RCI-Royal Caribbean's OASIS Plus class vessel Wonder of the Seas made an unscheduled return to PortMiami on Monday evening, September 15th, after an altercation on board left several guests injured and prompted an emergency response.
The incident occurred during a 4-day voyage to the Bahamas that had departed Miami on September 15th. According to the cruise line, its medical staff attended to adult passengers involved in the disturbance, and the individuals are receiving treatment for their injuries. The company further stated that local authorities had been notified and were now engaged in an active investigation.
When the ship docked at the cruise terminal on North America Way, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue confirmed that personnel had been dispatched in response to a medical call.
Accounts from those aboard placed the altercation near the pools on Lido Deck 15. Several passengers recalled seeing crowds moving toward the pool area before crew members cordoned off the children’s section. Later, the captain advised that the vessel was altering course and returning to Miami to allow a guest requiring hospitalization to disembark.
Accounts from social media described law enforcement boarding the vessel upon arrival, with some guests observing a number of passengers leaving the pier with their luggage. Others speculated on the severity of the incident and questioned why an airlift at sea had not been employed.
Wonder OTS is on a 4-day, round-trip Bahamas Perfect Day Cruise.
For more Wonder of the Seas incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.