California Resident Sues Royal Caribbean After Being Struck by Passenger During 80s Dance Party on Navigator of the Seas
Amy Sidawi, a resident of California, has initiated a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20879-WPD, stems from an incident on March 23, 2025, where Sidawi claims she suffered severe and permanent injuries while traveling as a passenger aboard the Navigator of the Seas.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Navigator of the Seas Royal Promenade During Crowded Themed Dance Event
The complaint states that the incident occurred during the evening while Sidawi was walking through the Royal Promenade on Deck 5 of the vessel. At the time, Royal Caribbean was hosting a sanctioned 80s themed dance party in the area. According to the filing, a passenger participating in the event suddenly and unexpectedly slammed into Sidawi, causing her to trip and fall over the individual’s foot or shoe. Sidawi alleges that the event was held in an unenclosed, open space that was not properly communicated to her as a potential hazard. The lawsuit contends that the cruise line failed to provide a secluded or enclosed area for the high-energy dance party, which resulted in a dangerous overlap between event participants and passengers simply attempting to navigate the ship’s common areas.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Ignoring Prior Injuries and Failing to Implement Crowd Control Measures
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had constructive and actual knowledge of the risks associated with hosting crowded parties in general walking areas. To support this claim, the plaintiff’s legal team cites several prior incidents involving injuries during cruise-sponsored events across the Royal Caribbean fleet. These include a 2023 injury on the Oasis of the Seas, a 2023 fall on the Navigator of the Seas, and incidents dating back to 2017 on the Independence of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas. Sidawi argues that these prior accidents should have prompted the cruise line to adopt corrective measures, such as closing off event areas, utilizing caution signs, or moving shows to dedicated lounges rather than busy thoroughfares like the Royal Promenade. The complaint further alleges that the cruise line orchestrates confidential settlements to shield the public from learning about the frequency of these similar incidents.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Failure to Warn and Maintain Safe Passenger Walkways on Navigator of the Seas
In addition to general negligence, Sidawi brings counts for negligent failure to warn and negligent failure to maintain. The plaintiff asserts that Royal Caribbean breached its duty of care by failing to adequately warn passengers of the dangers posed by the crowded dance event and the risk of being struck by participants. The legal filing suggests that the cruise line failed to promulgate or enforce policies aimed at monitoring crowd density and ensuring that non-participating passengers were protected from the activity. The complaint argues that the area was not maintained in a reasonably safe condition for its anticipated use, particularly given the known likelihood of passengers crashing into one another during a dance performance held in a main walkway.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Disability and Medical Expenses Following Royal Promenade Accident
As a result of the collision and subsequent fall, Sidawi claims she sustained permanent and continuing injuries to her body and extremities. The lawsuit seeks damages for physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and physical handicap. Furthermore, the plaintiff alleges she has incurred significant medical expenses and has suffered a loss of wages and impaired working ability. Beyond the physical and financial toll, Sidawi is seeking recovery for the lost value of her vacation, cruise costs, and transportation expenses. The complaint concludes by demanding a trial by jury to determine the full extent of the damages owed by Royal Caribbean due to their alleged failure to provide a safe environment for their guests.
Contact a Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer Today if You Were Injured During a Shipboard Event or Performance
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries during shipboard parties, themed events, or in crowded common areas may be eligible for compensation under maritime law. Cruise companies like Royal Caribbean are required to manage onboard crowds and events in a manner that does not jeopardize the safety of passengers. If you or a loved one were injured due to poor crowd control or a lack of safety warnings during a cruise vacation, it is important to understand your legal rights. Our team of experienced maritime injury attorneys is available to review your case and help you pursue the justice you deserve.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.
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.
