Royal Caribbean International newest, largest ship, Wonder of the Seas, is currently on its maiden voyage, but has not been without one notable hiccup. According to passengers on board the ship, the sprinkler system failed at approximately 12-13 hours on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Sprinkler System Malfunctions
The sprinkler failure occurred on the Royal Quay, which runs down the center of the ship on Deck 5, from the Theater Royal at the bow of the ship to the Main Dining Room aft. The Royal Promenade has a high open ceiling and the cabins open onto the interior from the upper decks.
According to eyewitness reports and videos posted on social media, sprinklers flooded the center sections of Deck 5. Crew members acted quickly and efficiently to cordon off the area, and the embankment was quickly closed for cleanup, including lowering fire doors in adjacent sections to keep water out and protect guests from slippery floors and other potential hazards.
Parts of decks 4 and 6 were also closed, likely to check for possible leaks or other necessary cleanup, adjacent to the affected sections of the Royal Quay.
The incident appeared to be due to a malfunction and there were no fire alarms or reports on board. Within a few hours, the area was cleaned, dried and reopened for guests to relax.
Guests who witnessed the incident were quick to praise crew members from various departments who immediately jumped into the cleanup effort, noting how quickly the cleanup took place and the Royal Promenade was reopened.
First trip on the road
The Wonder of the Seas is currently on her maiden voyage., a 7-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary that left Fort Lauderdale on Friday, March 4th. The ship was calling at Labadie, Haiti today when a sprinkler malfunction occurred. Because the incident took place in the afternoon, many of the guests were likely out of the ship at that time, enjoying a private port of call or taking part in shore excursions.
The ship is due to call at San Juan on Monday, then spend the day at sea, Nassau on Wednesday and CocoCay Thursday before returning to Fort Lauderdale on Friday, March 11th.
First Flight Failure
It is not unusual for a new ship to have unintended accidents during its maiden voyage, when it is under sail for the first time with a full crew and passengers.
Past Royal Caribbean guests have reported previous sprinkler failures on other vessels, including during an early Quantum of the Seas voyage, though this sprinkler failure was limited to a Sorrento pizzeria. Sprinklers have also been reported randomly in Anthem of the Seas.
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