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Arizona Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean After Slipping on Wet Cabin Floor Aboard Harmony of the Seas
Damon Norris, a resident of Arizona, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24109-JB, alleges that Norris suffered serious and permanent injuries after slipping on a wet and hazardous floor inside his stateroom aboard the Harmony of the Seas on September 17, 2024.
Harmony of the Seas Passenger Slips on Wet Floor in Cabin 7538 Due to Ongoing Leak and Inadequate Cleanup
According to the lawsuit, Norris was a paying passenger when he slipped and fell in his cabin (No. 7538) on the Harmony of the Seas, a vessel owned and operated by Royal Caribbean. The incident allegedly occurred due to a water leak or overflow in a neighboring stateroom that had spread into his cabin and the adjacent hallway. The complaint states that crewmembers were already responding to the leak with carpet cleaning equipment and industrial air-drying fans placed outside Norris’s cabin, indicating the cruise line had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazardous condition.
The complaint alleges that the flooring in the cabin was wet and unreasonably slippery, with no warning signs or barriers in place. Norris claims that the dangerous condition was not open or obvious, and that he had no way to anticipate or avoid the slip hazard, especially since Royal Caribbean had not advised him of the water intrusion or the risks it presented.
Lawsuit Alleges Royal Caribbean Failed to Warn Passengers and Neglected to Maintain Safe Conditions in Wet Cabin Area
The plaintiff accuses Royal Caribbean of multiple forms of negligence, including failure to warn of the hazardous condition and failure to maintain a safe environment inside the cabin. Despite crew presence in the hallway actively cleaning and drying the area, Royal Caribbean allegedly failed to inspect the interior of Norris’s cabin or to ensure the flooring surface was safe for use. The suit contends that the cruise line’s failure to place signage, restrict access, or verbally alert Norris to the risk constitutes a breach of its non-delegable duty to exercise reasonable care for its passengers.
The complaint also references prior similar lawsuits—such as Sadarangani v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Powell v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.—where passengers slipped on wet floors inside staterooms due to unaddressed leaks or slippery foreign substances. These prior incidents are cited to establish that Royal Caribbean was on notice of the dangers associated with wet cabin floors and failed to take appropriate preventive measures.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Using Unsafe Flooring Material and Poor Interior Design on Harmony of the Seas
In addition to claims of failure to warn and failure to maintain, the complaint alleges negligent design related to the flooring material used in passenger cabins. Norris contends that Royal Caribbean either selected or approved materials that were inherently slippery when wet and failed to install flooring that provided sufficient traction. The lawsuit further claims that the cabin’s layout and design made it difficult to properly clean or mitigate the effects of water accumulation, especially following a leak or overflow event.
The suit argues that Royal Caribbean had control over the design and construction of the vessel and knew or should have known that these design elements would increase the risk of slip and fall injuries in the presence of water.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Physical Injuries, Lost Wages, and the Lost Value of His Cruise Vacation
Norris brings five counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, negligent design, general negligence, and vicarious liability for the conduct of its crew. He alleges that the incident caused him to suffer injuries to his body and extremities, physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and permanent disability. He also seeks damages for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and the diminished value of his cruise due to the injuries sustained.
According to the complaint, the injuries are permanent or continuing in nature, and Norris anticipates ongoing medical and financial repercussions as a result of Royal Caribbean’s alleged negligence.
Were You Hurt in a Wet Cabin on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Attorney Today
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries inside staterooms due to leaks, wet floors, or improper maintenance may have a claim under maritime law. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have a legal obligation to ensure that cabins are reasonably safe, particularly when water leaks or slippery surfaces are involved. If you or a loved one has been injured due to wet cabin flooring or poor hazard remediation, our experienced maritime attorneys can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.