reached out for comment. The Icon of the Seas debuted in January 2024, and the Star of the Seas launched in August 2025.
Previous Incident Raises Safety Concerns
The ride closure reports come months after a passenger was injured on an Icon of the Seas water slide. In August 2025, a man was hurt on the 'Frightening Bolt' slide when acrylic glass broke, slicing his skin. His attorney, Alex Perez, indicated plans to pursue a lawsuit. Royal Caribbean issued a statement saying medical care was provided and the slide was closed for investigation.
