Woman dies onboard Royal Caribbean 9-month world cruise

Royal Caribbean has confirmed a passenger onboard its Ultimate World nine-month-long cruise has passed away.

The nine-month-long around-the-world cruise set sail on 10 December, 2023 from Miami, US.

At the end of last week, a passenger spoke out on social media claiming that the cruise had seen its first death onboard.

Getty Images/ Jean-Francois Monier/ AFP

So far, the ship - the Serenade of the Seas - has travelled through locations such as Brazil, Peru and Mexico and on Sunday (11 February), it stopped off in Los Angeles, California.

A TikToker named Adita - who goes by @aditaml2759 - took to her page on Sunday to announce the 'sad news' the cruise had experienced its 'first death'.

In a since-deleted video, the content creator said: "We had our first death on the Ultimate World Cruise. A lady passed away last night.

"She was an elderly lady, and the reason why I know is because I was coming to my room when they were taking [her] out."

A spokesperson for the Royal Caribbean has since spoken out about the passenger's passing.

Getty Images/ Jeffrey Greenberg/ Universal Images

A spokesperson for the Royal Caribbean has confirmed a passenger onboard the nine-month-long cruise ship has indeed passed away.

They told PEOPLE: "A guest sailing onboard Serenade of the Seas has sadly passed away. We are actively providing support and assistance to the guest's loved ones at this time.

"Out of the privacy of the guest and their family, we have nothing further to share at this time."

According to Cruise Critic, cruise ships do have small morgues onboard to keep passengers who have passed away until they're able to get them back to land.

Getty Images/ Jeffrey Greenberg/ Universal Images

The ship is set to continue cruising until Saturday (17 February) when it'll reach Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.

It's upcoming destinations include areas of New Zealand, Australia and Indonesia.

However, on Friday (9 February), a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told PEOPLE that there may be some changes made to its travel itinerary.

They said: "The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority, and we are monitoring what is taking place in and around the Red Sea. In looking ahead at potential itinerary adjustments, we are currently reviewing alternatives for Serenade of the Seas, which is currently scheduled to transit the Suez Canal in May. Our guests and travel partners will receive an update from us in mid-February."

UNILAD has contacted Royal Caribbean for comment.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.