A passenger died aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas during a 12-night New Zealand voyage that departed Sydney on March 22, 2026.
New Zealand Police were notified in the early morning hours of March 25 and were waiting at the pier when the vessel arrived at Bay of Islands. A formal investigation was launched on behalf of the coroner. Royal Caribbean confirmed the death and stated the cruise line is cooperating fully with authorities. No further details about the circumstances have been made public.
When a passenger death occurs aboard a cruise ship, the legal landscape can be complex. Maritime wrongful death claims are governed by federal maritime law, carry strict filing deadlines embedded in passenger ticket contracts, and in most cases must be filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Miami. Families navigating these circumstances should consult an experienced maritime attorney as promptly as possible to ensure their rights are preserved.
Contact Waks & Barnett, P.A.
The attorneys at Waks & Barnett, P.A. have represented injured cruise ship passengers, crew members, and the families of those lost at sea for more than 35 years. Based in Miami, we handle maritime injury and wrongful death claims exclusively in the courts where these cases are litigated. We represent passengers and crew members only — never cruise lines.
If you or a loved one has been injured or lost aboard a cruise ship or during a shore excursion, the deadlines to act are short — and evidence can disappear quickly. Contact our office today.
For more information from our attorneys, please call us today. There is no obligation with the call — and the call with our attorneys is free.
Call today at 1-305-271-8282.
Hablamos Español
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be evaluated by an experienced cruise ship accident or maritime injury attorney.