When passengers boarded the world’s largest cruise ship last week, they expected to embark on a fun-filled weeklong journey and make happy memories. And with its waterparks, top-tier entertainment venues, and bucket-list itineraries, Icon of the Seas definitely delivers. But just a few days into the voyage, guests witnessed a traumatic event they’ll likely never forget.

Last Thursday, a guest aboard the ship posted on Reddit about a male crew member who had gone overboard. As news of the incident spread, other passengers aboard Icon of the Seas reported seeing crew in rescue boats retrieve the man. While many passengers initially believed the incident was an accident, it was soon revealed that the man jumped overboard and died after stabbing a female crew member.

Here’s how guests responded to the incident, and what it reveals about the often unseen challenges crew members face on board.

What Happened On Board Icon of the Seas?

The incident occurred on July 24, five days into the scheduled seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard Icon of the Seas, currently the world’s largest cruise ship and soon to be the second largest after Star of the Seas debuts next month. According to a video by Doug Parker of Cruise News Today, two crew members were involved in a violent personal dispute while the ship was near San Salvador Island in the Bahamas.

In a news release posted on X, the Royal Bahamas Police Force wrote that the male crew member attacked his female coworker, stabbing her before jumping overboard. The crew aboard the ship launched a search and rescue operation and recovered the man from the water. Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead shortly after.

The news release states:

“Shortly before 7:30 p.m., a 28-year-old South African female crew member was allegedly stabbed multiple times by another crew member, a 35-year-old South African male. Following the incident, the male reportedly fled from the scene and jumped into the water. He was retrieved unresponsive and pronounced dead by onboard medical staff.”

Authorities also reported that the female crew member sustained stab wounds to her upper body and is now in stable condition after treatment. Although Royal Caribbean hasn’t released the names of those involved, the Royal Bahamas Police Force has opened an investigation to determine the male crew member’s cause of death.

How Passengers Are Reacting To The Incident Aboard Icon Of The Seas

Several guests shared their experiences on Reddit, describing what they saw from their balconies and the confusion that followed. One traveler reported watching the ship’s crew deploy life preservers and send out a rescue boat shortly after the incident occurred.

Other passengers reported that the crew quickly closed the blinds and restricted access to the open deck areas. This left many unsure about what had actually happened, or whether the person who went overboard had survived.

In a separate Reddit thread, commenters discussed what life is like for crew members behind the scenes and how it may have contributed to the incident aboard Icon of the Seas.

For passengers, cruising is just a fun way to spend a vacation, but this incident highlights the hidden struggles many crew members face while on board.

What This Tragedy Reveals About The Hidden Struggles Of Cruise Ship Crew Members

In a video by Wanderlust Alley, travel YouTuber, Alley Kerr, interviewed cruise ship crew members about what life is really like below deck. Long shifts and a lack of rest days are common among ship crew members. Additionally, crew often spend months at sea, far from home, with little personal time and few mental health resources. While the terms of each job vary, most agreed that the crew lifestyle isn’t for everyone.

Many crew members also live in small, windowless cabins shared with one or more coworkers. Combined with the pressure to be friendly and professional at all times, burnout and mental health struggles are all too common.

And when it comes to dating and relationships among crew members, one of the interviewees described it as being like “college at sea,” where people meet, date, and sometimes clash in close quarters. While many of these relationships are harmless, the mental strain of the job and the lack of private space can make emotions harder to control.

Although the recent incident aboard the Icon of the Seas is rare, it’s still an important reminder that cruise ships are more than just floating resorts. They’re also workplaces where crew members deal with the constant pressure to perform.

An investigation is underway after a death on the Carnival Dream cruise ship based out of Galveston, Texas, according to reports.

At around 4:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, July 23, passengers woke up to the sounds of sirens alerting them to an incident on board the ship as it was traveling to Costa Maya, Belize, KHOU and the Houston Chronicle reported.

One passenger reported hearing an announcement saying that medical assistance was needed on the Serenity Deck, according to the outlets.

KHOU, citing law enforcement sources, reported that a “death investigation” is underway.

An FBI spokesperson said in a statement to PEOPLE, “I can confirm FBI Houston is aware of an incident that occurred around July 23, 2025, on the Carnival Dream cruise ship. An FBI maritime liaison agent, based out of the Texas City Resident Agency, is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection and the cruise line regarding this incident.”

FBI spokesperson Connor Hagan did not specify the nature of the case.

“It is standard practice for the FBI to review deaths that occur on cruise ships,” a spokesperson for Carnival shared in a statement with PEOPLE on Monday. “It does not automatically imply suspicious circumstances, and the facts of this matter do not suggest any such activitiy.”

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 requires cruise line cruise ships to report any deaths to the FBI, per the agency’s website.

The company added: “We extend our heartfelt sympathy to out guest’s family and loved ones in this difficult time.”

Carnival denied any investigation into a “suspicious death” to CBS Austin following news of the incident.

The cruise line said in a statement to the outlet on July 27, “There is no investigation about a suspicious death on Carnival Dream, and it’s disappointing to learn that any guests might be spreading rumors about something they know nothing about.”

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The day of the alleged incident the Dream was in Belize City, making one of three stops during a six-day cruise after departing Galveston on July 20. The ship returned on Saturday, July 26, per the Houston Chronicle.