A Royal Caribbean guest is facing serious legal consequences after deliberately leaping overboard from Rhapsody of the Seas in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in an attempt to escape paying a casino debt of more than $16,000.
The incident occurred on 7th September 2025 as the Vision-class ship was completing a 7-night Southern Caribbean sailing.
At around 9:15 am, while passengers were disembarking at Pier 4, Jey González-DÃaz jumped into the water.
Surveillance footage later showed him being picked up by a jet ski and dropped back at shore, but authorities were quickly alerted.
Cash, Multiple IDs and a Fake Identity
Customs and Border Protection officers notified Homeland Security Investigations, though González-DÃaz was apprehended before agents arrived.
He was located near Puerto Rico’s Capitol Building with $14,600 in cash, two mobile phones, a handbag, and five separate forms of identification.
Court documents state that he admitted to jumping into the water to avoid declaring the cash, mistakenly believing it would be taxed if reported.
He has since been charged with failing to declare more than $10,000 upon entering the United States, a federal offence.
Investigators also discovered that González-DÃaz boarded the cruise under the false identity of his brother, who is currently incarcerated.
Travelling under an assumed name could result in further charges.
Banned for Life
Royal Caribbean has not issued a public statement, but the guest is almost certainly banned from the line and its sister brands.
The company enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy against both fraudulent activity and reckless behaviour such as intentionally jumping from a ship.
González-DÃaz has been released on bail while awaiting further court proceedings.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…
Related Posts
- Allegations of Casino Scam on Carnival Glory: Anonymous Crew Member Reports Corruption
- Four Passengers Arrested Upon Disembarking Their Cruise, Accused Of Major Fraud
- Couple’s Dream Cruise Turns Into a $32K Nightmare After Cyber Scam
Disney Cruise Line Tightens Alcohol Rules And Cracks Down On Hallway Door Decorations
Disney Cruise Line has quietly introduced two significant policy changes that are already sparking strong reactions among loyal guests ahead of the new rules taking effect on 3rd June. The…
Glass Panel Shatters Inside Royal Caribbean’s Star Of The Seas AquaDome
Passengers sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas were met with an unusual sight this week after one of the glass panels inside the ship’s AquaDome suddenly shattered during…
Silver Whisper Rescues Injured Sailor From Dismasted Boat In Rough Pacific Seas
Silversea Cruises’ Silver Whisper has rescued an injured sailor from a badly damaged sailboat after diverting for around seven hours in the Pacific Ocean. The rescue took place on Tuesday,…
Norwegian Cruise Line Opens Advance Bookings For Great Tides Waterpark Ahead Of 2026 Launch
Norwegian Cruise Line has officially opened advance sales for its highly anticipated Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, giving future guests the first opportunity to secure day passes and…
