Nevada Woman Sues Royal Caribbean in Miami After Tripping on Loose Rug While Boarding Explorer of the Seas
On April 22, 2024, Susan Nichols of Nevada boarded Explorer of the Seas, ready to begin what she expected would be a carefree cruise vacation. But as she stepped onto the gangway, the path to relaxation turned dangerous in an instant. According to a federal complaint filed in the Southern District of Florida on April 10, 2025, Nichols tripped over an unsecured rug or mat on the vessel’s aft gangway—an accident that left her with serious injuries.
The lawsuit claims this wasn’t just an isolated incident or unavoidable accident. Instead, Nichols alleges that Royal Caribbean had long been aware of the dangers posed by shifting mats and unsafe gangway surfaces—and failed to address the issue.
Federal Lawsuit Over Gangway Fall During Cruise Embarkation Aboard Royal Caribbean Vessel
The complaint describes the gangway as covered with a rug or mat that appeared normal—until it suddenly shifted beneath Nichols’ feet. She fell hard. The suit argues the mat was not secured, not slip-resistant, and not properly maintained—creating a concealed tripping hazard that would be difficult for any passenger to foresee.
According to her attorneys, Nichols had no warning, no time to react, and no way to avoid the fall.
Legal Allegations: Negligence at Every Step
The complaint asserts three distinct counts of negligence under general maritime law:
Count I – General Negligence
Royal Caribbean allegedly failed to:
- Properly secure mats or rugs in the gangway area,
- Monitor and inspect the surface regularly,
- Implement procedures to keep gangway surfaces safe for passengers boarding the ship.
Count II – Failure to Warn
Even if the hazard couldn’t be immediately corrected, Nichols argues the cruise line should have at least:
- Posted warning signs or given verbal alerts to passengers,
- Acknowledged the risk in light of past, similar incidents.
Count III – Failure to Maintain
The suit further claims that Royal Caribbean:
- Used flooring and materials unfit for gangways,
- Neglected to replace worn or inadequate mats,
- Failed to implement anti-slip safety policies—despite knowing these surfaces would frequently be wet or unstable.
A Pattern of Gangway Incidents Across the Fleet
The complaint doesn’t just stop at Nichols’ fall. It alleges a pattern of similar gangway-related accidents going back at least two years, citing:
- August 23, 2022: Passenger fell on a mat aboard Liberty of the Seas.
- May 3, 2022: Slip-and-fall on gangway aboard Adventure of the Seas.
- May 29, 2022: Trip and fall due to gangway hazards aboard Mariner of the Seas.
Nichols’ legal team argues that Royal Caribbean knew or should have known about these risks and failed to act, raising serious questions about the company’s broader commitment to safe boarding procedures.
Cruise Industry Implications: Boarding Areas Under Scrutiny
For Cruise Lines:
Gangways are critical points of liability—passengers must cross them at the start and end of every voyage, often while distracted, carrying bags, or navigating unfamiliar surfaces. Cruise operators are responsible for ensuring these access points are safe, dry, and free from shifting mats or hazards.
For Passengers:
Boarding injuries may not always appear dramatic, but they can have long-lasting consequences. If you’re injured while boarding a cruise, document the conditions immediately and seek legal advice. Photos, incident reports, and witness statements are often crucial in maritime cases.
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If you or a loved one has been injured while boarding or disembarking a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law.
Speak with a maritime injury attorney to understand your rights and the steps to protect them—especially when cruise lines ignore known hazards.
