Royal Caribbean confirms woman died onboard nine-month world cruise
The death of a passenger onboard a nine-month cruise around the world has been confirmed by Royal Caribbean.
Another traveller onboard the 'Serenade of the Seas' ship broke the heartbreaking news on social media, revealing that the passing marks the first death onboard since departing from Miami on 10 December 2023.
Since it's departure from the Florida hotspot, the colossal cruiser has already set sail through the likes of Mexico, Peru, Brazil, before stopping off in Los Angeles on Sunday, following one passenger's demise.
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TikTok star Adita - known by the username @aditaml2759 on the video-sharing app - broke the 'sad' news on social media the same day, revealing that the Ultimate World voyage had seen it's 'first death'.
The content creator told viewers in a now-deleted video that an 'elderly lady' had died onboard.
"We had our first death on the Ultimate World Cruise. A lady passed away last night," Adita explained.
"She was an elderly lady, and the reason why I know is because I was coming to my room when they were taking [her] out."
And following the weekend speculation, shipping line giant Royal Caribbean has now confirmed the news, addressing the passenger's death in a statement.
Speaking to PEOPLE Magazine, the travel firm explained: "A guest sailing onboard Serenade of the Seas has sadly passed away. We are actively providing support and assistance to the guest's loved ones at this time.
"Out of the privacy of the guest and their family, we have nothing further to share at this time."
Since confirming the news, popular review site Cruise Critic has lifted the lid on what exactly happens when a passenger dies on board, revealing the vessels actually have small morgues on board, in which the deceased body is kept.
Upon reaching dry land, the late passenger is then removed from the ship.
The Royal Caribbean spokesperson has also opened up on a change of schedule, amid the ongoing violence in the Middle East.
The cruise was intended to continue on until 17 February, travelling to Lahaina, Maui and Hawaii before heading onwards to New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia.
But, claiming the 'safety of our guests and crew is our top priority', the travel boss is now to spend time 'monitoring what is taking place in and around the Red Sea'.
"In looking ahead at potential itinerary adjustments, we are currently reviewing alternatives for Serenade of the Seas, which is currently scheduled to transit the Suez Canal in May," the statement read.
"Our guests and travel partners will receive an update from us in mid-February."
LADbible Group contacted Royal Caribbean for comment.
Topics: Travel
Rhianna Benson