An unidentified female cruise passenger died after a fatal jet ski accident at Carnival's private island, Half Moon Cay, in the Bahamas.
According to Eye Witness News, an investigation is underway following the tragic accident that took place on March 22, 2025.
Police in Eleuthra were contacted by the island's manager shortly after 1:00pm. Once they arrived on Half Moon Cay, the officers conducted an initial investigation that revealed the British/Czechoslovakia national allegedly lost control of her jet ski and collided with a rock.
Though medical personnel were on the scene, they weren't able to revive the passenger. She was pronounced deceased by the local medical doctor.
Half Moon Cay is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, a large business that operates several cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Holland America Line. As such, the island is a popular destination for passengers on multiple lines.
According to Cruise Mapper, the only ship at Half Moon Cay on the day of the accident was Holland America Line's Nieuw Amsterdam, a Signature Class ship that launched in 2010 with a passenger capacity of over 2,100.
It was the final day of a 7-night cruise from Fort Lauderdale, calling at Grand Turk, St. Thomas, and Half Moon Cay.
As the investigation continues, authorities will look at the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident. Additionally, safety procedures for water activities on the private island, including jet skiing, may be reviewed to prevent future incidents.
Nieuw Amsterdam's return to Fort Lauderdale was delayed because the ship remained in Half Moon Cay following the incident. As such, embarkation for the following voyage was postponed.
Passengers on the Mar. 23 cruise were initially notified that embarkation for their voyage would begin at 2:00pm.
However, it was later pushed back to 4:30pm, with an all-aboard time of 7:00pm and a departure scheduled for 8:00pm. Holland America also advised guests not to arrive at the terminal ahead of their assigned check-in time, as the terminal has limited seating.
According to Cruise Mapper, Nieuw Amsterdam was still en route to Port Everglades at 10:45am on Sunday, Mar. 23.
Nieuw Amsterdam's next cruise is a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise scheduled to call at Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel, and Half Moon Cay. There are no changes to that itinerary at this time, despite the delayed embarkation.
Passengers onboard HAL's Nieuw Amsterdam during the incident were advised to reschedule their flights for no earlier than 5:00pm from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and no earlier than 7:00pm from Miami International Airport.
Holland America Line also gave guests complimentary Wi-Fi to make the necessary adjustments and contact family, friends, and travel agents.
Royal Caribbean sued by passenger after jet ski accident at CocoCay
The incident at Half Moon Cay has raised important questions regarding the safety of water-based activities offered to cruise passengers.
Another guest was injured during a beginner-level jet ski excursion at Perfect Day at CocoCay on December 20, 2024.
Jessica Haro joined 12 other passengers and two guides for the tour booked through the cruise line while sailing aboard Icon of the Seas.
However, Haro claimed she suffered four spinal fractures and extensive internal injuries after being hit by one of the guides at high speed.
Consequently, Haro and her attorney, Justin Shapiro of Lessfield & Partners in Miami, filed a federal lawsuit against Royal Caribbean on February 10, 2025, requesting $5 million in damages.
Long before CocoCay was transformed into Perfect Day at CocoCay, a passenger sailing on the now-scrapped Monarch of the Seas was also injured while jet skiing at Royal Caribbean's private island.
In 2013, claimant Linda Arnold filed a suit and a complaint for damages, claiming that Royal Caribbean was responsible for the injuries she sustained in a jet ski collision while visiting the island in 2011.
Finally, another passenger unfortunately passed away during a jet ski excursion while sailing on Carnival Sensation, though the tour didn't take place at Carnival's private island.
Instead, the guest rented a jet ski directly from a local vendor in Nassau in 2011, as reported by Cruise Law News. A second passenger was seriously injured and taken to a hospital in the Bahamas.
Read more: Cruise travel insurance and why you need it
Should you be worried about your jet ski excursion?
Generally speaking, jet skiing is a popular activity for cruise passengers. While incidents like the ones at Half Moon Cay and Perfect Day at CocoCay are tragic, they are relatively rare.
The key is to book with reputable operators who prioritize safety. So long as the excursion is conducted by trained professionals with clear safety protocols and the right equipment, your risk remains low.
Take extra care during the safety briefing and follow your guide's instructions during the activity. Moreover, assess your comfort level before beginning. Don't hesitate to slow down or ask for additional guidance if you're worried. It's better to be safe than to try and keep up with the faster rider.
Read more: Simple tips to safely take a cruise ship vacation
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on nearly 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
