Key Aspects:
- Jessica Collins, previously believed missing from Carnival Horizon, apparently left the ship and chose not to return voluntarily.
- Collins cleaned out her stateroom, left a gratuity, and texted the Carnival Care Team to let them know she wished to be left alone and was safe.
- Abandoning a cruise at a port of call is not a legal way to emigrate to a new country, regardless of a guest’s personal circumstances.
Carnival Cruise Line has clarified that 47-year-old Jessica Collins, who left Carnival Horizon while the ship was visiting Kralendijk, Bonaire on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, deliberately failed to return to the ship.
A statement to Cruise Hive from the cruise line notes that Collins took deliberate actions both before and after her departure from the ship to remain in Bonaire.
“She debarked with all her belongings in her backpack and left a cash gratuity for the stateroom attendant with a thank you note,” the statement said. “The guest subsequently texted a member of our Care Team who had been trying to reach her saying she was safe and did not want to be found or contacted again.”
Local authorities have been trying to locate Collins, as is standard procedure for any missing person. It does seem, however, that Collins is not so much missing as deliberately absent.
Nevertheless, Carnival Cruise Line is continuing to work with local authorities in any way requested.
“While we are cooperating with local authorities this guest appears to have taken deliberate action to be alone and on her own,” the cruise line said.
Collins was traveling alone aboard the 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing and departed Carnival Horizon as any guest would to explore the charming port of call.
Security photos released for the search showed Collins in typical tropical attire, including a patterned button-down shirt, shorts, and sandals.
Her backpack did appear full and included a water bottle on the side, though she was not toting along any other distinctive luggage. Many guests have very full bags when taking full-day shore tours or planning to enjoy beach days, so this was not inherently suspicious in any way.
When Collins failed to return to the ship by the posted all-aboard time, several public address announcements were made in an attempt to locate her onboard.
This is standard procedure for any guests who might inadvertently fail to scan in properly when returning to the ship, and therefore may seem to be missing.
Carnival Horizon was not delayed and continued on her A-B-C (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) itinerary as scheduled. The ship has already returned to her Miami homeport and departed on her next sailing, a 6-night Western Caribbean itinerary.
Not the Proper Way to Emigrate
Abandoning a cruise vacation is not a legal or sanctioned method for emigrating to a new country, regardless of one’s personal circumstances.
While nothing is known about Collins’ motivations, many people do choose to emigrate from one country to another to enjoy a new place, start anew after difficult challenges, or to reinvent themselves.
Every country has different emigration procedures, which often vary based on one’s country of origin. Citizenship status, local sponsorship, financial means, employment, and criminal history often play into emigration guidelines.
More From Cruise Hive
According to the Caribbean Netherlands National Service, US citizens can enter Bonaire without a visa and may submit an application for a residence permit once on the island. That permit is typically valid for one year but can be renewed for up to five years.
To apply for Dutch citizenship, other factors such as cultural integration, language knowledge, and renunciation of other national citizenships are also considered.
