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Twelve-year-old boy falls to his death on cruise

A 12-year-old boy has fallen to his death onboard the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas, as guests watched on in horror. The cruise was nearing the end of its itinerary on Sunday and was heading back to Texas after its seven-day cruise around the Western Caribbean when the incident occurred. Witnesses recalled that the boy was playing with a group of friends he had made on the ship before he tumbled over a 13-storey balcony, falling into the internal Central Park area of the ship, a plaza filled with bars, pubs and restaurants. Royal Caribbean staff attempted to resuscitate the youngster, but he died before the ship docked in Texas. The cruise company shared a statement that a death had occurred onboard but refused to share any more information as investigations into the incident began. Witnesses took to a Facebook page for passengers to share their condolences to the boy's grieving family, and share their version of event. "My daughter was friends with him and said he was upset today," posted passenger Sara Tullas. "She is so upset. I wish I would have known he was struggling today." The boy had taken part in the cruise's teen-club, and many passengers said their children had got to know the boy before his death. "The conversations I have had to have with my son really tripped me up," wrote Shannon Elizabeth on the Facebook page. "My son and him actually got really close on the cruise, and he saw too much of what happened." "My family and I saw the incident unfold right before us as we were looking down into Central Park from the pool deck," wrote Christa Schoolfield. "We did not see whether he jumped or was playing around." Another passenger wrote, "I looked over the railing after the emergency alert and wish I didn’t." "All I ask is to please hug your children tight and tell your family members you love them. Life can change in an instant. Today I was hiding ducks in Central Park and one second later a child's life was gone in front of me." Friends said the boy was on board with his family, including two sisters, for a birthday celebration. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Trouble

Pirates of the Caribbean actor and former pro surfer killed in shark attack

Tamayo Perry, renowned surfer and actor known for his role in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, tragically lost his life in a shark attack off Oahu's North Shore on Sunday. The 49-year-old was surfing near Goat Island when the incident occurred, as confirmed by Shayne Enright of the Honolulu Emergency Services Department. Perry, who played a buccaneer in the popular movie franchise, had a distinguished career with appearances in films such as Blue Crush and the television series Hawaii Five-O. Beyond his acting career, Perry was celebrated as a former professional surfer and a beloved lifeguard. Responding to an emergency call just before 1pm local time, personnel from Honolulu Ocean Safety, alongside the city's fire, police and emergency medical services departments, rushed to Malaekahana Beach. The caller reported seeing a man who appeared to have suffered shark bites. Lifeguards promptly brought Perry to shore, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival. In response to the attack, Ocean Safety personnel posted shark warnings in the area. "Tamayo's personality was infectious, and as much as people loved him, he loved everyone else more," said Honolulu Ocean Safety acting chief Kurt Lager at a news conference. "Tamayo was a legendary waterman and highly respected," added Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, describing Perry's death as "a tragic loss". Perry, alongside his wife Emilia, ran the Oahu Surfing Experience, a business offering surfing lessons. According to his biography on the company's website, Perry surfed professionally for over 15 years, notably winning the Pipeline Master trials in 1999. He began his career as a lifeguard on the North Shore for the City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety in July 2016. That same year, he appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean and an episode of Hawaii Five-0. Perry's wife Emilia shared a heartfelt tribute to her lost husband on Instagram, writing: "We all want to be the hero of our own story, one of the redeeming characteristics of humanity is our desire to follow our convictions always and without fear. Few of us are able to truly be that hero, Tamayo Perry was is and will be forever. "He was everyone’s big brother, stern and uncompromising with an infectious and kolohe smile. He was your rescuer in time of need, your safety when all things fell apart. He was a knight forged in the fires of the North Shore in the 90’s, his faith in Christ the rock upon which he stood. Few are those who truly follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Tamayo never took his eyes off the path. "Tragic though his passing may be, he left this world doing what he loved where he loved to do it. We find strength in knowing he is in heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ, trading barrels at Pipeline with his friends that have gone before him." The World Surf League also expressed their condolences in a statement: "We are deeply saddened to share that the surf community lost a beloved icon yesterday. A well-known surfer and lifeguard, Tamayo Perry, passed away after injuries from a shark attack that occurred on the East Side of Oahu. Tamayo was a Pipeline/Teahupo’o specialist, freesurfer, former competitor, and member of the WSL for many years. He became a lifeguard for the city and was a big part of the North Shore community. Our hearts go out to Tamayo’s family and friends." Perry's passing has left a profound void in both the surfing and local communities, where he was deeply admired for his skills, charisma and generous spirit. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8nL-QeS5C2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8nL-QeS5C2/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tamayo Perry (@oahusurfingexperience)</a> </div> </blockquote> Image: Walt Disney Studios | Instagram

Caring

"His family was horrified": Young man jumps off cruise ship

What was meant to be a voyage of leisure and joy turned into a nightmare in the early hours of Thursday morning when a young man made a fateful decision to leap overboard, leaving passengers and crew stunned and grieving. The incident occurred as Royal Caribbean's colossal 18-storey Liberty of the Seas cruise ship navigated the waters between Cuba and the Bahamas' Grand Inagua Island. <a href="https://nypost.com/2024/04/04/us-news/royal-caribbean-cruise-horror-as-20-year-old-man-jumps-overboard/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to the New York Post</a>, witnesses recounted the harrowing scene: a young man took a spontaneous plunge from one of the ship's decks, despite the desperate pleas and helplessness of his father and brother who stood witness to the impulsive act. Passengers onboard shared their accounts, describing the chilling moments leading up to the tragedy. Bryan Sims, one of the witnesses, told the New York Post he had spent time with the young man and his brother in the ship's hot tub until the early hours of the morning. "He was pretty drunk," Sims said, noting the jovial atmosphere that abruptly transformed into shock and chaos. The young man's declaration to his father, followed by his abrupt jump, left bystanders reeling in disbelief: “As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us," Sims continued. "His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess. When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all.” Deborah Morrison, another passenger, echoed the sentiments of shock and horror that rippled through the ship. "His family was horrified. Just beside themselves," she recounted. “There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately.” In a statement addressing the tragic incident, Royal Caribbean affirmed its commitment to providing support to the family, while respecting their privacy during this difficult time. Amy Phelps Fouse, another passenger onboard, attested to the sombre atmosphere that enveloped the ship in the wake of the tragedy. Despite the uncertainty that lingered, she commended Royal Caribbean for their transparency and compassionate response to the situation. More to come. Image: Royal Caribbean

Cruising

The Wiggles set sail for their latest venture

The Wiggles have collaborated with an unusual partner to help Aussie families have the ultimate holiday experience. The children's entertainers have teamed up with Royal Caribbean Cruises for a series of exclusive Wiggles Sailings which will begin their voyage in the summer of 2025-2026, with the Wiggly Friends joining in the fun. Taking centre stage on the cruises are the likes of cast favourites Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn. Captain Feathersword spoke exclusively to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/travel-stories/the-wiggles-nextlevel-move-revealed/news-story/04d9d6be943dda7b66ea25e008a9aad4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> to reveal what families can expect from the unique cruising experience. “Ahoy there, me hearties! Gather ‘round and listen close. The Wiggles have been sailin’ the seas of family fun for over three decades, and now, we’re settin’ course for an even bigger adventure,” he said. “Prepare yourselves for a tidal wave of excitement. Picture this: me, Captain Feathersword at the helm, Dorothy the Dinosaur dancin’ on the deck, Henry the Octopus wavin’ his tentacles in delight, Wags the Dog waggin’ his tail with joy, and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn prancin’ about in all their splendour." “It’s a cast of characters fit for a tale as legendary as the sea itself. So, me hearties, batten down the hatches and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with The Wiggles and Royal Caribbean. Ahoy and hooray.” Kathryn Lock, senior marketing director at <a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Royal Caribbean Cruises</a>, said they wanted to take their family adventures to the “next level” and create a truly unique adventure for current fans, first time cruisers and families alike. “The Wiggles have been entertaining Australian families for over 30 years, it’s one of Australia and the world’s most iconic family entertainment brands,” Ms Lock told news.com.au. “This exclusive partnership will enrich our cruise experience for the whole family and give them an impressive array of Wiggly Friends themed entertainment and trusted friends to guide them on their adventures with Royal Caribbean. We’re extremely excited for this partnership and what’s to come.” Image credits: Getty Images

Cruising

Pirates of the Caribbean island up for sale

A Bahamian island, which was the backdrop for two iconic blockbuster films, is now up for sale for the eye-watering price of $150m. The island, known as Little Pipe Cay, was used as a backdrop for two Hollywood films: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Casino Royale, a film in the James Bond franchise. Spanning across over 40 acres of land, the island boasts stunning white-sand beaches and what locals refer to as “Bombay-Sapphire Blue” waters. The main property has 11 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms and four cottages, it’s basically like having a private mini resort. The property also has a deepwater dock that’s big enough for a superyacht, so you can host boat parties or simply cruise around with your peers. The lucky buyer will feel like they are on a never-ending getaway, as they can escape into the gardens or take a dip into the Olympic-sized infinity pool, the perfect place to appreciate the stunning tropical scenery. For those looking for some indoor activities, the island also offers a gym and spa, in the fully staffed island so that you will never need to lift a finger. The island is also home to many exotic plants and animals, including dolphins and sea turtles, so for those nature lovers it’s the perfect place to reconnect with mother nature. Alternatively, if you decide you’re bored of the same views, you can hop on a helicopter and fly off to another island or country, as the island also has a helipad for your travelling needs. Images: realestate.com.au/ Engel & Völkers Bahamas/ Getty

Real Estate

Frantic search for Australian man who went overboard on cruise ship

An Australian man who went overboard on a cruise ship 1,400km south of the Hawaiian coast is thought to be the partner of a passenger who died during a medical emergency while on board. The Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas ship was just two days away from reaching its port in Hawaii when disaster struck on April 26, 15 days after the vessel had departed from Brisbane. The ship has since resumed its course while rescue crews have deployed a Hercules aircraft witted with a GPS system and cameras to help find the man. Speaking to news.com.au, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said, “While on its trans-pacific sailing, a guest onboard Quantum of the Seas went overboard,” “The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue operation and is working closely with local authorities.” The cruise line’s captain immediately halted the ship’s course following the tragedy, with staff launching a search and rescue operation. One man who was on the ship with family told 2GB radio host Ben Fordham that the man who went overboard is allegedly the partner of a passenger who died on the ship after a medical emergency. “There was a show during the night, and the music stopped before it was announced there was a medical emergency, and apparently the person passed away’,” the man told Fordham. “About 90 minutes later, the call went out that someone went overboard, and it turned out to be the partner of the person who passed away earlier.’” Fordham also read another passenger’s email from onboard the ship. “Some saying cameras on deck saw [a man] go over. Others saying crew has confirmed the passenger did go over last night and there was only so much they could do’,” Fordham said, reading out the man’s email. Adam Glezer from Melbourne, who is currently onboard with his wife and four-year-old child told news.com.au an announcement of ‘Oscar’, a code for man overboard, was heard from the intercom at around 7pm Sydney time. “They didn’t make a big deal about it. It was mainly for staff and crew but an hour later things got more serious,” Mr Glezer said. “They started doing announcements over the loudspeaker saying ‘potential man overboard’ and that everyone had to go back to their room.” Mr Glezer added that passengers had to remain in their rooms for about 90 minutes before they were able to leave. “They didn’t make a big deal about it. It was mainly for staff and crew but an hour later things got more serious,” he said. “They started doing announcements over the loudspeaker saying ‘potential man overboard’ and that everyone had to go back to their room.” Mr Glezer described the incident as a “surreal” feeling as the entire ship fell silent, with music turned off and everyone confined to their rooms. “I called Mum to let her know we are OK. After that they reopened the bars – I went down. It was just packed with people wanting to know what happened. “I have spoken to workers who have been working on ships for years and they said they have never seen anything like this happen before.” It is not believed there were any suspicious circumstances. Other ships in the area have been advised to keep a lookout for the overboard passenger following an amber alert. A request has been made for the US Navy to get involved in an attempt to further search efforts. Image credit: Today

News

Cruise ship magician crash tackled mid-act

An Australian magician has shared footage of him allegedly being assaulted onboard a cruise ship during the middle of his performance. Ben Murphy was performing on the cruise on March 1 when the man, believed to be the partner of a female volunteer who was taking part in a magic trick, allegedly stormed the stage and viciously shoved Murphy backwards. The magician shared a video of the ordeal to his social media, along with the caption, “My assault onboard.” In the footage, Murphy and the volunteer can be seen onstage performing a trick. Murphy and his volunteer were holding objects in their mouth and briefly leant towards each other to tap them against each other. At this point a man, understood to be the female’s partner, can be seen <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thebenmurphy_/video/7208878642292624641?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">storming onstage and tackling Murphy.</a> Murphy is pushed backwards while the woman attempts to stop the man. The man then walks off stage. “Entertainment, comedy, and magic are not contact sports,” the magician wrote online. “This guest should not have been allowed to enjoy the rest of his cruise.” Murphy said he was “physically bruised all over” from the incident. “Hit my head so have had blurry vision,” he said. The medical team onboard suggested he see a neurologist, and he said he was “quite shaken by it.” Many have voiced their support for the Aussie magician online, calling it “disgusting behaviour by a grown a** man”. “I am sorry to see this Ben,” a comment on Murphy’s Instagram post read. “I do hope the cruise does something about it. “It’s just not on. “I also feel sorry for his wife and kids too. “I hope you’re okay and that you’ve got a supportive team.” One user who commented said they were present during the incident. "We were in the audience for this and my jaw nearly hit the floor,” they said. “(I) feel sorry for not only you, but the poor wife and kids who saw the whole thing.” Image credit: Instagram/TikTok

Legal

Footage shows terrifying moment mega-storm hits cruise ship

Last year we brought you news about the Royal Caribbean cruise ship that ran into high winds and rough seas while cruising through the Atlantic Ocean. Well, brand new footage of the terrifying ocean incident has emerged, and it’s enough to make even the most experienced ocean farer feel a little upset in the stomach. Check out the video, which has now been viewed 5 million times, below. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o9waSshoWOc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> The footage provides an interesting insight into the power of the ocean, and how sturdy these vessels must be to navigate it without any real incident. Have you ever cruised in inclement weather? Hero image credit: Stephen J Burke / YouTube

Cruising

Royal Caribbean begin construction on huge new cruise ship

Construction on the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class has begun in Saint-Nazaire, France. The name of the cruise line, Utopia of the Seas, was revealed at the steel cutting ceremony. The ship, which is expected to take 30 months to build, will be available to set sail in the spring of 2024, depending on where you are in the world. It will also be the first Oasis Class ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) in what has been classed as a “bold evolution”. By introducing the first LNG-powered Oasis Class ship, the cruise line will take yet another step toward a clean-energy future after its first LNG ship, Icon of the Seas, hits the sea in 2023. “We are excited to begin construction on Utopia of the Seas,” Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International said. “On the sixth Oasis Class ship, vacationers can look forward to the signature combination of Royal Caribbean experiences and many brand-new adventures that has and will continue to make the Oasis class of ships the ultimate vacation for guests of all ages.” Royal Caribbean cruise ships are known to be the “ultimate vacations” for families and travellers of all ages. Image: Royal Caribbean

Cruising

Cruise line calls off “blockbuster” season

Major cruise line, Royal Caribbean, says it will be suspending Australia’s cruising season ahead of its major sailing season. “We regret the disappointment this will bring to our loyal fans who have supported Royal Caribbean since we suspended cruise operations in March 2020,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement. “We have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to prepare for this summer’s Brisbane cruise program, however sadly we will be unable to operate the program.” The line had originally promised a major sailing season, with plans to launch two of its newest Quantum vessels that were set to sail in Brisbane and Sydney. “Due to ongoing uncertainty around the opening of international borders, as well as updates to our global return to service and deployment, Royal Caribbean International has been reviewing our upcoming 2021/2022 summer program in Australia,” the line went on to say. “We have made the decision to cancel the following sailings: <ul> <li>Quantum of the Seas sailing from Brisbane from October 2021 to April 2022 inclusive</li> <li>Ovation of the Seas sailing from Honolulu on 28 September 2021</li> <li>Ovation of the Seas sailing from Sydney on 16 October 2021</li> <li>Serenade of the Seas sailing from Honolulu on 7 October 2021</li> </ul> “We know many of our guests look forward to a return to cruising and we are sorry for the disappointment and inconvenience these cancellations may cause. “We are continuing to assess the remainder of our 2021/2022 season and will announce further changes as soon as possible. Our focus remains on engaging with Federal and State governments to establish a framework and pathway forward for the resumption of cruising in Australia.” The announcement follows behind Princess and P&O’s decision to cancel any cruises until December.

Cruising

Royal Caribbean: All cruise guests should be vaccinated

One of the world’s biggest cruise lines has announced that all travellers will have to get the COVID vaccination before they board their ships. Royal Caribbean’s chief executive Richard Fain told the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57202890">BBC</a> that they “expect all of our guests who are eligible for a vaccine to have it.” The act of cruising was once worth $150 billion before the COVID-19 pandemic decimated the entire industry, along with the 1.2 million jobs it provided. Mr Fain is hopeful that customers will be enticed to return to cruising after hearing about new safety measures including social distancing, enhanced cleaning processes and reduced capacity. "The combination of the vaccines and testing and contact tracing, all these kinds of protocols really help us reach our objective, which is to make cruising safer than in your home community,” he said. "We want you to be more comfortable walking on board a ship than walking down Main Street." <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7841511/royal-caribbean-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/40fc2841e2dd4950b735a62cd0331324" /> Image: Richard Fain Cruisers may be asked to provide proof of vaccine documents, but Mr Fain says the industry will force a vaccine passport as the airline industry is asking for. "I don't think we're talking about a vaccine passport. I think we are talking about people who are vaccinated, and there are lots of different ways to show that,” he said. He went on to add that he did not think forgeries of paper vaccine documents will cause much of an issue for cruisers. "We don't think many people would even bother to do so,” he said when asked about fake vaccine paperwork. "We've actually surveyed our guests and the vast bulk of the people that have booked our cruises have already been vaccinated, and they're volunteering it, they want it. “And people want a place where they can go where they know they're safe." image: Shutterstock / Screengrab from Shutterstock

Cruising

“Unlimited damages”: Parents of toddler who fell to her death on cruise ship proceed with lawsuit

Royal Caribbean have failed to stop a multi-million dollar negligence suit that’s brought on by the parents of a toddler who fell 11 decks to her death, according to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7974255/Parents-toddler-fell-death-Royal-Caribbean-ship-proceed-lawsuit.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a>. Royal Caribbean’s lawyers argued there was no case as Chloe Wiegand’s grandfather, Salvatore ‘Sam’ Anello, was solely to blame for dropping the girl onto the deck. However, US District Judge Donald L Graham denied Royal Caribbean’s motion to dismiss on Wednesday, ruling that the parents can proceed with their complaint. Alan and Kimberly Wiegand could claim “unlimited damages” for pain and mental suffering if their suit succeeds. However, the heartbroken couple say that their sole motivation is to force the cruise ship line to make their windows safer so that their daughter’s death is never repeated. The couple’s suit say that there were no signs or notices to warn Anello that the “wall of glass” around a child’s splash fool featured windows that could be opened by passengers. The suit also said that despite the ship’s windows having handles and a blue-green tint, that was useless to Anello as he is colourblind. In its motion to dismiss, Royal Caribbean denied breaching industry safety standards, saying that Anello “unquestionably” knew that the window was open and would only have to had used his “basic senses” to realise he was putting his grandchild in danger. “His actions, which no reasonable person could have foreseen, were reckless and irresponsible and the sole reason why Chloe is no longer with her parents,” the motion stated. Judge Graham determined in a seven-page ruling that the Wiegands’ suit had presented a factual and plausible case at face value. He also denied the motion to dismiss, explaining that Royal Caribbean had woven images and statements into their filing that “catapulted” the case into the discovery stage. Prosecutors in the US territory are still pressing charges against Anello, despite Chloe’s parents wanting them to stop. “We have never wanted charges filed against Sam because we know with all of our hearts that he would never put Chloe in harm's way,” they said last week, in a statement provided exclusively to DailyMail.com. “We will stand with Sam as long as it takes - but we cannot grieve as a family until the criminal charges are dropped.” Photo credits: <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/family-chloe-wiegand-who-died-falling-cruise-ship-sues-royal-n1099576" target="_blank">NBC</a>

News

Island paradise! Inside Bruce Willis’ luxurious $46.5 million Caribbean home

Bruce Willis and his wife Emma Heming Willis have put their beautiful Turks and Caicos’ Parrot Cay island home on the market. But the lavish abode does not come cheap with a price tag of $46.5 million (US$33m). The Caribbean house features two guest villas, with the direction of the property facing towards the sunset. The home is perfect for those who prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, as it is located on a long stretch of private beach in the Caribbean. The actor purchased the property in 2000 and finished construction in 2004, according to the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a>. The main house was then renovated in 2018 after the birth of his two children with Emma. The mansion holds a special place in the couple’s hearts as it has been the location of many holidays, birthdays and anniversaries. Last month, the pair celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary in the calming space by renewing their vows. “It’s always served as a safe haven for us all,” said the couple in a statement. “A place where Bruce could be totally anonymous. From flying kites to building sandcastles to swimming in the pool all day, it’s just a safe, chill and happy place.” The luxury property is spread out over 465sqm and includes an open floor plan. Also included is a spacious master bedroom that takes up the entire upper level of the main house. It also comes with one of the island’s biggest pools, with unlimited access to a butler who brings you waterfront cocktails whenever you fancy. Even the guests aren’t left out, as each villa comes with its own private pool. The home even comes with a private garden to keep the kids entertained for hours on end. Scroll through the gallery above to look inside Bruce Willis’ mega mansion in the Caribbean.

International Travel

Why Jonathan Pryce loves a musical

He’s appeared on our screens in Game of Thrones and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, but Jonathan Pryce still has a soft spot for his big musical debut. Now 25 years on, the West End musical Miss Saigon still captures hearts with its passionate and profound tragedy. A special anniversary documentary takes viewers backstage and behind the curtain in an intimate exploration of how this powerful performance is brought to life. Recorded in one take, Miss Saigon 25th Anniversary is a must-see for musical theatre fans. Jonathan Pryce from the original cast of Miss Saigon shares his take on the musical and why the role of The Engineer remains a special one for him. When you were first asked by Cameron MacKintosh to play The Engineer in Miss Saigon, what was your reaction? I wanted to do a musical after seeing Les Misérables, which I went to see because Patti LuPone was in it and we’d done a play together. Musicals were never part of my life; but I went to see it purely to see Patti. I was completely blown away by it and by her – and by Colm Wilkinson and I thought this was something I wanted to do. Through a series of events Cameron became aware that I could sing and when Nick Hytner (Director, Miss Saigon, 1989 - 1999) said to him ‘what we need for this role is Jonathan Pryce … if only he could sing’, Cameron said ‘well he can!’ So they sent me the demo tape, which I listened to and thought it was really exciting and quite different from anything else I’d heard. Then they started talking about the possibility of my doing it and coming in to sing for them. By then I was doing Uncle Vanya in the West End and I knew the composers were coming to see a performance of Vanya before I sang for them. There was a small song I performed as Dr Astrov in Uncle Vanya – a drunken song – that became an audition piece! It got longer and longer and longer till the night they came to see it … I eventually went to sing onstage at the Palladium for them and they offered me the job. What was it about the role of The Engineer that appealed to you? The Engineer is an extraordinary character with great songs, including “The American Dream”. That song was very much up for grabs when we started rehearsing it: how it would be performed, how it would work; it was all those dreams of being a pop star or a crooner or somebody who worked in Las Vegas – they’re all there in that number. Was he based on anyone you knew? No! It was obviously a character of the author’s experience and imagination and it was just incredibly well drawn; it’s an easily recognisable, identifiable figure. But it’s also a figure of a very desperate person who wants to get out of this very desperate situation and I think that’s one of the reasons it was a relevant musical then; post-Vietnam was still fresh in our memories about people trying to get out of the city, trying to get out of the country to escape the war and the children being the victims. And I think that’s why it continues to be relevant; sadly possibly even more relevant today given the political situations around the world where people are forced to flee and become refugees and migrants and people constantly trying to stop them. What are your memories of the first time you stepped in front of the audience? It felt quite dangerous but very exciting and I think the excitement of it all took care of any nervousness. There was a long rehearsal period and a long technical period so we spent a long time working on the music and seeing it all come together. I thought less about me and more about the show, which I was very confident about - I knew it would be criminal if the show wasn’t a success and I think that’s what my overriding emotion was. To actually perform it was very exciting; what I really couldn’t believe was that it continued to be exciting for the two years I did it and that has everything to do with the show and, especially, the music, which I’d never experienced before. And what about returning to the stage for Miss Saigon: The 25th Anniversary Performance special finale – how was that for you? It was a lovely occasion and not overly sentimental; it was great to see Lea Salonga (Kim) and Simon Bowman (Chris) sing and to be with all the other members who came back for the ensemble. And how was it singing that song again? It was great! It’s a stand-alone song and it’s great to do whether you’re free to move along with the music or not! I enjoyed it – I had a great time. What is your favourite Jonathan Pryce musical? Written by Editor. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/entertainment/why-jonathan-pryce-loves-a-musical.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.

Music

Man banned from cruise following dangerous stunt

The Royal Caribbean cruise company has banned a man for life after his dangerous stunt went viral on the Internet. Nick Naydev, a 27-year-old passenger from Washington, US, posted a video on Instagram of him jumping off the 11th floor deck of the Symphony of the Seas cruise ship and into the ocean when the vessel was docked in Nassau, Bahamas. In the video, Naydev’s friends could be seen watching and laughing as Naydev took the leap. The video, which was posted last Friday, has racked up 118,908 views as at the time of writing. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsgYghHnrsF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsgYghHnrsF/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Nick Naydev (@naydev91)</a> on Jan 11, 2019 at 11:28am PST </div> </blockquote> Naydev said on Instagram that he was intoxicated at the time. “I was still drunk from the previous night,” he wrote. He also informed his followers that for the following three days, he could barely walk and sleep from the pain. “My feet were actually fine. It was my neck and tailbone that hurt… I’m good now.” After the Royal Caribbean staff found him in the ocean, Naydev and his friends were kicked off the ship and told to find their own way back home from the Bahamas. According to Fox 13 News, Royal Caribbean contacted the local police, but no charges were made. “When the cops showed up they were super chil [sic] and actually laughed at the video,” Naydev wrote on Instagram. A friend of Naydev said the man was known for attempting stunts like this. “He’s jumped from those kind[s] of heights before, and we didn’t really care about the consequences with the cruise company,” Konstantin Kryachun, who filmed the jump, told <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/man-gets-banned-royal-caribbean-cruises-jumping-off-ship-viral-fame-205324887.html">Yahoo! Lifestyle</a>. “We just wanted to get a video of it and make it go viral.” The viral clip prompted the cruise company to take further action. “This was stupid and reckless behavior, and he and his companions have been banned from ever sailing with us again,” Royal Caribbean said in a statement. “We are exploring legal action.”

Travel Trouble

Aussie left with horrific facial injuries after cruise brawl

What was supposed to be the cruise of a lifetime, has quickly turned into the holiday from hell for a Sydney man, who has been left stranded on Vanuatu after an alcohol-fuelled brawl on his cruise of the South Pacific left him with horrific facial injuries. <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/" target="_blank">Nine News reports</a> Anthony Titow was travelling with his brother David and their family on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, which left Sydney on February 25. The incident reportedly started when a man approached 42-year-old David and made sexually inappropriate comments about his wife. David claims the same man approached Anthony two days late in the ship’s nightclub. “He pulled up a chair and told my brother he had a knife and was going to kill him,” David told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/" target="_blank">9news.com.au</a>. “He continued to threaten my brother and then the fight broke out.” <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/" target="_blank">9news.com.au reports</a> the man had Anthony on the ground, and according to David, “kicked him in the face and kept kicking and punching him”. But that’s where matters get complicated. David admits in the <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/" target="_blank">9news.com.au report</a> that Anthony did throw the first punch between the pair, but claims it was only after they were threatened. “Of course it takes two people to fight but we are rational,” he says. “My brother at this stage had blood all over him,” David said. “He’s was in a lot of pain as you can imagine. “They would not get us ice for his swelling, they told us they would not administer any medicine. “He’s got a broken nose, a fractured jaw and bruising all over his face. My brother can’t speak because of what happened to his jaw.” The brothers were sent to detention on the ship and booted off when it arrived in the next port, Vanuatu. They hope to return to Sydney this weekend. “It’s been a trip from hell,” David said. Royal Caribbean responded to the incident in a <a href="http://www.news.com.au/" target="_blank">statement to news.com.au</a>. “During Voyager of the Seas’ 14-night South Pacific cruise, which departed Sydney on 25 February 2018, an altercation was reported between two guests,” the statement said. “Our security staff investigated the incident and medical treatment was provided to the guests. “Pursuant to our Guest Conduct Policy, the decision was made to disembark the guests to ensure the safety, security and an enjoyable cruising experience for our guests. The guests were disembarked at the next port of call. “At Royal Caribbean, the safety and security of our guests and crew is our highest priority. We have a zero tolerance policy to any form of violence or crime onboard our ships.” What are your thoughts? Hero image credit: Twitter / Nine News

Travel Trouble

Is cruising to the Caribbean safe?

Erica Banks is a Senior Consultant of House of Travel Newmarket. Q: I had hoped to do a cruise around the Caribbean but am wondering whether, in the wake of Irma, I should change my plans. Is it still advisable to travel to the Caribbean and, if not, what alternatives would you recommend? Cruising in the Caribbean is very popular and it is an amazing part of the world to explore which relies very heavily on tourism. There are a select few ports that are currently closed due to storm damage but plenty are still open and cruise liners are now running as usual. I would recommend that if you are still interested in travelling to the Caribbean to look at visiting the western and southern islands, such as Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica which were less affected. It's important to note that the hurricane season in the Caribbean is usually from June to November so travelling outside of these dates is advisable. For further information visit <a href="http://safetravel.govt.nz/" target="_blank">safetravel.govt.nz</a> we endorse the recommendations outlined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding actions and advice that Kiwis travelling to the Caribbean should be aware of. If you are looking at alternative cruising destinations, the options are endless! I would highly recommend cruising around Hawaii or the Mediterranean if you are after the laid-back holiday in the sun with breath-taking views. For somewhere a little closer to home you can't go past the South Pacific, there are great island hopping cruises available around French Polynesia, Fiji and Vanuatu. Have you cruised to the Caribbean before? Tell us about your experience in the comments below. Republished with permission of <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz.</a>

Cruising

Passengers terrified as powerful hurricane sends furniture flying on cruise

Passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise from New Jersey to the Bahamas got the fright of their lives after they were caught in the midst of a hurricane. Filmed on board in 2016, newly-emerged footage shows the terrifying moment the ship encountered the stormy weather, showing outdoor furniture flying through the air, even ripping some of the chairs apart. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DmXXIsrfKaM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> According to Royal Caribbean, no one was seriously injured, however, we’re betting the 4,000 passengers on board might just opt for air travel next time! Have you ever been stuck on a cruise ship during a storm? What was it like? Share your experience with us in the comments below.

Cruising

Cruise line faces fine for all-night party in Ibiza

Royal Caribbean’s cruise liner MS Brilliance of the Seas is set to face a fine for an all-night party during a stopover in Ibiza. The ship was docked in Marine Botafoch on the Balearic island and town hall officials said they received various calls complaining about the noise. Police and port authorities were alerted but said they were unable to get the music turned down. The ship travelled from Barcelona and docked in Ibiza for two days. Local reports noted that the noise continued until 8:30 the next day. Port authorities have initiated proceedings which are expected to result in a fine for the cruise ship’s agent, with sources warning it would be the “maximum possible under the law” for breaching noise regulations. MS Brilliance of the Seas holds 2,500 passengers. The ship sails Western Caribbean itineraries out of Florida during the summer season and then crosses the Atlantic in late April, offering several Mediterranean itineraries out of Barcelona through winter. What is your wildest memory on a cruise? Let us know in the comments below.

Cruising

Why cruise ships are just getting bigger and bigger

Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas, which will inherit the title of world's largest cruise ship when it debuts in early 2018, has been floated out at the shipyard for its first taste of water. The 230,000-ton, 362-metre ship is under construction at STX France in St. Nazaire, France. It is the fourth Oasis-class vessel, and Symphony of the Seas will sail the Mediterranean in the summer 2018 and then make its way to the US, bound to sail out of Royal Caribbean's new terminal at PortMiami. With the exterior now done, interior work will continue until its April 2018 handover. Symphony of the Seas's gross registered tons will be more than Harmony of the Seas, which comes in at 226,963 tons, but they will be the same length. Meanwhile, MSC Cruises nailed down some details for its new class of cruise ships that will be among the largest in the world. Four planned World Class of cruise ships that will be built at STX France between 2022-2026 will be able to carry 6850 passengers in 2760 cabins. That puts it just larger than the capacity of the current title holder for world's largest cruise ship, Harmony of the Seas, which has a capacity of 6780 passengers. The gross tonnage of the new class of ships, though, will be smaller than Royal's Oasis-class ships. The details were announced at a ceremony at the shipyard in St. Nazaire, France as the cruise line took ownership of its newest vessel, the not-so-small, 152,000-tonne, 4500-passenger MSC Meraviglia, which will make its way to Miami by 2019 after serving Europe for its first two years of service. Harmony of the Seas currently holds the title for world's largest cruise ship, slightly larger than the original ships, 2009's Oasis of the Seas and 2010's Allure of the Seas. Symphony of the Seas' Miami sailings begin with a four-night cruise on November 9, 2018 that makes one stop in Cozumel, Mexico. It will then begin alternating seven-night eastern and western Caribbean cruises. Just like Harmony, the ship will feature the 10-deck Ultimate Abyss dry slide and Perfect Storm water park as well as Royal Caribbean mainstay features like the FlowRider surf simulator and 40-foot rock climbing wall. The website teases one other adventure offering with no details other than "A new scale of daring. Adventure hits a high note with a whole new challenge" with details promised at a later date. Like all Oasis-class ships, it will feature seven distinct neighbourhoods including the Oasis-class' signature Central Park and the Boardwalk. There will be an ice skating rink, the AquaTheater at the aft of the ship, Symphony will feature 28 more staterooms than Harmony of the Seas with a Royal Suite class, neighbourhood balconies overlooking Central Park, virtual balconies on inside staterooms, and the highest number of ocean-view cabins at sea which has 2775 staterooms that can hold 5494 passengers at double capacity, and 6780 at full capacity as well as a 2175-person crew. Restaurants will once again include celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's Italian dining venue as well as the Mexican offering Sabor, Japanese cuisine at Izumi, the Chops Grill steakhouse, Vintages wine bar and Solarium bistro. More than 20 dining options are promised, but details on any new venues have not been released yet. Robots will be back as well with the Bionic Bar. Expect more details to come. The ship's Mediterranean sailings begin with a seven-night voyage from Barcelona on April 21. The ship will sail 7-, 8- and 9-night voyages in the Mediterranean through October before repositioning to Miami on a 12-night transatlantic voyage that departs October 28. Only certain ports are big enough to handle Oasis-class behemoths, which had only Port Everglades to sail from until Port Canaveral's enhancements in the last couple of years. With Harmony's debut in Florida last November, Port Canaveral took on Oasis. When Symphony of the Seas debuts, three Florida ports will now host the behemoths that can hold close to 7000 passengers at full capacity. Harmony of the Seas will stay in Fort Lauderdale or Oasis of the Seas in Port Canaveral. Written by Richard Tribou. First appeared on <a href="http://www.Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.

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