Grandeur Of The Seas accidents and incidents

Grandeur Of The Seas cruise ship
Rating:

Cabins
997

Length (LOA)
279 m / 915 ft

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CruiseMapper's Grandeur Of The Seas cruise ship accidents, incidents and law news reports relate to a 2393-passenger vessel owned by Royal Caribbean. Our Grandeur Of The Seas accidents page contains reports made by using official data from renown online news media sources, US Coast Guard and Wikipedia.

Here are also reported latest updates on cruise law news related to ashore and shipboard crimes still investigated by the police. Among those could be arrests, filed lawsuits against the shipowner / cruise line company, charges and fines, grievances, settled / withdrawn legal actions, lost cases, virus outbreaks, etc.

  • fire - 2013
  • propulsion/power loss - 2000, 2002, 2008, 2009, 2018, 2019, 2023
  • pier collision/allision - 2005 (Costa Maya Mexico)
  • Norovirus (passengers/crew) - 2006 (130 / 11), 2 outbreaks in 2014 (total 208 / 14), 2015 (198 / 9), 2020 (82; 98 / 7)
  • deaths - 2010, overboard (2011, 2014), 2016, 2019 (ashore drowning in Barbados)
  • injuries/crimes - 2011 (drug bust)
  • medevacs - 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017

January 2023Propulsion / Power Loss

In late January 2023, due to technical issues with one of the main diesel engines, which affected the ship's propulsion/max cruising speed, Royal Caribbean made itinerary changes to the next voyage departing February 10th.

The engine issue started during the 9-day "Southern Caribbean Cruise" (itinerary Jan 27 - Feb 5, roundtrip from Miami, Florida USA) with call ports in St Maarten (Philipsburg), St Croix USVI (Frederiksted), Puerto Rico (San Juan), Dominicana (Puerto Plata) and Haiti (Labadee).

The next scheduled/altered voyage was also a 9-day Southern Caribbean roundtrip from Miami (Feb 10-19). The itinerary changes included an early departure from Miami and dropping/canceling Puerto Rico. The itinerary included stops in Puerto Plata Dominicana (Feb 12), Frederiksted St Croix USVI (Feb 13), Basseterre St Kitts (Feb 14), Philipsburg St Maarten (Feb 15) and Labadee Haiti (Feb 17).

All booked passengers on the affected voyage were emailed and notified by RCI about the changes.

March 2020Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

In March 2020, CDC reported a Norovirus outbreak with affected a total of 98 passengers (out of 1764, or 5,56%) and 7 crew (out of 798, or 0,88%). The incident occurred during the 12-day Southern Caribbean Cruise (itinerary March 7-19) roundtrip from homeport Baltimore MD with visited call ports in Puerto Rico (San Juan), St Maarten Island (Philipsburg), St Lucia Island (Castries), Barbados (Bridgetown) and St Kitts Island (Basseterre).

20 February 2020Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

On February 20, 2020, upon berthing in Baltimore MD, the ship reported to CDC an influenza outbreak (no Coronavirus) with affected 82 passengers and crew (or 3,35% of all). The flu-infected were quarantined to their staterooms while the liner was en-route from Maryland to the Caribbean. The US CDC didn't request Coronavirus tests for any of the patients.

The incident occurred at the beginning of 12-day "Southern CaribbeanCruise " (itinerary February 8-20) roundtrip from homeport Baltimore MD to St Croix Island (USVI), St Maarten Island (Philipsburg), St Lucia Island (Castries), Barbados (Bridgetown) and St Kitts Island (Basseterre).

In February-March 2020, due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, all cruisers out of US ports were screened prior embarkation. Passengers who had visited Coronavirus-affected regions or who had contacted others arriving from such regions during the past 14 days were not allowed to board the cruise ships.

07 December 2019Crew / Passenger Deaths

On December 7, 2019, while the liner was docked in call port Bridgetown (Barbados), a 72-year-old male passenger (Ohio citizen) drowned at Pebbles Beach.The elderly man was on a Royal Caribbean arranged shore excursion and found floating dead in the water.

The incident occurred during 12-day Southern Caribbean cruise (itinerary November 30 - December 12) roundtrip from homeport Baltimore Maryland and viciting Saint Croix Island, St Maarten Island, St Lucia Island, Barbados (Bridgetown  port stay 7 am - 4 pm) and St Kitts Island.

31 August 2019Propulsion / Power Loss

On August 31, 2019, due to mechanical problems affecting its propulsion, the liner (en-route from Baltimore to Bermuda) had to return to homeport for repairs and cancel the current voyage. All passengers were fully refunded, including all pre-purchased onboard packages and pre-booked shore excursions.

The accident occurred at the beginning of 5-day Bermuda cruise (itinerary Aug 31 - Sept 5) roundtrip from Baltimore MD to King's Wharf (planned overnight stay on Sept 2-3 / 1 pm - 2:30 pm).

10 January 2018Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

On January 10, 2018, a total of 46 people suffered from Norovirus (gastrointestinal illness outbreak) on the ship. The vessel was originally scheduled to return back to Baltimore on January 11, but due to propulsion issues, the return was delayed to January 13.

The ship left homeport Baltimore for 9-day roundtrip Caribbean cruise (itinerary Jan 2-11 as scheduled) to call ports Charleston SC, Port Canaveral FL, and Bahamas (Freeport, Nassau, Coco Cay  Island).

09 January 2018Propulsion / Power Loss

On January 9, 2018, the ship experienced a technical issue with one of its 2 rudders (steering system unit). Royal Caribbean emailed all booked on the next scheduled cruise passengers that the voyage's departure is changed as immediate repairs were needed. The change affected itinerary Jan 11-20 (9-day "Southeast Coast and Bahamas Cruise") from Baltimore to Charleston SC, Port Canaveral FL and Bahamas (Freeport, Nassau, Coco Cay).

The departure date was changed to January 13, and the itinerary was shortened (Charleston SC dropped). As compensation, all booked customers received 50% refundable onboard credit (based on the fares paid, non-inclusive of Gov taxes and port fees). Cancelled bookings were provided with a full refund.

For Air2Sea passengers or customers with purchased through Royal Caribbean flights, the company made new travel arrangements. Passengers with independently booked flights were reimbursed with flight change fees up to USD 200 pp (domestic flights) and up to USD 300 pp (International flights). Pre-purchased cruise packages (beverage or Internet) received a 2-day refund.

On January 10, the ship suffered a mechanical breakdown and had to stop in Port Canaveral for repairs.

08 November 2017Coast Guard Medevacs

On November 8, 2017, a USCG helicopter crew dispatched from Patrick Air Force Base (Florida) medevaced a male passenger suffering from appendicitis. The ship was en route from St Kitts to Baltimore MD (approx 800 km / 500 ml off Florida coast) returning from a 12-night Southern Caribbean cruise (itinerary Oct 28 – Nov 9) visiting Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, Martinique and St Kitts.

07 April 2017Coast Guard Medevacs

On April 7, 2017, 2 cruise passengers were separately medevaced (just hours apart) by USCG teams. The first was a 60-year old male passenger suffering from respiratory arrest – while the ship was crossing Chesapeake Bay returning to Baltimore MD. The second was a male passenger (in his 80s, passed out and unconscious) – while the ship was en-route from Baltimore to Charleston SC.

28 March 2017Coast Guard Medevacs

On March 28, 2017, a 70-year-old male passenger (suffering abdominal pains) was medevaced by the USCG while the ship was off North Carolina’s coast (approx 150 ml / 240 km southeast of Cape Hatteras NC). Two USCG vessels (MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, C-130 Hercules aircraft) were dispatched from Elizabeth City NC.

The man was airlifted and transported to Wilmington NC’s New Hanover Regional Medical Center. During the incident, the ship was en-route from Baltimore MA to St Thomas Island, on a 12-day Southern Caribbean cruise.

14 February 2017Coast Guard Medevacs

On February 14, 2017, a male passenger experiencing heart problems (shortness of breath and chest pains) was medevaced while the ship was approx 50 km (30 mi) east of Cape Hatteras (North Carolina). The USCG dispatched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter team from Air Station Elizabeth City. The man was hoisted and transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

16 January 2017Structural and Technical Issues

On January 16, 2017, in the afternoon, while the ship was docked in homeport Charleston SC, one of its lifeboats fell down and remained in the water upside down. Fortunately, the boat was empty so no injuries were reported. The accident was caused by a broken cable. On Jan 17, the ship arrived in Miami without the fallen lifeboat.

20 August 2016Crew / Passenger Deaths

On August 20, 2016,  a 45-year-old male passenger was found dead in his cabin. Foul play was not suspected. The incident occurred while the ship was docked in Bermuda on a 10-day roundtrip Baltimore cruise (itinerary Aug 18-27) with call ports Kings Wharf and Bahamas (Nassau, and Coco Cay).

09 August 2015Coast Guard Medevacs

On August 9, 2015, on a 7-days Florida-Bahamas cruise from homeport Boston MD, the ship was transiting Chesapeake Bay (~10 ml / 16 km southwest of Tangier Island). At ~9:30 pm, it requested assistance from the USCG for the evacuation of a male passenger requiring prompt hospital care ashore. The man was medevaced (airlifted) via Maryland State Police helicopter AW-139 and transferred to PRMC (Peninsula Regional Medical Center) in Salisbury, Maryland.

01 April 2015Coast Guard Medevacs

On April 1, 2015, a 71-year-old female passenger suffered from abdominal pain. The elderly woman and her husband were medevaced by a USCG helicopter sent from Elizabeth City NC. When the incident happened, the ship was at sea, approx 95 ml / 150 km east of Cape Lookout NC.

January 2015Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

January-February 2015, CDC reported on voyage Jan 24 to Feb 3, a major Norovirus outbreak affected a total of 198 passengers (out of 1948, or 10,2%) and 9 crew (out of 786, or 1,2%). The incident resulted in an itinerary change – call port Labadee (the RCI’s private resort on Haiti) was dropped. The ship returned in Baltimore 1 day early. All passengers were compensated for the missed call port USD 75 PP in onboard credit.

27 September 2014Coast Guard Medevacs

On September 27, 2014, a 58-year-old female passenger was seriously injured after falling. She and her husband were medevaced via USCG rescue boat, transported to Point Lookout Marina, then airlifted to Baltimore.

07 August 2014Crew / Passenger Deaths

(overboard) On August 7, 2014, a 70-year-old male passenger jumped overboard. The elderly man was travelling alone. CCTV camera records revealed suicide. The alert for a missing person was raised ~12 hours later, after reviewing the CCTV footage.

April 2014Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

March-April 2014, CDC reported on voyage Mar 28 to Apr 5, a Norovirus outbreak affected 111 passengers (out of 2122, or 5,2%) and 6 crew (out of 790, or 0,8%). The ship was operating on 7-days Bahamas cruise itinerary to Nassau roundtrip from homeport Baltimore MD. On the next voyage (Apr 5 to 12), from Norovirus suffered a total of 97 passengers (out of 2120, or 4,6%) and 8 crew (out of 808, or 1%).

09 March 2014Coast Guard Medevacs

On March 9, 2014, a 93-year-old male passenger suffered a head injury and was medevaced via USCG boat. The elderly man was then transported to Virginia Beach General Hospital.

23 December 2013Coast Guard Medevacs

On December 23, 2013, a 56-year-old female passenger was medevaced via USCG vessels sent from Elizabeth City NC. The ship was at sea, approx 300 ml / 480 km east of Orlando Florida.

27 May 2013Fire Accident

On May 27, 2013, the ship was on a 7-day Bahamas cruise out of Baltimore MD (starting May 24). With 2224 guests and 796 crew, the vessel was en-route to Coco Cay, Bahamas (aka Little Stirrup Cay /private island) when a fire broke out in its aft mooring area (on deck 3) and soon spread out to the crew lounge area (on Deck 4). The fire accident started at 2:50 AM. It was extinguished by 5 AM. Passengers were assembled at muster stations for several hours as a precaution. No injuries were reported. However, major damages were reported in the aft sections of decks 3, 4, 5.

The vessel continued under own power to the Bahamas. The remainder of the voyage was cancelled. All passengers were flown from Freeport, Bahamas, back to their points of residence. USCG Miami diverted 3 cutters and an HC-144 aircraft to respond to the emergency. The Carnival cruise ship Carnival Sensation was also standing by to assist if needed. Royal Caribbean chartered all 11 flights to fly passengers back to Baltimore from Freeport.

Next 6 scheduled cruises (in June, plus a July sailing) were cancelled. The ship returned to service on July 12, 2013.

As compensation, all passengers from the May 24 cruise received a full refund, plus a free Royal Caribbean cruise certificate. Booked passengers booked on the May 31 sailing received a full refund, plus 50% off future Royal Caribbean cruise certificates. Booked passengers on other cancelled voyages received a full refund, plus 25% off future Royal Caribbean cruise certificates. During the “fire cruise”, all purchased drink packages were also fully refunded, and the speciality coffee was complimentary for all passengers.

28 November 2012Structural and Technical Issues

On November 28, 2012, the ship was on a Transatlantic cruise repositioning from Europe to the Caribbean (Venice to Miami). The ship's central deck areas suffered from a horrible smell of sewer during the entire Atlantic Ocean crossing. The crew was unable to resolve the issue. Passengers also reported an oil spill incident during the vessel’s docking in Cadiz (port to Seville, Spain).

The polluted spot was on the starboard side (midship), under one of the lifeboats (number 7). Crew contained the oil spillage placing barriers around the spot and using absorbent materials.

24 February 2011Drug Smuggling

On February 24, 2011, a 22-year-old and 26-year-old male crew members were arrested for drug smuggling. The drug bust happened in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The ship had arrived from Colombia (Cartagena port). Customs staff found a total of 73 pounds (33 kilos) of cocaine. Both crews were of Jamaican origin.

18 February 2011Crew / Passenger Deaths

(overboard) On February 18, 2011, a male crew went overboard and gone missing while the ship was off the Aruba coast.

05 March 2010Crew / Passenger Deaths

On March 5, 2010, while the ship was at sea, a female passenger died after falling from her cabin’s balcony on deck 8 (port side aft) and landing on deck 5. She was travelling together with her husband and her mother in law. The report says the woman was intoxicated.

30 June 2009Structural and Technical Issues

On June 30, 2009, the ship experienced power loss to its emergency switchboard due to a malfunctioning inverter. The crew used a bypass connection to restore the switchboard power. During the incident, all generators were functioning correctly.

25 February 2009Propulsion / Power Loss

On February 25, 2009, while entering in Tampa Bay, the vessel lost 2 of all 4 diesel engines. It was able to maintain 14 mph / 22 kph cruising speed with only 2 operational engines (number 2 and 4). Two tugboats were assisting the ship to moor safely at Tampa Cruise Terminal 3. The incident was caused by the engines’ shut down due to a condensation collected in the crankcase pipes. The condensation then vaporized and activated the mist detector, causing the automatic shut down of both engines.

24 April 2008Propulsion / Power Loss

On April 24, 2008, the ship experienced propulsion issues resulting in ~3 hours delayed Bermuda port arrival. All land tours were either cancelled or shortened. On the next day, the Captain announced the propulsion problems will cause a 3,5 hours late arrival in homeport Baltimore MD (April 26).

As compensation, all passengers received US$100 in cash to cover their transportation changes. Many passengers changed their flight arrangements according to the announced arrival times. However, the ship arrived in Baltimore later than announced previously and additionally delayed the disembarkation process. Many were unable to get in time to the airport and missed their new flights too.

22 March 2008Propulsion / Power Loss

On March 22, 2008, due to unknown reasons, the ship experienced power loss for ~30 min right before its departure from Baltimore. The investigation showed there was a problem with diesel generator number 3. A short circuit inside it caused damage to the unit’s winding ends and leads. After repairs were done, all generators tested OK.

10 September 2006Propulsion / Power Loss

On September 10, 2006, the ship arrived late in homeport Baltimore MD due to a rudder problem. As a result, many passengers missed their flights. The next scheduled 7-day Bermuda cruise itinerary was changed to 3-day Cruise to Nowhere, returning in Baltimore as originally scheduled.

As compensation, all passengers received a 50% refund and 25% discount on a future Royal Caribbean cruise. Those who preferred to cancel received a 125% credit for a future Royal Caribbean cruise. Passengers returning late to Baltimore received USD 100 in cash toward flight changing fees.

March 2006Cruise Illness / Virus Outbreaks

March 2006, CDC reported on voyage Mar 6 to 11, a Norovirus outbreak (gastrointestinal illness) infected 130 passengers (out of 2263, or 4,8%) and 11 crew (out of 754, or 1,5%). All sick suffered from Norovirus symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea) and were quarantined to their cabins. The ship operated on a 5-day Bahamas cruise itinerary roundtrip from homeport Tampa Florida.

20 April 2005Ship Collision / Allision

(pier collision accident) On April 20, 2005, while manoeuvring for docking in Costa Maya, Mexico, the ship crashed in the pier.

The collision resulted in a 42 ft / 13 m long, 5 ft / 1,5 m wide gush in the hull. The damaged section was located bow-starboard on crew deck 1 (~5 ft / 1,5 m above the waterline). Royal Caribbean later announced that the accident was due to sudden winds (17 mph / 28 kph) combined with a strong water current (3,5 mph / 5,6 kph). Because the vessel had to stay in Costa Maya two more days for materials to patch the gash, the next 7-day itinerary was shortened to 5-days.

The RCI line offered passengers transportation from Mexico to New Orleans or onboard credit as compensation if they chose to stay on the ship. All passengers received US$250 onboard credit per cabin. Later, the ship entered drydock for repairs.

Note: Actually, this type of marine accident is called “allision” (striking a fixed object) as opposed to “collision” (striking another vessel).

23 September 2002Propulsion / Power Loss

On September 23, 2002, the ship was on a Panama Canal repositioning cruise from Ensenada Mexico to New Orleans (itinerary Sept 21 - Oct 2). After stopping in Cabo San Lucas, the ship experienced problems with one of the diesel engines. The incident resulted in slower cruising speed. Royal Caribbean flew an engineering crew from Miami to Acapulco Mexico to fix the engine.

31 October 2000Propulsion / Power Loss

On October 31, 2000, the ship experienced total power loss for 5,5 hours. Plumbing, air-conditioning and lighting were later restored. The liner was towed to Curacao (Port Willemstad) for repairs and was back in service 12 hours later.

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