Illinois Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Contracting Legionnaires’ Disease Aboard Symphony of the Seas
Jerome Paul, a resident of Illinois, 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-25676-BB, alleges that Paul contracted Legionnaires’ disease during a seven-day voyage aboard the Symphony of the Seas, which resulted in a life-threatening illness and permanent kidney damage requiring dialysis and a potential transplant.
Cruise Passenger Hospitalized with Severe Sepsis and Kidney Failure After Onboard Exposure to Legionella Bacteria
According to the complaint, Paul began experiencing fever, chills, and shortness of breath on December 14, 2024, the final full day of his cruise. The vessel’s medical staff treated him with IV fluids and antibiotics and advised him to seek emergency care upon disembarkation. The following day, Paul was admitted to the University of Miami Hospital, where he was diagnosed with severe sepsis, multifocal pneumonia, atrial fibrillation, and acute renal failure. A urinalysis confirmed the presence of Legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease.
Paul remained hospitalized from December 15, 2024, through January 4, 2025, and continues to undergo dialysis while awaiting kidney transplant clearance. The lawsuit claims that his illness and medical decline were directly caused—or substantially aggravated—by exposure to Legionella bacteria aboard the ship.
Lawsuit Links Legionella Outbreak on Symphony of the Seas to Poorly Maintained Hot Tubs
The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean was aware of a Legionella outbreak linked to the Symphony of the Seas in the months preceding Paul’s cruise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) allegedly notified Royal Caribbean of multiple confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease from sailings in October and December 2024. An internal investigation traced the likely source of contamination to the vessel’s hot tubs, which were allegedly not properly cleaned or maintained.
Paul recalls spending time near these hot tubs during the voyage, potentially exposing him to airborne water droplets carrying the bacteria. Despite knowledge of the contamination risk, the cruise line did not inform passengers or issue any warnings before or during the cruise, according to the complaint.
Royal Caribbean Failed to Warn Passengers of Known Risk, Lawsuit Alleges
In addition to claims of negligence, Paul alleges Royal Caribbean failed in its duty to warn passengers about the presence of Legionella bacteria on board—a known health risk with potentially fatal consequences. The complaint emphasizes that other passengers had previously contracted Legionnaires’ disease on the Symphony of the Seas and that Royal Caribbean had sufficient time and opportunity to notify Paul before boarding but did not do so until after he had already fallen ill.
Royal Caribbean later sent out a notification to passengers in January 2025 acknowledging that at least two guests on late-2024 sailings had been diagnosed with the illness. In February 2025, the vessel scored an 86 on a CDC sanitation inspection—just above the failing threshold—and was cited for hygiene and maintenance issues. A separate health alert was issued in April 2025 after yet another passenger tested positive for Legionnaires’ disease following a March cruise.
Plaintiff Seeks $6 Million in Damages for Medical Expenses, Disability, and Ongoing Dialysis
The lawsuit includes two counts: general negligence and negligent failure to warn. Paul alleges Royal Caribbean:
- Failed to maintain safe and sanitary water systems on board.
- Allowed Legionella bacteria to proliferate despite prior outbreaks.
- Failed to notify passengers of a known health risk before sailing.
- Provided no opportunity to cancel or modify the cruise based on health risk information.
Paul seeks at least $6 million in compensatory damages, citing pain and suffering, permanent disability, medical expenses, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. He remains under ongoing medical care and alleges a significant and permanent reduction in his quality of life.
Contact a Cruise Illness and Outbreak Attorney If You Contracted Legionnaires’ Disease at Sea
Cruise lines are responsible for maintaining safe and sanitary conditions aboard their vessels—including spas, pools, and water systems. If you or someone you love contracted Legionnaires’ disease aboard a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Our legal team is experienced in handling cruise ship illness claims and can help you understand your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise illness and Legionnaires’ disease 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.
