Florida Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Tripping Over Running Child Aboard Freedom of the Seas
Passenger Injury Lawsuit Alleges Unsafe Conditions Due to Unsupervised Children Running on Cruise Ship Deck
In the case Barba Aurora v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21257), filed on March 18, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida, a Florida resident seeks damages from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. following a fall aboard the Freedom of the Seas. The plaintiff, Barba Aurora, alleges she sustained serious injuries on May 20, 2024, after tripping over an unsupervised child who was running in the Windjammer Marketplace on Deck 11.
Aurora claims that multiple children had been running in the area for at least 10 minutes prior to the incident, creating a hazardous environment that Royal Caribbean failed to address. She suffered a proximal humerus fracture requiring surgical intervention and now seeks damages under general maritime law.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers About Known Safety Risks from Running Children
The lawsuit asserts negligent failure to warn passengers of hazards created by running children aboard Freedom of the Seas, specifically in high-traffic dining areas. Aurora’s legal team claims that:
- Royal Caribbean failed to warn passengers that children had been running on Deck 11 prior to the incident.
- The cruise line did not communicate its lack of supervision or enforcement of running restrictions.
- Crew members and video surveillance systems could have observed the hazardous behavior but failed to intervene or provide any warning.
Despite having internal safety policies prohibiting running in public areas (with the exception of the running track), the complaint argues that Royal Caribbean did not enforce its own standards or use signage or verbal announcements to mitigate the risk.
Lawsuit Highlights Royal Caribbean’s Alleged Negligence in Maintaining Safe Cruise Ship Walkways
Aurora also alleges negligent failure to maintain the walking path aboard the Freedom of the Seas, arguing that the cruise line failed to properly monitor and inspect the area where the fall occurred. The complaint outlines multiple failings:
- The crew did not intervene despite the children running for an extended period.
- There were no crew members actively supervising the open deck space during peak hours.
- Royal Caribbean failed to cordon off or regulate foot traffic in an area known to have heavy congestion and high child activity.
The incident occurred in the Windjammer Marketplace, one of the most frequently used dining venues on the ship—further supporting Aurora’s argument that enhanced vigilance was warranted.
General Negligence Claim Cites Royal Caribbean’s Alleged Systemic Safety Oversight
The complaint includes a count for general negligence against Royal Caribbean for failure to enforce risk management and passenger safety protocols, with emphasis on:
- Inadequate monitoring of child behavior in passenger walkways.
- Lack of enforcement of existing safety rules prohibiting running on decks.
- Failure to learn from previous incidents of passenger injuries caused by similar child behavior.
- Poor training and supervision of crew responsible for public area safety.
Aurora’s attorneys argue that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive notice of the risk posed by unsupervised children in public spaces but failed to take any preventive action—despite using cameras and policies requiring proactive crew engagement.
Injured in a Cruise Ship Accident Caused by Unsafe Conditions? Speak With a Maritime Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured aboard a cruise ship due to unsafe passenger behavior or crew negligence, you may have a valid legal claim. Cruise lines are responsible for providing a reasonably safe environment for all guests. Contact an experienced maritime attorney today to protect your rights and pursue compensation.
