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
MSC Seashore Debuts Two New Complimentary Grab-And-Go Dining Venues
MSC Cruises has expanded the dining line-up aboard MSC Seashore with the launch of two new complimentary grab-and-go venues designed to give passengers more casual meal choices during their holiday….
P&O Cruises Introduces New Sun Lounger Covers Warning Guests Against Reserving Beds
P&O Cruises has introduced new warning covers on some of its sun loungers as the long-running battle over reserving poolside beds continues to frustrate holidaymakers. The cruise line has not…
Passenger Dies Aboard Cruise Ship During Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreak
A passenger has sadly died aboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition during a gastrointestinal illness outbreak that affected dozens of people during the ship’s current sailing to Bordeaux. While early media…
Cruise Passengers Face Federal Charges After Fight Over Loyalty Line
Two passengers aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit are facing federal assault charges after a dispute over a priority Guest Services queue allegedly turned physical during a Bahamas cruise earlier…
