Florida Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean Over Slip-and-Fall at Chops Grille Aboard Wonder of the Seas
A Florida resident has filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., alleging that she suffered severe injuries after slipping on a wet floor near Chops Grille aboard the Wonder of the Seas. The case, Dorothea Ricca v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21171-JEM), raises concerns about cruise ship safety, maintenance failures, and the cruise line’s failure to warn passengers of known hazards.
Background of the Case
On October 29, 2024, Dorothea Ricca, a fare-paying passenger aboard the Wonder of the Seas, was exiting Chops Grille on Deck 8 when she slipped and fell on a wet and slippery marble tile surface. According to the complaint, the hazardous condition was not open and obvious, and no warning signs were present to alert passengers of the wet floor.
The lawsuit alleges that:
- The flooring was unreasonably slippery, even without water, creating a significant hazard.
- The wet substance was clear and not visible, making it difficult for passengers to detect.
- Royal Caribbean crew members failed to inspect, dry, or place warning signs in the area.
- The cruise line had prior knowledge of similar incidents but failed to take corrective action.
- Ricca sustained a femur fracture requiring surgical intervention, as well as other serious injuries.
Allegations Against Royal Caribbean
The lawsuit accuses Royal Caribbean of negligence, claiming the cruise line:
- Failed to Maintain Safe Walking Surfaces
- The cruise line knew or should have known that the flooring material in Chops Grille was dangerously slippery, especially when wet.
- Royal Caribbean failed to implement policies to routinely inspect, clean, and maintain the area to prevent hazardous conditions.
- Failed to Warn Passengers About the Hazard
- No caution signs, cones, or visual indicators were placed in the area to alert passengers of the slippery surface.
- The wet floor was not immediately obvious, making it impossible for passengers to recognize the danger.
- Negligent Selection of Flooring Material
- The flooring material was allegedly selected and installed by Royal Caribbean, despite having a low coefficient of friction, making it more prone to slip hazards.
- The cruise line had knowledge of previous incidents but continued to use the same flooring without modification.
- Prior Slip-and-Fall Incidents on Similar Surfaces
- The lawsuit references multiple prior lawsuits involving passengers slipping on wet tile floors in dining areas and common spaces on Royal Caribbean vessels, including:
- Tamara Lockett v. RCCL (Case No. 23-cv-22726-BB) – Slip and fall in the Mini Bite Restaurant aboard Harmony of the Seas.
- Wayne Shipe v. RCCL (Case No. 24-cv-20645-RKA) – Slip and fall in Central Park on Deck 8 aboard Oasis of the Seas.
- Richard Loder v. RCCL (Case No. 20-cv-24659-DPG) – Slip and fall in the Windjammer Café aboard Allure of the Seas.
- Sheila Seminario v. RCCL – Slip and fall on a marble floor in the atrium promenade aboard Navigator of the Seas.
- Mark Misilli v. RCCL – Slip and fall in a lounge on marble flooring aboard Legend of the Seas.
- The lawsuit references multiple prior lawsuits involving passengers slipping on wet tile floors in dining areas and common spaces on Royal Caribbean vessels, including:
According to the complaint, these prior incidents put Royal Caribbean on notice that the flooring was hazardous, yet no corrective measures were taken.
Legal Implications for Cruise Passenger Safety
This lawsuit raises serious legal questions about Royal Caribbean’s responsibility to maintain safe walking surfaces aboard its vessels, including:
- Should cruise lines be required to install slip-resistant flooring in high-traffic dining areas?
- Is Royal Caribbean liable for failing to place warning signs in known wet floor areas?
- Does the cruise line’s history of prior slip-and-fall incidents establish negligence?
- What duty does Royal Caribbean have to ensure flooring materials meet industry safety standards?
What’s Next?
The case will likely focus on:
- Whether Royal Caribbean was aware of the dangerous condition and failed to take corrective action.
- If the lack of warnings and maintenance directly contributed to Ricca’s injuries.
- Whether Royal Caribbean’s flooring materials and cleaning protocols meet industry standards.
- Will Royal Caribbean argue that Ricca should have exercised more caution, or will this case expose systemic safety failures aboard Wonder of the Seas?
