A 44-year-old Australian man was removed from Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas following an alleged assault on another passenger on Nov. 13, police report. The physical altercation reportedly resulted in the other passenger needing medical attention onboard. The man was reportedly traveling with his family on Royal Caribbean’s ‘Anthem of the Seas’ when he got into a physical altercation with another passenger. After the incident, the man was forced to leave the cruise the following day, but his family reportedly continued on without him.
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The Australian passenger was sailing on the 10-day Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the Anthem of the Seas, when the altercation occurred just a few days into the voyage. According to reports from Cruisehive and the Otago Daily Times in New Zealand, the man allegedly assaulted another passenger who was also aboard the Quantum-class cruise ship. The New Zealand Police were alerted of the incident around 9:30 p.m. local time on Thursday, Nov. 13, and met the ship after it docked at Port Chalmers in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Following their investigation, officers spoke with those involved, and the alleged offender received a warning and was escorted off the ship. The other passenger involved in the altercation reportedly received medical attention onboard for a cut on his nose. While the man was forced to leave the cruise and make his own arrangements to return home to Australia, his family chose to remain on the voyage as planned.
Anthem of the Seas set sail from Sydney, Australia on Monday, Nov. 10, and is scheduled to return to the same port on Thursday, Nov. 20, with stops at various destinations in New Zealand along the way. The cruise ship’s itinerary includes visits to Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, Lyttelton-Christchurch, Wellington, and Picton. Royal Caribbean’s official website strictly prohibits inappropriate or abusive behavior, including uninvited physical contact, which could result in removal from the ship.
In response to the incident, PEOPLE reached out to Royal Caribbean for comment but did not receive an immediate response. The cruise industry has seen its fair share of incidents in recent times, from altercations between passengers to outbreaks of illnesses onboard. It serves as a reminder for passengers to adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by cruise lines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all travelers.
Instances like these highlight the importance of safety protocols and the swift actions taken by authorities to address any disruptions that may occur during a cruise. While this particular situation may have caused a disturbance for some passengers, it also showcases the professionalism and efficiency of the crew in handling such incidents to maintain the overall well-being of guests onboard. Cruise lines continue to implement stringent measures to uphold safety standards and provide a secure environment for all passengers throughout their voyages.
As the investigation into the altercation onboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas unfolds, it serves as a cautionary tale for passengers to act responsibly and respect the rules in place to ensure the comfort and safety of everyone aboard. The incident underscores the need for passengers to conduct themselves appropriately and peacefully while enjoying their cruise vacation, without causing disruptions or endangering others’ well-being.
In light of this incident, it is crucial for cruise operators and passengers alike to prioritize safety and adhere to the guidelines set by the cruise industry to uphold a harmonious environment for all travelers. By promoting awareness and understanding of the importance of responsible behavior onboard, passengers can contribute to a positive and secure cruising experience for themselves and their fellow travelers.