Two Cruise Ships Divert to Bermuda for Medical Emergencies, Evacuating Three Passengers

Two Royal Caribbean cruise ships, the Odyssey of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas, diverted to Bermuda over a 24-hour period to evacuate three passengers and crew members requiring medical attention. The Odyssey of the Seas first arrived in Bermuda waters at 7 pm on Monday to evacuate a 31-year-old male crew member. The ship then returned to Bermuda at 5 am on Tuesday to evacuate a 74-year-old female passenger from Belgium.

The Oasis of the Seas also arrived in Bermuda waters at 1 am on Tuesday to evacuate a 69-year-old passenger from the United States who needed medical attention. All three individuals were transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Bermuda for treatment.

Why this matters: Medical emergencies on cruise ships can be life-threatening situations that require swift action and coordination with onshore medical facilities. The diversion of two large cruise ships to Bermuda within a short timeframe highlights the importance of having robust emergency response protocols in place to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members.

Royal Caribbean has not released any further information about the conditions of the evacuated individuals or the specific medical emergencies that prompted the diversions. The cruise line is working closely with local authorities in Bermuda to ensure that the patients receive the necessary medical care and support.

The Odyssey of the Seas and the Oasis of the Seas are both large, modern cruise ships capable of carrying thousands of passengers and crew members. The Odyssey of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's newest ships, having entered service in 2021, while the Oasis of the Seas has been in operation since 2009.

The diversions to Bermuda have not significantly impacted the itineraries of either ship, as they were able to resume their planned voyages after the medical evacuations were completed. Royal Caribbean has expressed gratitude to the Bermuda authorities for their assistance and cooperation in facilitating the emergency response.

Key Takeaways

• 2 Royal Caribbean cruise ships diverted to Bermuda to evacuate 3 passengers/crew.
• Evacuations were due to medical emergencies requiring hospital treatment in Bermuda.
• Diversions highlight importance of robust emergency response protocols for cruise ships.
• Evacuations did not significantly impact the ships' itineraries, which resumed after.
• Royal Caribbean thanked Bermuda authorities for their assistance in the emergency response.