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Freedom of the Seas continues voyage after fire
Royal Caribbean said the Freedom of the Seas ship will continue its current sailing as scheduled with no further delays expected, following a mechanical fire yesterday.
The fire took hold as the ship arrived in Falmouth, Jamaica and evacuation mode was enacted with passengers donning life jackets at assembly points.
The small blaze was extinguished by the ship’s fire-suppression system and all ship functions were soon working normally, Royal Caribbean communications director Cynthia Martinez said, although one crew member suffered first degree burns.
"The fire was not very big and none of the visitors had to be evacuated," Jamaica Tourism Minister Wykeham McNeill said.
Royal Caribbean Tweeted that all guests were accounted for and no injuries reported.
The port call in Jamaica was cut short slightly but the incident will not impact the rest of the seven-night cruise.
"#FreedomoftheSeas current cruise will continue with its regular scheduled itinerary. Next stop is George Town, Grand Cayman," the cruise line posted.
One passenger aboard the ship described the scene as the fire drill went into effect.
"It was like a mass stampede out of the dining area originally when the crew said it was just a drill. When they start running, you know it’s time to run too," said Scott Mann of Pittsburgh..
"We saw a lot of black smoke with debris in it," Mann said.
After Grand Cayman the ship is due to make a final call at Cozumel.
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