Florida Man Sues Royal Caribbean After FlowRider Surf Simulator Injury Aboard Allure of the Seas
Andrew Noda, a resident of Miami-Dade County, Florida, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24127, alleges that Noda sustained serious and permanent injuries after falling during a FlowRider surf simulator experience aboard the Allure of the Seas on September 15, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Suffers Elbow Dislocation on Allure of the Seas FlowRider Due to Alleged Crew Negligence
According to the complaint, Noda was using the FlowRider attraction under the supervision of a Royal Caribbean crew member when he suffered a severe elbow dislocation. The FlowRider, which simulates a surfing experience by shooting high-velocity water over a sloped surface, was allegedly being operated without adequate staff oversight, warnings, or updated safety features. The suit states that only one crew member was present at the time, who failed to provide proper instruction or correct Noda’s movements, leading to his fall.
The complaint further alleges that the FlowRider on the Allure of the Seas had been modified to fit within the space constraints of the ship, resulting in a shorter length and the absence of modern impact-reducing cushioning known as “pillow padding.” These modifications allegedly created an unreasonably dangerous condition for passengers, particularly when paired with insufficient instruction and crew assistance.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Operating Outdated and Modified FlowRider Without Adequate Safety Warnings
Noda’s legal team claims that Royal Caribbean failed to update its FlowRider with modern safety standards, despite recommendations from the original manufacturer to incorporate enhanced warning signage, including a skull-and-crossbones image, due to the risk of serious injury or death. The lawsuit asserts that Royal Caribbean disregarded these recommendations and continues to market the FlowRider without adequately warning passengers of the inherent dangers associated with the attraction.
The suit also notes that the cruise line requires passengers to sign personal injury waivers before participating, even though such waivers have been ruled unenforceable under maritime law. The complaint references the 2011 Johnson v. Royal Caribbean decision, in which the Eleventh Circuit held that such waivers are void under 46 U.S.C. § 30509. According to Noda, the use of unenforceable waivers serves to discourage passengers from seeking legal recourse.
Complaint Alleges Longstanding Knowledge of FlowRider Injuries and Failure to Act on Prior Incidents
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean had actual and constructive knowledge of the dangers associated with the FlowRider through prior lawsuits and documented incidents of passenger injuries. Cited cases include Johnson v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Morris, Magazine, Lalonde, Thibault, Sufrochek, Cruz, Alkabetz, Schuenemann, Zisko, and Dasis, all of which involved passengers who sustained serious injuries while using FlowRider attractions on various Royal Caribbean vessels.
Noda contends that despite this history of litigation and known safety risks, Royal Caribbean failed to redesign the attraction, implement additional protective measures, or provide warnings sufficient to alert passengers to the likelihood of injury.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injury, Pain, and Loss of Enjoyment of Cruise Vacation
Noda brings five counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean, including negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, negligent instruction and assistance, negligent hiring and supervision, and general negligence. The complaint claims that as a result of Royal Caribbean’s failure to exercise reasonable care, Noda sustained a dislocated elbow, requiring medical treatment and causing lasting physical and emotional harm.
He seeks damages for pain and suffering, disfigurement, disability, medical expenses, lost wages, and future earning capacity. The suit also claims that Noda lost the value of his cruise and vacation due to the severity of his injuries.
Contact a Cruise Ship Surf Simulator Injury Lawyer if You Were Hurt on the FlowRider or Similar Attraction
Passengers injured while using FlowRider surf simulators or other onboard attractions may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean are obligated to ensure that recreational features are safely designed, properly staffed, and that passengers are adequately warned of foreseeable risks. If you or a loved one were injured on a cruise ship FlowRider or similar ride, contact an experienced maritime injury lawyer today to learn more about your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship FlowRider injury 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.
