Cruise Passenger Reported Missing Sends Message Saying She Doesn’t Want to Be Found

A woman previously reported missing from the Carnival Horizon cruise ship has contacted authorities, confirming she is safe and does not wish to be found.

Jessica Collins, 47, disembarked with her belongings while the ship was docked in Kralendijk, Bonaire, and did not return by the scheduled departure time. Carnival Cruise Line later confirmed that Collins left voluntarily and intended to remain in Bonaire, Sept. 17, 2025.

A split image. A photo of Jessica Collins leaving the ship on the right and the Horizon on the left, sailing on the ocean.

“She debarked with all her belongings in her backpack and left a cash gratuity for the stateroom attendant with a thank you note,” the cruise line said in a statement to Cruise Hive. “The guest subsequently texted a member of our Care Team who had been trying to reach her, saying she was safe and did not want to be found or contacted again.”

Local authorities began a standard missing person investigation after Collins failed to return. Carnival said it is cooperating with investigators but emphasized that Collins’ actions appeared intentional.

“She appears to have taken deliberate action to be alone and on her own,” the cruise line stated.

Collins was traveling solo on an eight-night Southern Caribbean itinerary. Surveillance footage showed her wearing casual tropical attire and carrying a fully packed backpack, which did not raise initial suspicion as many guests do the same for day excursions.

Carnival Horizon departed Bonaire as scheduled and later returned to its home port in Miami before setting out on a subsequent six-night sailing.

While the motivations behind Collins’ decision remain unknown, authorities emphasized that walking away from a cruise is not a lawful way to emigrate.

According to the Caribbean Netherlands National Service, U.S. citizens may enter Bonaire without a visa and can apply for a one-year renewable residence permit. Long-term residency or Dutch citizenship involves additional requirements such as cultural integration and renouncing other national citizenships.

Carnival continues to support local efforts as requested and has made no further comment on Collins’ whereabouts or intentions.