6 People Who Vanished on Cruises

Cruises are often seen as luxurious getaways filled with relaxation and adventure. However, for some, these trips culminated in an inexplicable disappearance. Here are six cases of individuals who vanished from cruise ships, leaving behind mysteries that remain unsolved to this day.

1. Amy Lynn Bradley: Missing From Royal Caribbean^® Cruise

In March 1998, 23-year-old Amy Lynn Bradley disappeared from a Royal Caribbean International cruise while traveling with her family. Amy was last seen by her father, asleep on the balcony of their cabin around 5:30 a.m. By 6 a.m., she was gone. Despite extensive searches and multiple sightings reported in Curaçao, Bradley has never been found.

2. Merrian Carver: A Case That Sparked Outrage

Merrian Carver, a 40-year-old investment banker, disappeared from a Celebrity Cruises^® ship in August 2004. She was last seen on the second day of a seven-day Alaskan cruise. Shockingly, the cruise line did not report her missing, and her belongings were simply discarded after the trip. Her disappearance, ruled a suicide by the cruise line, remains a contentious and unresolved case.

3. George Allen Smith IV: Honeymoon Turned Nightmare

In July 2005, George Allen Smith IV went missing during his honeymoon with his wife, Jennifer, on the MS Brilliance of the Seas^®. After a night of heavy drinking, loud noises and an argument were reported from his cabin. Blood was found on a canopy below his balcony, suggesting he may have fallen or been pushed overboard. His disappearance remains unsolved, with suspicions of foul play.

4. Fariba Amani: Gone From a Bahamas Celebration Cruise

Fariba Amani, a 47-year-old woman from Vancouver, vanished in February 2012 while on a Bahamas Celebration cruise with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend reported seeing her last at 1 a.m. in the ship’s gift shop. Despite a troubled relationship and suspicions, there is no evidence to conclude what happened to Fariba.

5. Annette Mizener: A Prize Vacation Ends in Disappearance

Annette Mizener, 37, won a Carnival^® cruise in December 2004 but mysteriously disappeared on the last night of the trip. Her beaded purse was found near a railing on a lower deck, leading to theories she fell or was pushed overboard. Despite searches by the United States Coast Guard and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, her case remains unresolved.

6. Rebecca Coriam: Disney Cruise Line^® Employee Vanishes

Rebecca Coriam, a 24-year-old crew member on the Disney Wonder, disappeared in March 2011. Security footage showed her visibly upset while talking on a ship’s phone early in the morning. Although some speculate she fell overboard, her family believes foul play may have been involved due to inconsistencies in the investigation.

These cases highlight the troubling truth that even in a controlled environment, like a cruise ship, people can vanish without a trace, leaving behind heartbroken families and unanswered questions. As these stories show, the open sea holds many secrets. While cruises are typically joyous escapes, these disappearances serve as a reminder that danger can lurk in the middle of a fun vacation.

References: People Who Mysteriously Vanished From Cruise Ships | These 7 Missing Cruise Passenger Stories Still Make Us Shudder