- Contact Us for a Free Consultation 305-668-6410
Carnival Panorama Passenger Sues After Slipping on Wet Dance Floor on Serenity Deck
Michelle Ryburn has filed a negligence lawsuit in federal court against Carnival Cruise Line, alleging that she was seriously injured in a slip and fall accident on the Serenity Deck dance floor. The complaint claims the floor became unreasonably slippery due to spilled drinks and that Carnival failed to take any safety measures or provide warnings to prevent such injuries.
Cruise Passenger Files Negligence Lawsuit Against Carnival Cruise Line After Falling on Wet Dance Floor Aboard Carnival Panorama
Case Title: Michelle Ryburn v. Carnival Corporation
Case Number: 1:25-cv-21502
Filing Date: April 1, 2025
Court: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida (Miami Division)
Plaintiff: Michelle Ryburn, Nevada resident
Defendant: Carnival Corporation d/b/a Carnival Cruise Line
Vessel Involved: Carnival Panorama
Incident Date: April 17, 2024
Location of Incident: Serenity Deck (Outdoor Bar and Dance Area)
Plaintiff Alleges Carnival Encouraged Drinking on Dance Floor Without Safety Protocols or Warnings
Allegations of Unsafe Conditions and Lack of Supervision
The complaint paints a detailed picture of what Ryburn claims was a foreseeable and preventable hazard:
- Carnival encouraged passengers to bring drinks onto the dance floor during a late-night event.
- Employees and bartenders did not monitor or clean the deck area, even as drinks spilled and made the surface slippery.
- No mats, barriers, signage, or staff intervention were used to prevent or warn of the slipping hazard.
- The accident happened at approximately 1:00 a.m., when visibility was likely low, increasing the risk of a fall.
Ryburn’s Injuries and Damages
Ryburn alleges that she slipped and fell while dancing, causing:
- Severe bodily injuries requiring surgery
- Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent impairment
- Emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain
- Medical expenses and long-term limitations
The complaint includes two counts:
- Negligence (Count I) – For failure to maintain a safe dance floor.
- Negligent Failure to Warn (Count II) – For not informing passengers about the slippery conditions or implementing precautions.
Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawsuits: What This Case Means for Passenger Rights and Maritime Liability
Legal Duty of Care Under Maritime Law
Cruise lines are subject to a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances, especially when they create or allow conditions likely to cause injury. In this case, the plaintiff argues:
- The deck was foreseeably dangerous due to drink service near an active dance area.
- Carnival had actual and constructive knowledge of the slippery conditions through staff working the bar.
- The cruise line failed to implement or enforce protocols to dry the floor, block access, or post warnings.
Similar Trends in Cruise Injury Litigation
This case reflects a growing number of lawsuits involving:
- Unsupervised recreational areas (e.g., pool decks, dance floors)
- Late-night events with alcohol consumption
- Failure to warn or remove known transitory substances
Courts evaluating these cases often look at whether the hazard was:
- Open and obvious (which Carnival may argue in its defense), or
- Hidden and preventable through ordinary maintenance and observation (as the plaintiff asserts here).
Injured in a Slip and Fall Aboard a Cruise Ship? Legal Help Is Available
If you were hurt on a cruise due to slippery decks, spilled drinks, or poor safety practices, you may have a legal claim under federal maritime law. Slip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of cruise passenger injuries—and often preventable with proper precautions.
📞 Contact a maritime injury attorney today to understand your rights and seek compensation for medical bills, lost enjoyment, and long-term recovery needs.