Kentucky Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean After Fall on Hidden Step in Central Park Area of Allure of the Seas
Richard Horn, a Kentucky resident and cruise passenger, 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-25277-CMA, alleges that Horn suffered serious and permanent injuries after tripping on an unmarked step in a poorly lit area of the Allure of the Seas on November 20, 2024.
Royal Caribbean Passenger Claims Cruise Line Failed to Warn of Dangerous Elevation Change in Central Park on Deck 8
According to the complaint, Horn was lawfully walking through the Central Park area on Deck 8 of the Allure of the Seas when he encountered a sudden, camouflaged change in elevation. The step was allegedly difficult to detect due to the uniform tile design on both levels and the absence of clear markings, railings, or sufficient signage. Despite a small “watch your step” sign, the lawsuit claims the warning was ineffective due to poor lighting and unclear placement. Horn asserts the step was not open or obvious and created a concealed tripping hazard that Royal Caribbean failed to mitigate or properly identify for guests.
Cruise Line Accused of Negligently Designing, Maintaining, and Inspecting Walkway Where Passenger Fell
Horn alleges that the cruise line failed in multiple ways: by not maintaining the walkway in a reasonably safe condition, failing to inspect for hidden tripping hazards, and using flooring and step designs that lacked contrast or visual cues. The complaint highlights that the subject step was part of a series of similar, unmarked steps spaced throughout the Central Park walkway, with no handrail on one side and lighting conditions that made it difficult to discern changes in elevation. These design and maintenance failures allegedly contributed to the fall and resulting injuries.
Complaint Cites Prior Incidents Aboard Allure of the Seas Involving Hidden Steps and Poor Lighting
To support his claim of foreseeability, Horn references at least three other passenger lawsuits against Royal Caribbean involving similar hidden elevation changes aboard its vessels. These include:
- Mosteter v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., involving a fall on the Allure of the Seas in the same Central Park area in March 2023.
- Morrisey v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., where a passenger fell due to an unmarked change in level near the rock climbing wall in January 2023.
- Medina v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., in which a passenger suffered injuries after falling on hidden steps in the Freedom of the Seas theater in May 2022.
Horn alleges that these prior cases demonstrate Royal Caribbean’s actual or constructive knowledge of the dangers posed by unmarked steps in high-traffic areas. He argues the cruise line failed to learn from earlier incidents or implement safer design and maintenance procedures.
Lawsuit Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Costs, and Loss of Enjoyment Due to Fall Aboard Allure of the Seas
Horn brings four counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, negligent design, and general negligence. He alleges the cruise line breached its non-delegable duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for passengers and failed to correct or warn about the hazardous walkway. As a result, Horn claims he suffered bodily injury, emotional distress, permanent disability, lost income, and other damages. The complaint also seeks compensation for medical expenses, physical impairment, and the loss of enjoyment of the cruise itself.
Injured on a Cruise Due to Hidden Steps or Poor Lighting? Know Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Passengers injured aboard cruise ships due to unmarked elevation changes, poorly lit walkways, or inadequate warnings may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines have a legal responsibility to maintain safe walking areas and to correct or clearly warn of tripping hazards in passenger-accessible zones. If you or a loved one experienced a similar injury while aboard a cruise ship, contact our experienced maritime injury lawyers today to discuss your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship trip 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.
