A Royal Caribbean cruise passenger made international headlines after reportedly jumping overboard in Puerto Rico to avoid a large casino bill.
Court documents state that Jey Gonzalez-Diaz leapt from Rhapsody of the Seas as it returned to the Port of San Juan on Sunday morning. Authorities say he accumulated more than $16,000 in gambling losses during the week-long Caribbean itinerary that included a stop in Barbados.
Instead of paying his balance, Gonzalez-Diaz allegedly made a dramatic exit. Witnesses reported seeing him splash into the harbor, where a jet ski picked him up and headed toward shore. Security footage shows him climbing aboard while the jet ski pulled another rider on an inflatable raft.
His escape was short-lived. Customs and Border Protection officers located him less than 30 minutes later near Puerto Rico’s Capitol Building. Agents say he was carrying a backpack containing $14,600 in cash, two phones, multiple IDs, and a Royal Caribbean boarding pass. The affidavit notes that the IDs displayed different names, including “Jeremy Diaz,” the alias reportedly used to book the cruise.
When questioned about his real identity, Gonzalez-Diaz reportedly said, “If you guys were good at your job, you would know that.” Puerto Rican state records later confirmed his true name.
He has been released on bail but faces federal charges that could carry up to five years in prison or a $250,000 fine.
Headlines about cruise passengers falling overboard are often misleading. People rarely slip off these massive ships by accident. Most incidents involve someone jumping, engaging in risky behavior, or in some cases being pushed.
This Royal Caribbean case is one example. Just last month, a crew member aboard the new Sun Princess went overboard. That incident was a tragic jump and the worker was never found.
While onboard casinos can be entertaining, this unusual case is a reminder that gambling debts do not stay on the ship. Cruise lines take unpaid balances seriously, and attempting to evade them can have real-world consequences, though few escapes are this dramatic.
According to CBS News, if convicted, Jey Gonzalez-Diaz could face a fine of up to $250,000 or a maximum five-year prison sentence or both.
For most guests, cruising remains a stress-free way to explore the world, especially the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Rhapsody of the Seas, which sails regularly from Puerto Rico, continues to offer week-long itineraries with sun-soaked beaches, cultural excursions, and plenty of onboard entertainment.
Related: Our June 2025 Mediterranean Cruise on Sun Princess
