Kaylian Thomas, a Texas resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22522-DPG, alleges that Thomas suffered serious injuries while participating in the FlowRider surfing simulator aboard the Mariner of the Seas on June 23, 2024.

FlowRider Surf Simulator on Royal Caribbean Ship Allegedly Modified and Unsafe, Causing Passenger Injury

According to the complaint, the incident occurred during Thomas’s second attempt on the FlowRider attraction—an onboard surf simulator that propels water at high velocity over a sloped surface. The lawsuit claims that only one crewmember was supervising the attraction at the time, despite the presence of two during her initial attempt. While following instructions, Thomas was reportedly carried by the force of the water and slammed into the back wall, injuring her hand and arm.

The complaint asserts that the FlowRider on the Mariner of the Seas differs significantly from land-based versions due to modifications Royal Caribbean allegedly made to shorten the attraction’s length to fit the cruise ship’s deck. This design allegedly increases the danger of participants being violently thrown into the wall, creating a heightened risk not present on standard versions.

Lawsuit Accuses Royal Caribbean of Failing to Warn About FlowRider Hazards and Ignoring Industry Recommendations

The complaint argues that Royal Caribbean was aware of the heightened risks associated with FlowRider injuries yet failed to provide passengers with sufficient warnings. According to court filings, the manufacturer of FlowRider equipment once recommended the cruise line display warning signage—including a skull and crossbones—to communicate the seriousness of potential injuries. Royal Caribbean allegedly declined to follow that advice.

In addition to failing to use updated FlowRider padding technology known as “Pillow Padding” to reduce injury risk, the cruise line also allegedly failed to adequately warn participants on its website, near the attraction, or during instruction. The plaintiff’s legal team points to several prior cases involving FlowRider injuries on Royal Caribbean ships, suggesting the company had ample notice of recurring safety concerns yet continued to operate the attraction without modifying practices, protocols, or signage.

Complaint Highlights Inadequate Staffing, Unsafe Design, and Negligent Instruction on FlowRider Aboard Mariner of the Seas

Thomas brings multiple counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean, including general negligence, failure to warn, failure to maintain, negligent instruction, and negligent hiring and supervision. The lawsuit details how Royal Caribbean allegedly failed to provide adequate staff, proper supervision, or safe instructional procedures. The suit also claims the cruise line ignored industry standards for inspecting and maintaining the FlowRider, and that employees allowed Thomas to participate under dangerous conditions.

The crewmember supervising the attraction allegedly instructed Thomas to proceed with her second ride after another crew member left, creating a staffing deficit in violation of reasonable safety standards. The complaint also asserts that the altered dimensions of the shipboard FlowRider were not disclosed to passengers, leaving them unaware of the increased likelihood of impact injuries.

Passenger Seeks Damages for Lasting FlowRider Injuries and Emotional and Financial Losses

Thomas claims her injuries are ongoing and severe, including physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. She continues to seek medical care and alleges permanent impairment. The lawsuit seeks damages for medical costs, lost vacation value, and other expenses, asserting that Royal Caribbean is liable under general maritime law for failing to operate the FlowRider in a reasonably safe manner.

Injured on the FlowRider or Another Cruise Ship Attraction? Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney Today

Recreational attractions like the FlowRider must be operated with proper care, supervision, and safety precautions—especially when modified or located in confined spaces on cruise ships. Passengers injured due to poorly maintained or supervised shipboard attractions may be entitled to compensation under U.S. maritime law. If you or a loved one suffered an injury on a FlowRider or similar cruise attraction, contact a maritime injury attorney to explore your legal rights.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise injury lawyer.

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California Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Dodgeball Injury on Allure of the Seas Caused by Beads on Deck

Sydney Gabrielle Martin, a California resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22498-BB, alleges that Martin sustained serious knee injuries aboard the Allure of the Seas after slipping on beads scattered across the playing surface during a dodgeball game on June 9, 2024.

Dodgeball Game on Allure of the Seas Turns Hazardous After Bracelet Beads Spill on Upper Deck Playing Area

According to the complaint, Martin was a ticketed passenger on a weekend cruise departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, aboard the Allure of the Seas. While participating in a dodgeball game on the ship’s upper deck, another contestant’s bracelet snapped—spilling beads across the playing area. Martin alleges that despite the game supervisor’s awareness of the beads on the floor, the crew member failed to halt the game or remove the debris, allowing the hazard to persist.

As the game continued, Martin slipped on the beads and fell forcefully onto the deck surface, sustaining a serious left knee injury. She later underwent arthroscopic surgery, including ACL reconstruction and a medial meniscus repair. Her medical expenses reportedly exceed $152,000 to date.

Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Supervise Recreational Activity and Ignoring Obvious Hazard on Deck

The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean breached its duty to provide a safe environment by failing to stop the game after the beads became visible, and for not implementing proper inspection or hazard control protocols during the ship-sponsored recreational activity. The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean had knowledge of the danger, citing the presence of onboard rules and regulations governing hazard management and passenger safety during shipboard games.

Martin also claims the dangerous condition was not open or obvious to participants and that the cruise line’s knowledge of the risk exceeded that of its passengers. The failure to interrupt the game and clean the area is cited as a direct cause of her injury.

Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Surgical Knee Injury and Loss of Enjoyment of Cruise Due to Unsafe Deck Conditions

Martin brings one count of negligence against Royal Caribbean, alleging failure to inspect, maintain, and warn of the unsafe condition, as well as negligent training and supervision of its recreational staff. She seeks damages for permanent bodily injury, pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and the diminished enjoyment of her cruise vacation.

The complaint also seeks a full refund for the cost of her cruise ticket and onboard expenditures due to the disruption caused by the incident and resulting medical complications.

Hurt During a Cruise Ship Activity? Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer for Recreational Accident Claims

Cruise ship operators are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers during organized recreational activities, especially when known hazards arise mid-event. If you were injured during a shipboard game or entertainment event due to crew negligence or failure to act, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney.

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Texas Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Being Injured on Modified FlowRider Aboard Harmony of the Seas

Kristina Fann, a resident of Texas, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22492-KMW, alleges that Fann suffered severe injuries while participating in the FlowRider surfing simulator aboard the Harmony of the Seas on August 9, 2024. The complaint claims Royal Caribbean negligently modified the attraction and failed to warn passengers of the increased risks.

FlowRider on Harmony of the Seas Allegedly Shortened, Increasing Injury Risk from High-Velocity Impacts

According to the complaint, the FlowRider on the Harmony of the Seas was altered from the standard design to fit within the confines of the ship’s deck, reducing its overall length. Fann alleges that this modification increases the likelihood of participants being propelled into the rear wall of the simulator at dangerous speeds. Unlike newer models equipped with “Pillow Padding” to absorb falls, Royal Caribbean’s FlowRider reportedly lacked these updated safety features.

Fann contends that the shortened design and outdated equipment rendered the attraction unreasonably dangerous. She asserts that she was properly following crew instructions when she was suddenly carried by the water flow and slammed into the rear wall, suffering serious bodily injuries.

Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers About FlowRider Dangers and Known Injury Incidents

The complaint further alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to warn passengers of the known risks associated with using the FlowRider. Fann claims the cruise line neither informed her of prior serious injuries aboard its vessels nor provided clear signage indicating the danger of participating in the attraction. The manufacturer had previously advised Royal Caribbean to display skull-and-crossbones warnings near the FlowRider, but the cruise line allegedly ignored this recommendation.

Fann also asserts that the waiver she was required to sign before participating is unenforceable under maritime law, and that its continued use is a deliberate attempt to mislead passengers into believing they cannot file suit.

Lawsuit Highlights Prior FlowRider Incidents Aboard Royal Caribbean Vessels, Alleges Pattern of Negligence

In support of her claims, Fann cites multiple lawsuits involving similar FlowRider incidents across the Royal Caribbean fleet. These include Plummer v. Royal Caribbean, Dasis v. Royal Caribbean, Navarro v. Royal Caribbean, and others—all involving passengers being thrown into the back or side walls of the FlowRider and sustaining injuries.

Fann alleges that despite this history, Royal Caribbean has failed to change its design, policies, or safety procedures. She also claims the cruise line actively conceals prior incidents through confidential settlements to avoid public scrutiny.

Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Lasting Injuries, Medical Costs, and Loss of Enjoyment from Royal Caribbean’s Negligence

Fann brings four counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, negligent instruction or assistance, and general negligence. She alleges that her injuries—caused by inadequate supervision, unsafe design, and failure to alert her to risks—are permanent and continuing in nature. She seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, physical and emotional suffering, and the lost value of her cruise.

Injured on the FlowRider or Cruise Ship Activity? Contact a Maritime Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Cruise lines are legally obligated to maintain safe recreational equipment and warn passengers of hidden dangers. Attractions like the FlowRider carry inherent risks, which are magnified when design modifications are made or safety warnings ignored. If you were hurt on a cruise ship FlowRider or other onboard activity, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney.

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