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Texas Family Sues Royal Caribbean After Minor Injured in Poorly Supervised Youth Program Aboard Quantum of the Seas
A Texas father has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida on behalf of his minor child against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22881-JEM, alleges that the child, S.P., sustained severe injuries while participating in Royal Caribbean’s youth program aboard the Quantum of the Seas on July 21, 2022.
Minor Passenger Injured During Transition Between Youth Activities with No Supervision on Royal Caribbean Cruise
According to the lawsuit, the minor plaintiff was enrolled in Royal Caribbean’s youth program during a cruise and was under the care and supervision of the cruise line’s staff. During a transition period between scheduled activities, the complaint alleges that no crew members were present in the area to monitor the children. As a result, S.P. was left unsupervised along with a large group of minors and suffered a significant injury. The exact nature of the injury is not detailed in the complaint, but it is described as severe and ongoing.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Understaffing and Poor Oversight in Cruise Ship Youth Programs
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean breached its duty of care by failing to properly supervise children participating in its youth program and by allowing an unsafe number of participants relative to the available staff. It claims that the cruise line permitted more children into the program than its crew could reasonably monitor, creating a hazardous environment. The complaint further asserts that Royal Caribbean had actual or constructive knowledge of similar prior incidents involving under-supervision and failed to implement appropriate corrective measures.
Cruise Line Also Sued for Failing to Warn Parents About Inadequate Staffing and Safety Risks
In addition to the general negligence claim, the lawsuit includes a count for negligent failure to warn. It argues that Royal Caribbean did not inform the child’s parent, Ricky Pray, about the risks associated with understaffing and poor supervision in the youth program. The plaintiff contends that had he been warned about the cruise line’s inability to safely manage the group size, he would not have allowed his child to participate. The complaint alleges that the cruise line’s failure to communicate these dangers directly contributed to the injury.
Family Seeks Damages for Physical Injuries, Emotional Distress, and Disruption of Cruise Experience
The plaintiffs seek compensation for the minor’s physical pain, mental anguish, medical expenses, and ongoing suffering. The injury is alleged to be permanent or continuing in nature, with lasting effects on the child’s well-being and quality of life. The family also seeks damages for the loss of the cruise experience and related travel costs, asserting that the incident caused irreparable harm to their vacation.
Injuries in Cruise Line Youth Programs May Be Grounds for Legal Action Under Maritime Law
Cruise lines offering children’s activities owe a duty to provide safe, adequately staffed, and properly supervised environments. If a child is injured during a youth program on a cruise ship due to lack of supervision or overcrowding, the cruise line may be liable under maritime law. Parents whose children were injured while under the care of cruise staff should consult with a qualified maritime attorney to explore their legal rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship youth program injury attorney.