A Royal Caribbean passenger is facing federal charges after allegedly leaping overboard from the Rhapsody of the Seas in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in an attempt to dodge more than $16,000 in gambling debts.
The incident took place on September 7, 2025, as the cruise ship was disembarking passengers following a seven-night Southern Caribbean sailing.
According to a criminal complaint, Jey Xander Omar González-Díaz jumped into the water while the ship was docked at Pier 4. Passersby on jet skis quickly pulled him out and brought him to shore.
Credit: Federal Prosecutor’s Office & Darryl Brooks
When Customs and Border Protection officers later apprehended him near Puerto Rico’s Capitol Building, he was carrying $14,600 in cash, two phones, and five forms of identification, court records state.
Federal Charges
According to federal prosecutors, González-Díaz has been charged with failing to declare the transport of more than $10,000 when entering the United States — a serious violation that carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.
The gambling debts reportedly owed to Royal Caribbean totaled $16,710.24 and were “almost exclusively associated with Casino and Gaming expenses,” according to the complaint.
When investigators asked why he jumped, González-Díaz told officers in Spanish that “he did not want to report the currency on his possession because he thought he was going to be taxed duties for bring[ing] in the currency,” court documents said.
False Identities and Conflicting Records
Authorities also discovered that González-Díaz had boarded the ship under the name Jeremy Díaz — who he claimed was his brother. Investigators found identifications, including a Tennessee ID and a Puerto Rico birth certificate, tied to a Jeremy Omar González-Díaz who has been in federal custody since January on unrelated charges.
When pressed for his real name, he reportedly told officers, “If you guys were good at your job, you would know that,”.
Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented on the case.
González-Díaz was released on bail while awaiting further court proceedings. If convicted, he could face prison time, heavy fines, and permanent exclusion from major cruise lines.
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 45 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 200,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.