Carnival Passenger in Bonaire Sparks Epstein Speculation, Says She Doesn’t Want Contact
The mysterious disappearance of a Carnival Horizon cruise passenger in Bonaire has taken an unexpected turn.
Authorities now say the guest, originally reported missing, made a deliberate choice to stay behind on the island and does not wish to be contacted.
The Disappearance
Jessica Collins, 47, was traveling aboard Carnival Horizon when the ship docked in Kralendijk, Bonaire, on September 17, 2025. Surveillance footage showed her leaving the ship wearing a printed white shirt, light blue shorts, and white sandals while carrying a gray backpack.
When she did not return before the vessel’s scheduled departure, her luggage remained onboard while her identification documents were reportedly with her.
Local police, coast guard teams, and volunteers quickly launched a land and sea search effort, and security camera images were shared publicly.
Speculation and Epstein Connection Rumors
As news of her disappearance spread, speculation on social media suggested that Collins might be the same woman as Jessica Leigh Collins, who has previously identified herself as a Jeffrey Epstein victim and published a book about the case.
These claims intensified after a friend of Jessica Leigh Collins posted online, expressing concern and prayers for her safety.
However, authorities and Carnival Cruise Line emphasized that no confirmed evidence connected the missing passenger to the public figure of the same name.
Carnival Confirms Deliberate Actions
Carnival Cruise Line later revealed that Jessica Collins had intentionally cleared her stateroom, left a cash tip for her cabin attendant, and even sent a text message to a member of Carnival’s Care Team.
In the message, she confirmed that she was safe and explicitly stated she did not want to be found or contacted.
“While we are cooperating with local authorities, this guest appears to have taken deliberate action to be alone and on her own,” Carnival said in a statement.
With that confirmation, Bonaire authorities shifted the case from a missing person investigation to a situation of personal choice.
Risks of Skipping the Ship
While Collins’ decision may bring relief that she is not in danger, walking away from a cruise ship mid-voyage is far from simple. Cruise lines often impose steep fines—sometimes up to $1,000—for “skipping the ship,” and passengers may even face permanent bans from the cruise line.
U.S. citizens are allowed to stay in Bonaire for a limited time, and in some cases, can apply for residency, but abandoning a cruise itinerary without notice is not a recognized or recommended way to extend a vacation.
Bonaire’s Troubled History With Cruise Disappearances
This case has also drawn attention back to Bonaire’s past with cruise-related disappearances.
In 2017, Adriana Morales de Florencio, a young crew member from Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, was murdered after leaving her ship on the island—a tragedy that shocked the cruise community.
What Happens Next
Carnival Horizon was not delayed and has since returned to its homeport in Miami. While Collins is no longer considered missing, her decision raises questions about the challenges cruise lines face when guests choose to abandon their voyage mid-cruise.
For now, authorities say the case is closed. Collins’ whereabouts are known, and her wishes—to be left alone—are being respected.
The Epstein Speculation
When Jessica Collins was first reported missing in Bonaire, rumors quickly spread online that she might be the same woman as Jessica Leigh Collins, who has publicly identified herself as a Jeffrey Epstein victim and authored a book about her experiences.
A social media post from a friend of Jessica Leigh Collins fueled the speculation, adding to the mystery surrounding the disappearance. However, both Carnival Cruise Line and local authorities stressed that there is no verified evidence connecting the missing passenger to Epstein or to Jessica Leigh Collins.
In fact, Carnival confirmed that the cruise guest intentionally stayed behind in Bonaire, cleared her stateroom, and even sent a message saying she was safe and did not want to be contacted.
