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Utah Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Suffering Second-Degree Burns on Heated Massage Table Aboard Navigator of the Seas
A Utah resident has filed a federal negligence lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., alleging that he sustained serious second-degree burns during a massage aboard the Navigator of the Seas when a spa crewmember failed to regulate the temperature of a heated massage table. The complaint, filed May 2, 2025, in the Southern District of Florida, seeks damages for permanent scarring, pain, disability, and loss of quality of life. The case is styled Jeremy MacDougall v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Case No. 1:25-cv-22024-BB.
Spa Therapist Allegedly Overheated Massage Table, Causing Severe Burns
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on April 1, 2025, while the Navigator of the Seas was sailing off the coast of California during a four-night cruise to Mexico. Jeremy MacDougall, a 48-year-old federal contracting specialist, was receiving a massage from a spa employee identified as Ms. Shirley Ponce. During the massage, Ponce reportedly set the table’s heating element to a dangerously high level.
Despite MacDougall warning the therapist that the heat felt like it was burning him, the complaint alleges she only unplugged the table after the damage had been done. Although redness was visible at the time, the severity of the burns became apparent the following morning when blisters emerged, and MacDougall experienced intense pain. He was diagnosed in the ship’s medical center with “second-degree-plus” burns.
Ongoing Medical Treatment Complicated by Underlying Health Conditions
The complaint details that MacDougall, a type-2 diabetic, has required continuous wound care due to the high risk of complications. The burns have rendered him unable to sit or wear clothing over the affected areas, significantly impairing his daily life. His injuries have left permanent scarring and are reportedly slow to heal because of his preexisting condition.
MacDougall continues to receive medical treatment and alleges loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment, mental anguish, and diminished earning capacity.
Negligence Claim Alleges Breach of Maritime Duty of Care
The lawsuit asserts a single count of negligence against Royal Caribbean, arguing that the spa crewmember breached her maritime duty of care by failing to safely operate the massage table. The plaintiff alleges Royal Caribbean is vicariously liable under the doctrine of respondeat superior.
Specifically, the complaint states:
- The crewmember was acting within the scope of her employment
- She failed to keep the table at a safe temperature
- This breach directly caused the plaintiff’s severe injuries and ongoing losses
The lawsuit falls under the court’s diversity jurisdiction but is governed by general maritime law.
Industry Implications: Growing Scrutiny of Spa Safety and Staff Training Aboard Cruise Ships
This case reflects increasing legal attention to spa and wellness service standards aboard cruise ships, particularly where crew-controlled equipment like heated tables or steam rooms are involved. As cruise lines expand their onboard wellness offerings, they may face greater liability for failing to adequately train spa personnel or for using poorly regulated equipment.
With this case highlighting both immediate and long-term injury risks, it could lead to calls for new operational standards, clearer warnings, and more rigorous supervision of spa staff and equipment maintenance.
Injured by spa equipment or crew negligence aboard a cruise ship? Contact a Cruise Ship Lawyer Today.