Rhapsody Of The Seas Cancels Bookings Due to Damaged Lifeboat - 15 September 2024

On 8 September 2024, the cruise ship Rhapsody of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean, sustained damage to one of its lifeboats during a voyage, rendering it non-operational. The damage compromised the vessel's compliance with Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations, which mandate sufficient lifeboat capacity for all passengers and crew in an emergency.

As a result, Royal Caribbean cancelled all bookings for passengers assigned to the affected lifeboat on the ship's scheduled departure from San Juan, Puerto Rico, on 15 September 2024. All affected passengers received full refunds and future cruise credits.

During the ship's voyage on 8 September 2024, one lifeboat was damaged and rendered inoperable. This damage directly compromised the vessel's ability to meet mandatory SOLAS lifeboat capacity requirements, which stipulate that sufficient lifeboat accommodation must be available for all persons onboard in the event of an emergency evacuation.

Due to the lifeboat damage, Royal Caribbean cancelled all bookings for passengers who had been assigned to the affected lifeboat. The operator issued full refunds to all affected passengers and provided future cruise credits equivalent to the amount originally paid, valid through September 2025.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• No evacuation was required; the damage was identified and addressed prior to passenger embarkation.

The damaged lifeboat has been repaired or replaced to restore SOLAS compliance. Royal Caribbean has processed full refunds and future cruise credits for all affected passengers.