Florida Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Ice Skating Fall on Oasis of the Seas
Kyle Graham, a Florida resident, 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-23876-BB, alleges that Graham suffered serious and permanent injuries while ice skating aboard the Oasis of the Seas on January 2, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured While Ice Skating on Oasis of the Seas Due to Unsafe Ice and Defective Skates
According to the complaint, Graham was participating in a recreational ice skating activity in Studio B on Deck 4 of the Oasis of the Seas when he lost his balance and fell due to allegedly unsafe conditions. The lawsuit claims that the ice was uneven, poorly maintained, and had not been smoothed in a reasonable time prior to the accident. Additionally, the skates provided by Royal Caribbean were allegedly defective: one blade was dull, and the other was loose—making them hazardous and unfit for safe use. Graham, described as unfamiliar with ice skating, asserts he had no way to detect the dangerous condition of either the ice or the equipment provided.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Maintain Ice Rink and Equipment Aboard Oasis of the Seas
The lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean failed to properly monitor and maintain the ice skating rink, despite its own internal safety protocols requiring periodic inspections and upkeep. Plaintiff’s legal team points to surveillance cameras and staff proximity as evidence that crew members had the opportunity to identify and correct the rink’s unsafe condition prior to the fall. The complaint also alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to inspect or service the ice skates adequately before distributing them to passengers.
Graham argues that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive notice of the hazardous conditions. The complaint references several prior lawsuits involving similar ice skating incidents on Royal Caribbean ships, including:
- Skindariene v. RCCL, where a passenger fell on uneven ice while wearing defective skates aboard Freedom of the Seas.
- Cortis v. RCCL, where a guest was injured on Adventure of the Seas after catching her foot in a deep ice groove.
- Maddox v. RCCL, where a passenger tripped over gouged ice on Mariner of the Seas.
- Lebron v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., involving similar allegations aboard Adventure of the Seas.
These cases, the complaint asserts, put the cruise line on notice that rink maintenance and skate safety were fleet-wide issues that had not been properly addressed.
Complaint Alleges Failure to Warn About Ice Rink Hazards and Prior Accidents
Graham brings multiple negligence claims, including failure to warn of dangerous conditions. The lawsuit asserts that Royal Caribbean did not alert passengers to the risks of using defective skates or skating on unmaintained ice. It also alleges that no verbal or posted warnings were provided about the known history of similar incidents across Royal Caribbean’s fleet. As a result, Graham claims he unknowingly entered a hazardous activity without being given the opportunity to avoid the risk.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Pain and Suffering, and Lost Cruise Value After Ice Skating Injury
Graham’s lawsuit seeks damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and medical expenses resulting from the fall. His injuries are alleged to be permanent and continuing in nature. He also claims damages for the lost value of his cruise and related travel costs, stating that his vacation experience was significantly disrupted.
The complaint includes four negligence counts: negligent failure to warn, negligent maintenance, general negligence, and vicarious liability for crew member conduct. Graham claims Royal Caribbean breached its duty of care by failing to ensure the safety of onboard recreational activities and the equipment provided to guests.
Injured While Ice Skating on a Cruise? Know Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Passengers injured in cruise ship recreational activities such as ice skating may have legal recourse under maritime law. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean have a duty to provide reasonably safe conditions for all onboard amenities, including specialty attractions like skating rinks. If you or a loved one has been injured in a similar incident due to unsafe conditions, defective equipment, or lack of warnings, it is important to understand your rights.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced Florida cruise ship 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.
