California Resident Sues Royal Caribbean After Severe Slip and Fall Near Windjammer Café on Navigator of the Seas
Samia Boctor, a resident of California, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22013-JB, alleges that Boctor suffered serious and permanent physical injuries after slipping on a hazardous flooring surface while traveling as a passenger aboard the Navigator of the Seas on May 11, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Navigator of the Seas Due to Unreasonably Slippery Floor Near Windjammer Dining Area
According to the legal filing, the incident occurred while Boctor was walking near the Windjammer area located on Deck 11 of the vessel. The lawsuit alleges that Boctor encountered a wet and unreasonably slippery flooring surface that constituted a hazardous condition. The complaint emphasizes that the danger was not open or obvious to the passenger and that there was no way for her to have known the floor was slick before she fell. Boctor asserts that Royal Caribbean was responsible for the selection of the interior flooring materials and had established internal standards regarding the coefficient of friction for surfaces like polished granite and marble in high-traffic areas. Despite knowing that these areas are prone to liquid spills and accumulation, the cruise line allegedly failed to ensure the walking surface remained in a safe condition for passengers.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Slippery Hazards Despite Knowledge of Prior Incidents
The lawsuit contends that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive notice of the dangerous condition. The plaintiff alleges that crew members were in the immediate vicinity of the fall, specifically near the dish station and hand-cleansing areas, and were actively monitoring the area for hazards. Furthermore, the complaint suggests that employees may have been in the process of cleaning the spill but failed to adequately secure the area or warn passengers of the risk. To support the claim of notice, the plaintiff’s legal team cites several prior slip and fall cases involving Royal Caribbean vessels where passengers were injured under substantially similar circumstances in Windjammer cafés. These cases include Lue v. Royal Caribbean Group, Dingess v. Royal Caribbean Group, and Keller v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., which the plaintiff argues made the hazard on the Navigator of the Seas reasonably foreseeable to the defendant.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Maintenance and Design of Flooring Surfaces on Royal Caribbean Vessel
In addition to a failure to warn, Boctor alleges that Royal Caribbean was negligent in the maintenance and design of the ship’s public areas. The complaint argues that the cruise line failed to regularly inspect the flooring for unsafe conditions or provide adequate slip-resistant materials and non-skid strips in areas known for high foot traffic and moisture. The plaintiff also targets the design of the vessel, alleging that the defendant approved flooring materials that were inherently slippery and failed to install sufficient handrails or support structures that could have prevented the fall. The lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean’s “Own the Spill” policy and other internal safety procedures were not followed, leading to a breakdown in passenger safety protocols on Deck 11.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Disability and Loss of Life Enjoyment Following Cruise Ship Accident
Boctor’s lawsuit includes four counts of negligence: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, negligent design, and general negligence. As a result of the fall, the plaintiff claims to have suffered injuries to her body and extremities, resulting in physical pain, mental anguish, and a permanent loss of enjoyment of life. The complaint also seeks compensation for medical expenses, physical handicap, and the loss of future earning capacity. Furthermore, Boctor seeks to recover the lost value of her vacation, including cruise and transportation costs. The lawsuit maintains that the injuries are continuing in nature and will require ongoing care and support into the future.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer if You Were Injured on a Vessel Due to Negligent Maintenance
Cruise lines have a non-delegable duty to provide passengers with reasonable care and to maintain all walkways and decks in a safe condition. When a cruise company fails to monitor high-traffic dining areas or uses flooring materials that become dangerously slick when wet, they may be held liable for the resulting injuries. If you or a loved one suffered a slip and fall injury while on a cruise due to a wet floor, lack of warning signs, or poor ship design, it is important to understand your rights under maritime law. Our team of experienced maritime attorneys is dedicated to helping injured passengers seek the compensation they deserve.
Contact us now to speak with a Maritime 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.
