A cruise passenger was arrested in Oranjestad, Aruba, after attempting to bring a revolver aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, violating both cruise line policy and local laws.
The incident occurred on 26th February 2025, as the 226,838-gross-ton vessel, carrying 5,602 guests, was docked in Aruba’s capital city during an 8-night roundtrip sailing from Fort Lauderdale.
Reports from local news outlets state that Royal Caribbean’s security team uncovered the firearm during a routine screening process.
The unidentified male passenger was immediately detained, and local police were called to the scene, leading to his arrest and transport to a precinct for questioning.
Authorities are now investigating whether the firearm was brought aboard at the ship’s departure from Florida on 22nd February, or if it was purchased in Aruba during the ship’s 14-hour call.
Regardless of its origin, firearms are strictly prohibited aboard Royal Caribbean ships. The company’s policy explicitly bans rifles, shotguns, pistols, revolvers, and other dangerous weapons, stating:
“For security reasons, our company policy does not permit guests to carry firearms onboard during their voyage or otherwise secure weapons for anyone on our vessels or at the pier.”
Beyond corporate policy, Aruban law strictly prohibits importing or exporting firearms or ammunition without a proper licence.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) also warns travellers that bringing firearms to the Caribbean can result in severe penalties.
The minimum fine for arriving in Aruba with a firearm is $1,500 (£1,180/€1,380), while a loaded weapon carries a $3,000 (£2,360/€2,760) fine. Jail time is also a possibility.
Did the passenger reboard the ship?
It remains unclear whether the passenger was permitted to rejoin the cruise or if he was detained in Aruba pending further legal action.
However, the rest of the voyage continued as scheduled, with Oasis of the Seas departing Aruba and proceeding to its next destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, before returning to Port Everglades on 2nd March 2025.
This is not the first time a Royal Caribbean guest has been arrested for carrying prohibited items.
In April 2024, a Virginia man, Tyler Wenrich, was arrested in Turks and Caicos after two bullets were found in his bag while sailing on Independence of the Seas.
Despite claiming they were forgotten from a previous trip, Wenrich spent three weeks in jail and paid a $9,000 fine (£7,090/€8,280), narrowly avoiding a 12-year mandatory sentence after a US congressman intervened.
While the US State Department warns travellers about strict gun laws in Turks and Caicos, no similar official advisory exists for Aruba – though this latest arrest may serve as a stark warning to future cruise passengers.
Cruisers are urged to thoroughly check their luggage before boarding to ensure they are not carrying any prohibited items, especially firearms or ammunition.
As this case shows, even a simple oversight can result in arrest, jail time, and steep fines – a costly mistake for any holidaymaker.
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