Florida Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall on Wet Pool Deck Aboard Enchantment of the Seas
Mary Zivic, a resident of 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. 1:26-cv-23355-CMA, alleges that Zivic suffered serious and permanent injuries after slipping on a wet and slick deck walkway while walking to breakfast aboard the MV Enchantment of the Seas on December 7, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Enchantment of the Seas Due to Slippery Pool Deck Area Lacking Noticeable Warnings
According to the complaint, the incident occurred at approximately 10:00 a.m. while the vessel was underway in navigable waters enroute to a port of call in Mexico. Zivic was a paying passenger onboard the ship and was walking to a breakfast setup located in the bow forward of the pool area. Access to this part of the ship required passengers to take an elevator up to Deck 9, then walk on the portside pathway situated between the pool and a bar area. While navigating this heavily-trafficked route alongside fellow cruisers, Zivic slipped and fell on a wet deck surface that was not readily apparent to her as being dangerous.
The complaint notes that a crew member was actively drying the starboard side deck of the pool area using a flat mop, which indicates that ship staff were fully aware that the deck area surrounding the pool was slick with moisture. Although a small triangular warning sign had been placed on the port side of the deck to the side of the pathway, Zivic asserts that it was positioned on the fringe of the walkway where it was completely obscured from the view of passengers walking along the center of the pathway. Because the caution sign was poorly placed and not noticeable to anyone walking in the middle of the path where she fell, the cruise line failed to provide a reasonably safe walking environment.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Having Actual Knowledge of Unsafe Walking Conditions on Ship Deck
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean possessed both actual and constructive knowledge of the hazardous, slippery deck conditions. Plaintiff’s legal team argues that the presence of a crew member mopping nearby, combined with the deliberate placement of the small warning sign on the edge of the walkway, proves the cruise line had explicit notice that the passenger thoroughfare was slick and unsafe. Despite this awareness, the crew attempted a warning measure that was entirely insufficient and improperly executed.
Immediately following the slip and fall, Zivic was assisted by her cruise mates and reported the incident to a crew member, who documented her name and stateroom number. Her companions retrieved ice from the nearby bar to help treat her injuries before assisting her to breakfast with the rest of her group. The next day, Zivic attempted to visit the ship infirmary for medical attention, but the facility was closed. She was forced to borrow a cane to assist her with mobility for the remainder of the voyage. Upon returning home, she visited her family physician on December 16, 2025, for a scheduled annual check-up. The doctor expressed immediate concern over her pronounced limp and promptly referred her to an orthopedic expert for a formal examination.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Vessel Maintenance and Failure to Post Conspicuous Warning Signs or Barriers
In addition to failing to properly warn passengers, the lawsuit claims Royal Caribbean breached its duties by negligently servicing and maintaining the public decks of the Enchantment of the Seas. The complaint argues that the cruise line allowed water to accumulate on the port side pool area and failed to timely remove the moisture from a pathway it knew would experience heavy passenger foot traffic. Furthermore, the legal filing emphasizes that the cruise line failed to comply with applicable industry standards, statutes, and maritime regulations regarding the safe maintenance of vessel decks. Zivic contends that Royal Caribbean could have easily prevented the injuries by roping off the wet, slick deck area entirely, creating a physical barrier, or utilizing high-visibility, appropriately sized warning signs positioned directly in the line of sight of oncoming passengers.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries and Medical Expenses Due to Cruise Line Negligence
Zivic brings a single, comprehensive count of negligence against Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. The lawsuit states that the cruise line owes a non-delegable duty to exercise reasonable care for the absolute safety of its passengers, and that even the slightest act of negligence renders a maritime carrier liable for resulting harm. As a direct and proximate result of the slip and fall, Zivic suffered severe and permanent injuries to her left side ankle, left calf, and left knee. The lawsuit claims these injuries have caused continuing physical pain and suffering, disability, physical impairment, mental anguish, scarring, and inconvenience. Consequently, the plaintiff is seeking both economic and non-economic damages, including compensation for past and future medical treatments, household expenses, and a loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life, alongside pre-judgment and post-judgment interest.
Contact a Cruise Ship Pool Deck Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt in a Slip and Fall Accident
Cruise passengers injured while traversing public areas, pool decks, or dining walkways due to hidden moisture, slick surfaces, or poorly placed warning signs may be entitled to substantial financial compensation under federal maritime law. Major cruise lines have a strict legal obligation to maintain all passenger walkways in a reasonably safe condition and to provide clear, conspicuous warnings regarding any temporary hazards that are not open and obvious. If you or someone you care about was injured in a similar pool deck slip and fall accident, contact our team of experienced maritime injury lawyers today. We are here to help you understand your legal rights and explore your options for recovery.
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.
