- Contact Us for a Free Consultation 305-668-6410
Florida Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall on Wet Floor at Windjammer Café Aboard Utopia of the Seas
Nathaniel Ferrone, a Florida resident, has filed a maritime negligence lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The case, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24076, arises from a slip and fall incident that occurred at the Windjammer Café aboard the Utopia of the Seas during a three-night Bahamas cruise that departed Port Canaveral on May 16, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Slips on Wet Floor Near Buffet Area Aboard Utopia of the Seas
According to the complaint, Ferrone was heading to breakfast on the morning of May 17, 2025, when he slipped on a wet section of the floor near one of the buffet stations inside the Windjammer Café. The lawsuit alleges that the wet floor was the result of cleaning liquid used by a male crewmember who was mopping nearby. The liquid allegedly spread across the walkway without any warning signs or physical barriers to alert passengers of the hazard.
Ferrone claims that the wet area was nearly invisible due to the floor’s color and the lighting in that section of the buffet, making it difficult for passengers to detect. As a result, he slipped and fell hard onto the tile surface, striking his left elbow, shoulder, and hand.
Lawsuit Alleges Vicarious Liability for Crew Negligence in Creating Wet Floor Hazard
The complaint brings two counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean, both under the doctrine of vicarious liability. Ferrone alleges that the crew member responsible for creating the slipping hazard was acting within the course and scope of his employment, making Royal Caribbean liable for the unsafe condition created in a passenger area.
The first count asserts that Royal Caribbean, through its employee, breached its duty of care by allowing water or cleaning fluid to pool near a high-traffic area where passengers walk barefoot or in light footwear. The second count alleges a failure to warn, asserting that the cruise line’s staff did not notify passengers—verbally or through signage—about the dangerous condition despite actively creating it.
Plaintiff Claims Wet Floor Was Nearly Invisible Due to Lighting and Flooring Color
Ferrone asserts that the lighting and reflective properties of the buffet’s flooring contributed to the incident, making the water appear virtually indistinguishable from the floor surface. The lawsuit emphasizes that passengers have no way of avoiding such hazards when no visible or verbal warnings are issued by crew.
After the fall, Ferrone was assisted by a female crew member who confirmed the floor was wet and who also witnessed the ongoing mopping activity. The complaint contends that this corroboration further supports Royal Caribbean’s knowledge and responsibility for the dangerous condition.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Breaching Duty of Care by Allowing Slipping Hazard in High-Traffic Dining Area
As a fare-paying passenger, Ferrone was owed a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances, as required by general maritime law. The lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean breached this duty by failing to control the spread of cleaning fluids, failing to warn passengers, and failing to implement safety protocols to mitigate the risks of slips and falls in food service areas.
Ferrone seeks damages for bodily injury, pain and suffering, mental anguish, aggravation of a preexisting condition, medical expenses, and lost income. The injuries are described as either permanent or continuing, with the plaintiff alleging that the fall significantly impacted his ability to enjoy life and may impair his future earning capacity.
Injured After a Slip and Fall on a Wet Cruise Ship Floor? Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
Cruise ship slip and fall injuries are among the most common causes of litigation against major cruise lines. Dining areas such as the Windjammer Café present increased risk due to high passenger volume and frequent cleaning operations. When crew members create wet floor hazards without warning guests, cruise lines may be held liable under maritime law.
If you or someone you love suffered an injury after slipping on a wet cruise ship surface, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced maritime attorneys can help evaluate your case and protect your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise slip and fall 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.