Canadian Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall During Scavenger Hunt on Icon of the Seas
Rahul Bagga, a citizen and resident of Canada, 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 civil action, docketed as Case No. 1:26-cv-20364-RKA, claims that Bagga sustained severe injuries while participating in a passenger game aboard the Icon of the Seas on January 22, 2025. The complaint alleges that the cruise line failed to maintain safe conditions in the vessel’s ice rink venue, resulting in a dangerous environment for guests participating in onboard activities.
Passenger Injured During Crazy Quest Game on Icon of the Seas Due to Wet Flooring Over Ice Rink
According to the lawsuit, the incident took place in the Absolute Zero Ice Rink located on Deck 3 of the Icon of the Seas. At the time of the accident, the venue was hosting the “Crazy Quest Adult Scavenger Hunt,” a cruise-sponsored event where passengers race to bring specific items to the stage to earn points. The complaint asserts that Bagga was participating in the game as instructed by the Royal Caribbean master of ceremonies when he slipped on a wet, foreign, or transitory substance on the walking surface. The filing details that the floorboards in the rink had been placed over the ice surface for the event, creating a condition that the plaintiff describes as unreasonably dangerous. After the initial fall, Bagga allegedly limped back to his designated area, only to slip on a second wet patch and fall again. The plaintiff contends that the hazardous substance was not visible to casual inspection and that he had no reason to anticipate such a danger while the rink was being utilized as a game venue rather than for ice skating.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Warn Regarding Hazardous Rink Conditions
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had actual or constructive knowledge of the risk-creating conditions within the Absolute Zero Ice Rink. Bagga’s legal counsel argues that the cruise line was aware that placing floorboards over an ice surface creates a tendency for the walking area to become slippery due to condensation or moisture. The complaint further asserts that the venue is a high-traffic entertainment area and that crew members were present and attempting to dry wet areas during the scavenger hunt but neglected the specific spots where the plaintiff fell. To support the claim that Royal Caribbean was on notice of these dangers, the filing cites multiple prior lawsuits involving similar slip and fall incidents in “Studio B” venues on other vessels, which also utilize flooring over ice rinks. Specific cases referenced include Billie v. RCCL and Velez v. RCCL involving laser tag on the Freedom of the Seas, as well as Zieman v. RCCL and Ebrahimzadeh v. RCCL concerning incidents on the Navigator of the Seas. The plaintiff claims that despite this history of similar accidents, the defendant failed to warn passengers of the hazard, cordon off the wet areas, or deploy sufficient staff to ensure the floor remained dry and safe.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Design of Flooring Over Ice Rinks Causes Condensation and Slippery Surfaces
Beyond maintenance failures, the complaint includes a count for negligent design, asserting that Royal Caribbean participated in and approved the design of the Icon of the Seas and its interior components. The lawsuit claims that the cruise line’s decision to install floorboards over an ice-skating rink for use during dry-land events like the scavenger hunt created an inherent defect. The plaintiff alleges that the materials and construction selected allowed moisture and condensation to seep through the flooring, rendering the surface unreasonably slippery for passengers. Bagga argues that Royal Caribbean had ultimate control over the ship’s specifications and the right to reject unsafe designs but chose to accept the flooring system despite the known risks of moisture accumulation. The filing contends that the cruise line has continued to install similar flooring systems across its fleet without implementing reasonable safeguards to prevent passenger injuries.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Torn ACL and Meniscus Injuries Resulting from Cruise Line Negligence
As a direct result of the falls, Bagga allegedly sustained significant bodily injuries, specifically a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a torn meniscus. The lawsuit states that these injuries have caused physical pain, mental anguish, disfigurement, and disability, preventing the plaintiff from leading a normal life. The plaintiff is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 for past and future medical expenses, hospital care, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. The complaint asserts that these damages are permanent and continuing in nature. Bagga demands a trial by jury for all issues triable as of right, holding Royal Caribbean liable for negligence in maintenance, failure to warn, and design.
Contact a Cruise Ship Activity Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt During an Onboard Event
Cruise lines have a responsibility to ensure that all venues, including those converted for multi-purpose activities, are safe for passenger use. If you or a loved one suffered an injury during a scheduled activity or due to hazardous flooring conditions on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Our experienced attorneys are ready to review your case and help you navigate the complex legal requirements of filing a claim against major cruise operators.
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.
