A Royal Caribbean passenger was arrested on February 26 for attempting to reboard Oasis of the Seas in Aruba while carrying a firearm.
The unidentified guest was undergoing a routine pre-boarding security inspection at the Oranjestad port when a revolver was discovered in his possession. The ship’s security team and local authorities promptly arrested him and brought him to the police station for questioning. Meanwhile, forensic specialists photographed the gun, confiscated it, and logged it as evidence.
It is unclear whether the passenger had been carrying the handgun since embarking in Fort Lauderdale or if he acquired it while the vessel was visiting Aruba.
Oasis of the Seas was on a February 22 to March 2 Southern Caribbean cruise at the time. During the arrest, the 2009-built ship was docked at Oranjestad and was preparing to depart for Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s exclusive resort in the Bahamas. Aruba was the vessel’s second port of call after Curaçao. Following the incident, the cruise continued its original itinerary.
An Offense Against Aruba and Cruise Lines
Carrying a firearm is a serious offense that violates Aruba’s gun laws and cruise line regulations. The island country enforces strict gun control measures, and violators may face hefty fines or a lengthy prison sentence.
Royal Caribbean lists firearms and ammunition, including realistic replicas, on its list of prohibited items. The cruise line repeats this reminder on its Guest Health, Safety, and Conduct Policy page which reads, “No weapon, ammunition, explosive, fireworks, or other item that presents a risk of harm to persons or property.”
What If I Packed a Firearm By Mistake?
Royal Caribbean guests who accidentally bring a firearm in their luggage must declare it before boarding. Upon notifying a crew member, they will be given the opportunity to dispose of it. If a passenger fails to declare a firearm and it is discovered, they may be denied boarding or removed from the ship.
Though it may sound like an unlikely scenario, similar incidents have occurred. In April 2024, Tyler Weinrich was detained in Turks and Caicos after a bullet he had forgotten about was found in his belongings, an offense that could have meant 12 years in jail. After months of legal proceedings and diplomatic negotiations, he was sentenced to three weeks of time-served and a $9,000 fine.
As cruise travel regulations tighten across various destinations, passengers should remain vigilant about prohibited items to avoid serious legal consequences.
