Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas Goes Dark After Cozumel Departure

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas lost power while sailing through the Gulf of Mexico on the evening of May 16, 2026, shortly after departing Cozumel. Passengers reported the 90,090-gross-ton vessel went dark and drifted without propulsion for a period before systems were restored. The blackout occurred during a four-night Western Caribbean cruise from Tampa, with guests initially unable to see in pitch-black public areas. The ship had returned to Cozumel approximately an hour before the outage to address a reported medical emergency involving an older guest. Royal Caribbean has not disclosed the cause of the temporary power loss. The vessel resumed its schedule and completed the voyage as planned, arriving in Tampa on May 18. The cruise line stated that subsequent sailings should proceed without delays.

Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Lissa Poirot (May 17, 2026).