Florida Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Slipping on Wet Substance in Voyager of the Seas Buffet
Marc Samouil, a resident of Florida, 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 legal action, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22029-KMM, alleges that Samouil sustained severe and permanent injuries after slipping and falling on a dangerous liquid substance while dining aboard the Voyager of the Seas on January 26, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured in Windjammer Cafe Due to Invisible Liquid Hazard and Lack of Caution Signs
The complaint states that the incident occurred at approximately 2:00 PM while Samouil was walking through the Windjammer Cafe located on Deck 11 of the vessel. As he was exiting the dining area, he allegedly encountered a transparent wet substance on the flooring that was not apparent to him before the fall. The lawsuit asserts that Royal Caribbean failed to place any wet floor signs or warnings in the immediate vicinity to alert passengers to the slipping hazard. Because the substance was clear, Samouil contends he had no way of knowing the floor was contaminated until he was already injured. The plaintiff alleges that the flooring surface itself may have been unreasonably slippery even without the presence of a foreign substance, creating a continuous hazard for those walking in the buffet area.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Monitor High Traffic Dining Areas for Slipping Hazards
The lawsuit alleges that the cruise line had both actual and constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition. According to the filing, Royal Caribbean crew members were allegedly standing within a close distance of the accident site and were tasked with actively monitoring the area for hazards per company policy. The plaintiff argues that these employees either observed or should have observed the spill but failed to take remedial action or block off the area. Furthermore, the complaint points out that the ship is equipped with video cameras that monitor the Windjammer Cafe. Samouil’s legal team argues that had the cruise line reasonably monitored these camera feeds or adhered to its own internal safety procedures regarding floor maintenance, the accident could have been prevented.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Maintenance and Inadequate Lighting in Voyager of the Seas Buffet Area
In addition to the failure to warn, the complaint highlights several alleged deficiencies in the maintenance and environment of the ship. Samouil claims that Royal Caribbean failed to provide adequate lighting in the subject area, which prevented him from seeing the wet surface on the floor. The legal filing suggests that the cruise line failed to enforce proper procedures regarding liquid consumption and cleanup, particularly in areas where spills are reasonably anticipated. The plaintiff also alleges that the cruise line failed to correct hazardous conditions despite having knowledge of similar prior slip and fall accidents occurring in the same manner or location on the vessel. By failing to modify the flooring or implement stricter inspection intervals, the cruise line allegedly breached its duty to provide a reasonably safe environment.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries and Loss of Cruise Enjoyment Due to Royal Caribbean Negligence
The lawsuit brings three counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. Samouil claims the cruise line breached its non-delegable duty to provide passengers with reasonable care under maritime law. As a result of the fall, the plaintiff alleges he suffered significant bodily injuries, physical and mental anguish, permanent scarring, and a loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. The complaint seeks compensation for medical expenses, including surgery and rehabilitation, as well as lost earnings and impaired earning capacity. Additionally, Samouil is seeking damages for the lost value of the vacation for himself and his family, noting that the injuries are permanent and will continue to impact his life in the future.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured in a Shipboard Dining Area
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to wet floors, hidden hazards, or a lack of warning signs in dining areas or buffets may be eligible for compensation under general maritime law. Companies like Royal Caribbean are required to maintain walkways in a reasonably safe condition and provide adequate warnings for latent dangers that are known to the crew. If you or a loved one experienced a similar accident involving a slip and fall on a cruise ship, it is important to understand your rights and the specific filing requirements for maritime claims. Contact our experienced team of maritime injury attorneys today to discuss your case and explore your legal options for recovery.
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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.
