Florida Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Slipping on Wet Deck Near Whirlpool on Serenade of the Seas
Charles Brandenburg, 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-24309-JEM, alleges that Brandenburg suffered serious injuries after slipping on a wet and slippery surface near the whirlpool on Deck 11 of the Serenade of the Seas on September 25, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Serenade of the Seas After Slipping Near Whirlpool on Wet and Slippery Deck Surface
According to the complaint, Brandenburg had just exited the whirlpool on the lido deck and was walking toward his lounge chair when he suddenly slipped on a slick surface believed to be wet from water and oils. The lawsuit claims there were no warning signs, mats, or safety barriers in place to protect passengers from the hazardous condition. The plaintiff alleges that the flooring was saturated with water, sunscreen, soap, and other oily substances that made the surface dangerously slick. Without any handrails or mats for support, Brandenburg fell on his left side and sustained severe bodily injuries.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligent Maintenance and Failure to Warn About Dangerous Deck Conditions
The lawsuit asserts that Royal Caribbean knew or should have known that the area surrounding the whirlpool was particularly susceptible to becoming slippery due to its proximity to showers and high passenger traffic. Despite this, the cruise line allegedly failed to place anti-slip mats, warning signage, or take steps to keep the area dry and safe. Brandenburg contends that crew members assigned to Deck 11 routinely failed to inspect or maintain the area, and that Royal Caribbean had a duty to inspect the flooring and mitigate slip risks due to accumulated moisture and oily residues.
Multiple Prior Passenger Reviews and Lawsuits Cited as Evidence of Ongoing Risk on Royal Caribbean Pool Decks
The complaint references online reviews and prior slip and fall lawsuits involving similar incidents aboard Royal Caribbean ships. Passengers have previously reported dangerously slick deck surfaces near pools and whirlpools, particularly aboard the Serenade of the Seas and other Radiance-class ships. The lawsuit also cites previous incidents aboard the Symphony of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas, all of which involved guests slipping while near jacuzzis or showers. These cases, according to the plaintiff, demonstrate that Royal Caribbean had constructive or actual notice of the dangers posed by wet deck surfaces but failed to implement effective safety protocols across its fleet.
Complaint Alleges Dangerous Condition Was Not Open and Obvious and Could Have Been Prevented with Routine Inspections
Brandenburg claims that the hazardous condition was not readily visible or obvious and that a reasonable inspection by crew members would have uncovered the risk in time to warn or protect passengers. The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean routinely performs coefficient of friction testing and is aware of the specific areas aboard its vessels that pose heightened slip hazards. The deck area in question allegedly lacked required safety features such as drainage systems, non-slip materials, or adequate cleaning protocols. The plaintiff further asserts that Royal Caribbean failed to act despite knowing that sunscreen oils and water commonly accumulate near whirlpools, creating unsafe walking surfaces.
Florida Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Costs, and Loss of Cruise Value Due to Royal Caribbean’s Negligence
The lawsuit brings four counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent maintenance, negligent failure to inspect, negligent failure to warn, and vicarious liability for the conduct of crew members. Brandenburg is seeking damages for physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, and loss of enjoyment of life. He also claims aggravation of preexisting conditions and future financial loss due to the permanent nature of his injuries. The suit emphasizes Royal Caribbean’s failure to implement common-sense safety measures such as placing blue anti-skid mats and regularly checking for standing water near high-traffic aquatic areas.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Attorney if You Were Injured on a Wet Pool Deck
Cruise passengers injured after slipping on wet and oily pool deck surfaces aboard vessels like the Serenade of the Seas may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise lines have a legal duty to maintain public areas like whirlpool decks in a reasonably safe condition and to warn passengers of known dangers. If you or a loved one suffered a similar injury due to slippery flooring or inadequate safety measures on a cruise, our maritime attorneys are here to help you pursue justice.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer.
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.
