FBI Investigates Passenger Death Aboard Carnival Horizon

Authorities in the United States have launched an investigation following the death of a passenger on board Carnival Horizon during its most recent Caribbean cruise.

When Carnival Horizon arrived back in PortMiami on November 8, federal agents were waiting at the dock. The FBI confirmed that agents boarded the vessel shortly after it docked to begin an investigation into the death of one of the passengers.

The Carnival Horizon cruise ship glides through turquoise waters, its blue hull complementing the sunny sky dotted with fluffy white clouds above.

In a statement shared with US media, Carnival Cruise Line said it is cooperating fully with authorities. “Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI,” the line said.

Officials have not released any details about the identity of the passenger, their age, or the circumstances surrounding the death. The FBI has also not confirmed whether the death is being treated as suspicious.

What Happened Onboard

Passengers sailing on the six-night Caribbean voyage reported hearing a medical emergency announcement on the final day of the cruise. The ship had been returning to Miami after visiting Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

Several guests staying on Deck 8 said they received letters from the ship’s staff advising them to vacate their cabins early on disembarkation morning to allow investigators access to the area. The notice explained that authorities would be boarding first and that some noise and disruption should be expected.

Some passengers said rumours began circulating about what might have happened, including claims of an overdose or possible foul play. None of these reports have been verified, and investigators have not released any official information about the cause of death.

Official Statements From the Cruise Line and FBI

Both Carnival Cruise Line and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have released brief statements regarding the incident. Carnival confirmed that the company is working closely with investigators and providing any assistance required. The cruise line reiterated that its priority is supporting the family of the deceased guest and ensuring full cooperation with the authorities.

The FBI’s Miami office stated that agents “responded to the scene” when the ship arrived in port. Officials said the investigation remains active but declined to offer further details, citing the ongoing nature of the case. No information has been made public about whether the death is being treated as suspicious or accidental.

A Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s vehicle was also seen at the port shortly after the ship’s arrival, suggesting that local officials have taken possession of the body for examination.

A Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s van parked beside the hull of a large cruise ship in PortMiami. The scene appears to be part of an official response following a reported passenger death onboard the vessel. — Credit: @fox_sheldon/X

Minimal Disruption to Cruise Schedule

Despite the investigation, operations onboard Carnival Horizon appeared to continue with little disruption. The ship’s turnaround in Miami was only slightly delayed, with reports suggesting FBI agents remained onboard until late afternoon. Once their work was complete, the vessel departed on its next scheduled voyage.

Carnival Horizon is now sailing an eight-night Southern Caribbean itinerary visiting Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. Guests embarking on the new cruise reported normal embarkation procedures and minimal visible impact from the earlier investigation.

The ship, a Vista-class vessel launched in 2018, can accommodate up to 3,960 guests at double occupancy and carries a crew of around 1,400. It remains one of Carnival Cruise Line’s largest and most popular ships sailing from Florida.