Georgia Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Slipping on Wet Flooring in Central Park Area of Wonder of the Seas
Kelly Araujo, a Georgia resident, has filed a maritime negligence lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25633-KMM, alleges that Araujo suffered severe injuries—including those requiring surgical intervention—after slipping on a wet and hazardous surface in the Central Park area aboard the Wonder of the Seas on December 14, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured in Central Park Area of Wonder of the Seas Due to Slippery Floor Conditions
According to the complaint, Araujo was a paying passenger aboard the Wonder of the Seas when she slipped and fell while walking through the Central Park area, a well-trafficked public zone of the ship. The fall was allegedly caused by an unreasonably slippery and hazardous flooring surface that either contained a foreign wet substance or was inherently slick—even when dry. Araujo claims there were no warning signs, anti-slip mats, or other protective measures in place to alert her or other passengers to the danger.
Lawsuit Alleges Royal Caribbean Failed to Maintain, Monitor, or Warn of Dangerous Floor Conditions
The complaint outlines that Royal Caribbean had established internal standards for flooring materials aboard its vessels, including guidelines for the coefficient of friction in high-traffic areas such as Central Park. Despite these policies, the cruise line allegedly failed to monitor or inspect the area adequately, allowing the hazardous condition to persist. Araujo asserts that the dangerous condition was not open or obvious, and there was no visible indication of the floor being wet or unsafe at the time of her fall.
The suit further claims that Royal Caribbean either knew or should have known of the dangerous conditions through its crew’s presence near the area, surveillance cameras that routinely monitor Central Park, and internal safety procedures such as the “Own the Spill” policy, which mandates regular inspection and cleaning of walking surfaces.
Prior Slip and Fall Lawsuits Cited to Establish Knowledge of Repeated Hazards in Central Park Area
Araujo’s legal team references multiple prior lawsuits involving similar incidents aboard Royal Caribbean ships in or near the Central Park area. These include:
- Brousard v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.: Passenger slipped in an accumulation of water that blended into the flooring, despite watching carefully where he walked.
- Shipe v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.: Passenger slipped on a wet surface on a walkway bridge in Central Park aboard Oasis of the Seas.
- White v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Sorenson v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.: Both involved passengers falling due to water accumulation in Central Park on different ships.
These cases are offered as evidence that Royal Caribbean was aware of recurring slip hazards in Central Park and failed to take meaningful steps to mitigate the risk.
Complaint Targets Flooring Design, Material Selection, and Lack of Coverings in Outdoor Deck Areas
The lawsuit also raises claims of negligent design, citing the flooring material used in the Central Park area as inherently slippery and unfit for areas subject to water exposure. Araujo alleges that the flooring lacked adequate traction, especially when wet, and Royal Caribbean failed to install overhead coverings or drainage to prevent water accumulation. She contends the cruise line failed to account for weather conditions, high foot traffic, and ease of cleaning when selecting the flooring for the area.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Injuries, Lost Wages, and Cruise Value from Royal Caribbean
As a result of her fall, Araujo alleges she suffered serious physical injuries, mental anguish, disfigurement, disability, and aggravation of prior conditions. She claims she incurred significant medical expenses and continues to suffer loss of enjoyment of life, lost income, and diminished future earning capacity. The complaint also seeks damages for the lost value of her vacation, cruise fare, and related transportation costs. Araujo brings four counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, negligent design, and general negligence.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer if You Were Injured Due to Wet or Unsafe Floors on Board
Cruise lines have a legal duty to maintain safe walking surfaces aboard their ships, especially in areas prone to water accumulation or high passenger traffic. If you or a loved one has been injured due to unsafe conditions aboard a cruise ship—such as a wet or slippery floor in a public area—you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Our experienced legal team can help you evaluate your case and pursue your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney today.
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.
