Two passengers medically evacuated from Oasis of the Seas in Nassau
The emergency diversion delayed the Royal Caribbean ship’s return to New Jersey and led to the cancellation of a Florida port call.
Two passengers, including a seven-year-old child, were evacuated from Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas for emergency medical care in the Bahamas on Friday.
A reported announcement from the captain said the ship turned back toward Nassau after the first medical emergency because it was the nearest place where the passenger could receive hospital treatment. A second passenger was reported critically ill while Oasis of the Seas was returning to the Bahamian port.
Both passengers disembarked in Nassau for further treatment. Their conditions and illnesses were not disclosed, and it remained unclear whether the two emergencies were connected. A letter reportedly provided to guests said the ship’s medical team determined that both passengers required urgent attention and additional care ashore.
The diversion delayed the ship’s next departure and prompted Royal Caribbean to cancel a scheduled stop in Florida. Oasis of the Seas was expected to arrive at Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, at about 2 p.m. Sunday, eight hours later than its original 6 a.m. arrival time.
Royal Caribbean reportedly offered to reimburse documented airline change fees of up to $200 per person for domestic travel and $400 for international travel. Each stateroom was also provided 60 minutes of complimentary internet access so guests could contact airlines, hotels, friends or relatives.