Passenger slams Royal Caribbean’s handling of White Island tragedy, as death toll continues to climb

Passenger slams Royal Caribbean’s handling of White Island tragedy, as death toll continues to climb

The official death toll of the White Island volcanic eruption last week has officially climbed to 16, including 10 Australians, as the Ovation of the Seas returns to Sydney.

Passengers onboard the Royal Caribbean cruise have expressed their disapproval with the way the cruise line handled the tragic event, with one father slamming the line’s lack of information and mental health support.

The man, who did not want to be named, told News.com.au that he all he was given was a piece of paper with “generic mental health advice” even though his son had made friends with two of the victims.

“They try and offer you mental health… support on the last night when you’re about to get off,” he said.

“The captain didn’t even tell us what was happening. We had to watch the news. It was a prison ship in the end, you weren’t allowed to know anything.”

The man said his son was “not ok”.

“He was in the medical centre last night at 2am, it was terrible,” he said.

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Travel Weekly that as the ship returned today, the line’s thoughts remain with those affected and “we will continue to provide ongoing support and services to them and their families during this difficult time”.

“We would like to thank all the first responders and medical personnel,” the spokesperson said.

“We also thank the Prime Ministers of Australia and New Zealand and their teams, the local authorities and everyone who has reached out to help with their kind words of support.

“We thank our guests for their understanding in the days following this tragic event.”

The families of several victims have provided statements through the department of foreign affairs and trade expressing their heartbreak and asking for privacy.

“Anthony and Kristine, loving parents to Jesse and Winona, were a wonderful couple and devoted to both their immediate and extended families. They will be greatly missed by all who knew them,” said the Langford family.

“Winona is currently unaccounted for and Jesse is recovering in hospital, receiving excellent care.

“At this difficult time, we ask that the media respect our family’s privacy. We will not be making further comment.”

The Mathews family confirmed their sister Karla had been positively identified as one of the six people recovered from the disaster site.

“Our family is absolutely heartbroken and our big sister will be incredibly missed,” the Mathews family said.

“We have an enormous sense of relief that she has finally been found and we patiently wait with the Elzer family for news of Karla’s partner Rick so we are able to bring them home together.

“We would like to take this moment to express our deep gratitude to both the New Zealand and Australian governments for everything they have done for our family this past week. We would like to especially thank the New Zealand Police for their unwavering efforts towards reuniting all families with their lost loved ones.

“We respectfully decline further requests for information and ask that our privacy is respected as we grieve the loss of our beautiful sister.”

Meanwhile, the minister for foreign affairs, Marise Payne, has confirmed she will be visiting New Zealand from today until 18 December to offer Australia’s condolences to the government and people of New Zealand.

“The tragic event has affected 47 people, including 24 Australian citizens, as well as four people who called Australia home. Our hearts go out to all of the families and loved ones of those affected,” Payne said.

“Twelve Australian citizens and one permanent resident have been medically evacuated back to Australia.

“Australian Federal Police, and NSW and Queensland Police are continuing their work assisting New Zealand authorities to formally identify those people tragically killed in the eruption as quickly as possible.”

Featured image: Karla Mathews and Rick Elzer.

Latest News

  • Famil

TravHost launches expert hosting service to transform industry famils

TravHost offers a pioneering service bridging the gap between media professionals, travel agents and tourism organisations, addressing the demand for exceptional famil hosts. Founded by seasoned travel media professionals Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski, TravHost is poised to revolutionise the way tourism organisations and travel companies approach famils. With decades of experience in tourism and […]

  • Tour Operators
  • Travel Agents

Book big and bag a spot of the TTC Tour Brand’s Top Achievers’ Famil

TTC Tour Brands’ Top Achievers Famil incentive is back, rewarding top-selling agents with the chance to embark on an unforgettable trip to a destination that remains a secret – for now. Agents who have sold any Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki, from 1 December 2024 to 14 March 2025, go into the […]

  • Business Travel
  • Conferences

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

  • Cruise
  • Events

AmaWaterways invites AU/NZ travel trade to An Evening with AmaWaterways events

AmaWaterways has announced the dates of its upcoming An Evening with AmaWaterways events for travel advisors, just over a year after it entered the Australian and New Zealand markets. Dedicated to travel advisors, the events will be held in six cities and will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ regional sales managers, plus feature a presentation from […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

Mooloolaba cruise season boosts Sunshine Coast tourism and trade

Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships through February and March 2025, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism to the Sunshine Coast. Their arrival is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicks off the season on Sunday 8 February, with 930 […]

  • Food & Beverage

Little Pete Brewing opens first of its kind open-air bar

Little Pete Brewing has opened a new open-air bar at 543 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, a must-visit South Australia destination for a drink with a view. The first-of-its-kind open-air bar sits on 8ha, surrounded by vineyards and paddocks, with the Bremer River flowing nearby and framed by majestic ancient river red gums. “We always felt […]

  • Events

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

  • Destinations
  • Tourism

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events

NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

  • Events
  • Tourism

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

  • Cruise
  • Food & Beverage

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests

Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]