California Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Slipping on Wet Floor Near Windjammer on Navigator of the Seas
Beatrice Reta, a resident of California, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22814-DSL, alleges that Reta suffered severe injuries after slipping on an unreasonably slippery and wet flooring surface near the Windjammer and restroom area on Deck 11 of the Navigator of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean Passenger Injured by Hazardous Floor Surface Near Buffet and Restroom Area
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on July 17, 2024, as Reta was walking near the Windjammer buffet and adjacent restrooms. She slipped and fell due to a wet and dangerously slick floor surface that allegedly lacked appropriate anti-slip treatments or warning signs. The floor’s condition was described as hazardous but not open or obvious, and Reta asserts she had no way to anticipate or avoid the risk.
Lawsuit Alleges Royal Caribbean Knew or Should Have Known of Repeated Floor Hazards in High-Traffic Deck Area
Reta contends that Royal Caribbean knew or should have known about the dangerous condition through onboard surveillance, staff proximity, and ongoing policies like the “Own the Spill” initiative, which requires crew to monitor and address slip hazards in real time. The complaint also alleges the cruise line failed to adequately supervise the area, even though crew members were stationed nearby. Reta points to Royal Caribbean’s own internal procedures and video monitoring as evidence that the company should have recognized and mitigated the slipping hazard before her fall.
Multiple Similar Lawsuits Cited Involving Wet and Slippery Flooring on Royal Caribbean Ships
To support the claim of prior knowledge, the complaint cites a series of similar lawsuits involving passengers injured on the same or similar flooring surfaces aboard Royal Caribbean vessels. These include Burns v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (Deck 11, Navigator of the Seas), as well as cases such as Dingess, Lamar, Keller, Lu, and Roebuck, all of which involved injuries on wet, slippery floors in buffet or common areas aboard sister ships. These references are presented to demonstrate that the cruise line was aware of ongoing safety issues related to its flooring design and maintenance practices.
Complaint Highlights Alleged Design Flaws and Inadequate Safety Standards for Passenger Areas
The lawsuit accuses Royal Caribbean of using flooring materials with a low coefficient of friction that become dangerously slick when wet—particularly in high-traffic areas such as near pools, restrooms, and buffets. It also claims the cruise line failed to provide anti-slip mats, signage, or drainage in an area where liquid spills and foot traffic are routine. Reta argues that Royal Caribbean ignored industry and internal safety standards when selecting materials and failed to properly maintain or replace deteriorated flooring.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Serious and Lasting Injuries, Emotional Distress, and Vacation Disruption
Reta seeks damages for physical injury, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, medical costs, and other related expenses. Her injuries are alleged to be permanent and ongoing. The complaint includes four counts against Royal Caribbean: general negligence, negligent design, negligent failure to maintain, and negligent failure to warn. Reta also seeks damages for the lost value of her cruise and associated travel, claiming her vacation experience was irreparably affected by the incident.
Injured on Wet Cruise Ship Flooring? Know Your Legal Rights Under Maritime Law
Slip and fall incidents caused by wet and hazardous flooring remain one of the most frequent sources of passenger injury aboard cruise ships. Maritime law imposes a duty of reasonable care on cruise operators to maintain safe walking surfaces, especially in buffet areas and other zones prone to spills. If you were hurt on a cruise due to unsafe flooring, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall injury attorney.
