Key Aspects:
- Enchantment of the Seas rescued a raft overcrowded with refugees on the evening of Sunday, September 28, 2025.
- The rescue happened near the coast of Mexico as the cruise ship was sailing an alternative itinerary due to rough weather in the Bahamas.
- Refugee rescues near Mexico and Cuba are not uncommon and saving life always takes precedence over schedule considerations.
There are some extra guests onboard Enchantment of the Seas‘ current sailing, thanks to an evening rescue of an overcrowded and unstable raft as the cruise ship made her way to Mexico.
Enchantment of the Seas departed Tampa, Florida on Saturday, September 27, 2025 for what was to have been a 5-night Bahamas and Perfect Day sailing.
The developing tropical systems in the eastern Caribbean and Bahamas (now Hurricane Humberto and Tropical Storm Imelda) had other ideas, however. To avoid the rough weather, Enchantment of the Seas was re-routed to Mexico for visits to Costa Maya and Cozumel.
That dramatic itinerary change was a fortuitous stroke of luck for a raft full of refugees who were struggling to stay afloat.
On Sunday, September 28, Enchantment of the Seas came across the makeshift craft just after sunset. The raft included a short mast and oars but no significant sides or other structures. At least 8-9 refugees appeared to be aboard according to photos shared online.
A Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson said, “Our crew identified individuals in distress in international waters, provided medical care to those who were rescued and worked closely with the Mexican Coast Guard.”
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The individuals aboard the raft used lights to signal to the cruise ship, which immediately responded with humanitarian rescue efforts.
A lifeboat was launched to reach the raft. Guests currently aboard Enchantment of the Seas have noted that the refugees were brought aboard the cruise ship.
This is a standard humanitarian measure to safeguard life when a refugee craft is not safe or properly equipped.
At the time, Enchantment of the Seas was in the waters between Cuba and Mexico. Refugee rescues are not uncommon in this area, but it is unclear which nation the stranded refugees may have originated from.
The cruise ship continued on its way and is spending Monday in Costa Maya as scheduled on the revised itinerary. There should be no further disruption to the ship’s schedule, including returning to Tampa on Thursday, October 2.
What Happens Next?
To be clear, while refugees are always welcomed onboard cruise ships as a lifesaving measure, they do not have the same vacation experience as guests.
Regardless of where refugees came from or their reasons for setting sail in unsafe craft, they will be provided with food, water, and medical care as needed. In most cases, they are not permitted in guest areas of a ship and are under security guard at all times.
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Their home country will be notified of their recovery, along with the authorities in the area where they were found. Depending on the country and the individual circumstances, they will be released to authorities as soon as possible, and processed according to that country’s laws.
This may include being returned to their home country or other legal measures as necessary.
