May 20, 2025 | Maritime Daily Report
A luxury vacation turned into a voyage of fear and confusion this week as passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Odyssey of the Seas experienced what many are now calling a “horrifying and unexplained incident at sea” — sparking panic, emergency protocols, and an ongoing investigation that has left both guests and cruise officials shaken.
The 10-night Eastern Mediterranean sailing, which departed from Rome on May 10, was abruptly plunged into chaos on Day 5, when the ship suddenly came to a full stop in the middle of open waters near the Greek coast. What followed was a series of alarming events that Royal Caribbean has yet to fully explain — and passengers are demanding answers.
“The lights flickered, there was a loud noise, and then everything just… stopped,” said Denise Morales, a guest from Texas. “We thought it was a power failure, but then the captain made an announcement saying there had been a ‘security situation.’ That’s when panic really started.”
According to multiple guests, crew members were seen rushing to secure hallways and restricting movement on certain decks. An onboard announcement directed all passengers to remain in their cabins — an emergency protocol rarely invoked at sea. While no details were provided at the time, several passengers reported seeing heavily armed security personnel on Deck 7, an area usually open for recreation.
Rumors swirled quickly among frightened guests: a possible medical emergency, a security breach, or even a violent altercation. Royal Caribbean has since confirmed only that “an onboard incident involving a guest required immediate intervention and isolation,” but would not comment on its nature, citing “ongoing internal review and guest privacy.”
To make matters worse, onboard internet and communication systems were temporarily shut down, leaving passengers unable to contact family or post updates — further fueling speculation that the cruise line was attempting to manage or suppress information about the incident.
“It felt like something far more serious than a health issue,” said one guest. “They’re clearly hiding the full story.”
By Day 7, the cruise resumed its course, but the mood onboard remained tense. Several passengers say the entertainment schedule was altered without notice, a deck party was canceled, and security remained “visibly increased” throughout the remainder of the sailing. Disembarkation in Rome was described as “unusually strict,” with some guests reporting being individually questioned by authorities.
Royal Caribbean issued a carefully worded statement late Sunday:
“The safety and well-being of our guests and crew is our top priority. A situation aboard Odyssey of the Seaswas quickly and professionally resolved in accordance with our protocols. At no time were guests in danger. We thank everyone for their cooperation.”
But for many who lived through the unnerving experience, the statement brings little comfort.
“This was supposed to be a relaxing escape,” said one guest. “Instead, it was the most disturbing experience of our lives — and we still don’t know what really happened.”
As Royal Caribbean faces growing calls for transparency, the cruise industry is once again grappling with the question: How much are guests entitled to know when something goes terribly wrong at sea?