Chinese Resident Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall on Wet Deck Near Water Slides Aboard Icon of the Seas
Zhongpu Zhao, a resident and citizen of the People’s Republic of China, 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 lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20840-KMW, alleges that Zhao suffered serious and permanent injuries after slipping and falling on a dangerous walking surface while traveling as a passenger aboard the Icon of the Seas. The incident occurred on February 12, 2025, while the vessel was in navigable waters during a voyage that originated from and returned to Miami, Florida.
Cruise Passenger Injured Near Icon of the Seas Water Slides Due to Slippery Deck and Inadequate Drainage
According to the complaint, Zhao was a fare-paying passenger walking on Deck 16 near the water slide area when he encountered an unreasonably slick and unsafe walking surface. The plaintiff alleges that the area was wet, slippery, or covered by a transitory substance that was not visible through ordinary observation. Because the hazardous nature of the floor could not be discerned through reasonable care, Zhao slipped and fell, resulting in significant physical and emotional damages. The lawsuit contends that Royal Caribbean was in exclusive control of the vessel and had a duty to maintain the flooring in a reasonably safe condition for passengers, particularly in high-traffic areas where water accumulation is predictable.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligent Maintenance and Failing to Address Recurring Wet Floor Hazards
The legal filing asserts that Royal Caribbean had actual or constructive notice of the dangerous condition because slippery walking surfaces near water attractions are a recurring issue across its fleet. The plaintiff argues that the cruise line was aware that these areas frequently become hazardous due to passenger traffic, water runoff, and inadequate drainage systems. Despite this knowledge, the cruise line allegedly failed to implement proper spill-prevention measures, failed to assign sufficient crew members to monitor the area, and failed to utilize adequate non-slip surfacing or friction-enhancing mats in the known high-risk zone. The complaint further alleges that the company’s internal safety-management protocols and incident-tracking systems should have alerted them to the need for more frequent inspections and maintenance in this specific location.
Lawsuit Cites Multiple Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on Royal Caribbean Vessels as Evidence of Notice
To support the claim of constructive notice, Zhao’s legal team references several prior lawsuits involving similar slip and fall incidents on wet decks across various Royal Caribbean ships. The complaint identifies cases such as Jansen v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., involving a fall near Splashaway Bay on the Symphony of the Seas, and Robinson v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., involving a slip on the pool deck of the Grandeur of the Seas. Other cited cases include Lepere v. Royal Caribbean, Trojak v. Royal Caribbean, Lubliner v. Royal Caribbean, and Singh v. Royal Caribbean. These previous incidents, occurring on vessels like the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, are presented to demonstrate that the cruise line was well aware of the risks associated with wet flooring near water attractions but failed to take effective remedial action to protect passengers.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Physical Injuries and Loss of Earning Capacity
Zhao brings two counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: negligent maintenance and negligent failure to warn of a hazard. The lawsuit alleges that the cruise line breached its duty of care by failing to provide adequate signage, verbal warnings, or temporary barriers to notify passengers of the slippery conditions. As a direct result of the fall, Zhao claims to have suffered physical injuries to his body and extremities, mental anguish, disfigurement, and disability. The plaintiff seeks damages for past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and the permanent inability to lead a normal life. The complaint demands a jury trial and judgment for compensatory damages and legal costs.
Contact a Cruise Ship Deck Slip and Fall Lawyer if You Were Injured Near a Pool or Water Slide
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to slippery pool decks, wet surfaces near water slides, or a lack of proper warning signs may be entitled to seek compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators have a legal responsibility to maintain all passenger areas in a safe condition and to warn of hazards that are not open and obvious. If you or a loved one experienced a serious injury while on a cruise, contacting an experienced maritime injury attorney can help you understand your rights regarding medical bills and other damages.
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.
