Police investigation launched after unexplained death onboard cruise ship

NZ Herald

27 Mar, 2026 04:01 AMQuick Read

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There’s been an “unexplained death” on an Anthem of the Seas cruise ship sailing around New Zealand.
Photo / Royal Caribbean

Investigations are underway after a person died onboard a cruise ship in New Zealand waters.

New Zealand police were notified of the death onboard the Anthem of the Seas cruise, operated by Royal Caribbean, early on Wednesday.

“Police were notified of an unexplained death on a commercial
cruise ship traversing New Zealand on 25 March around 1.40am.”

Stuff has reported the ship was arriving in the Bay of Islands at the time of the incident and was inbound from Sydney, Australia.

Investigations are underway.