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Florida Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Fall During Late-Night Scavenger Hunt on Utopia of the Seas
Tonya Stokes, a Florida resident and surgical technician, has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24198-JEM, stems from a fall Stokes suffered during a midnight scavenger hunt event aboard Utopia of the Seas on August 30, 2025, which allegedly resulted in a fractured arm and other lasting injuries.
Cruise Passenger Injured After Being Pulled Onto Stage During Late-Night Scavenger Hunt Aboard Utopia of the Seas
According to the complaint, Stokes was participating in a Royal Caribbean-organized scavenger hunt while sailing to the Bahamas on a three-night cruise that departed from Port Canaveral. The event took place around midnight in one of the ship’s onboard entertainment venues. A Royal Caribbean crew member hosting the contest allegedly encouraged male passengers to grab a woman from the audience and bring her on stage “by any means necessary.”
Stokes claims that one of the male participants, who appeared to be intoxicated, forcefully grabbed her without her consent and attempted to drag her up the stairs to the stage. During this attempt, the man lost his grip and caused Stokes to fall headfirst to the floor, resulting in a serious upper arm fracture.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Creating Unsafe and Reckless Conditions During Cruise Ship Entertainment Event
The lawsuit accuses Royal Caribbean of negligence through its employee’s conduct during the event. Specifically, the crew member allegedly created an unreasonably dangerous environment by orchestrating a contest that involved physical interactions between passengers—some of whom were impaired by alcohol—and directing participants to carry out physically risky tasks on a raised, open stage without supervision or safety protocols.
Stokes asserts that the event placed passengers at foreseeable risk of injury, especially given the late-night timing and the encouragement of physical contact between guests. The complaint characterizes the crew member’s actions as a “recipe for disaster” and states that the cruise line is liable for his conduct under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior.
Complaint Alleges Serious Injuries Including Fractured Arm, Lost Wages, and Ongoing Medical Treatment
As a result of the incident, Stokes suffered a fractured humerus—one of the major bones in the upper arm—as well as other bodily injuries. The lawsuit alleges she continues to experience pain, disability, and physical impairment. Stokes also seeks compensation for medical treatment, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, diminished earning capacity, and the disruption of her cruise vacation. The injury is described as permanent or continuing in nature.
Passenger Seeks Jury Trial and Highlights Limited Legal Options for Florida Residents Suing Cruise Lines
Stokes has requested a jury trial despite the traditional limitation on jury trials in admiralty cases. She argues that her inability to secure a jury trial is due solely to her Florida residency—if she were from another state, the case would qualify for diversity jurisdiction. The complaint notes that if not for the mandatory forum selection clause in Royal Caribbean’s ticket contract requiring lawsuits to be filed in federal court, Stokes could have brought her case in state court, where a jury trial would have been guaranteed. As such, she asks the federal court to consider her constitutional right to a trial by jury.
Contact a Cruise Ship Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt During a Cruise Ship Event or Activity
Passengers injured during onboard entertainment events or contests may be entitled to compensation if the cruise line fails to exercise reasonable care. Events involving physical tasks, elevated platforms, or alcohol consumption carry heightened risks and must be properly supervised. If you or a loved one were injured during a ship-sponsored event, contact a maritime injury attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.
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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.