Louisiana Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean After Slip and Fall in Galley on Mariner of the Seas
Robert Cheek, a resident of Louisiana, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22459, alleges that Cheek suffered serious injuries after slipping and falling on a wet galley floor aboard the Mariner of the Seas on June 10, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Disembarkation Day After Entering Wet Galley to Tip Waiter
According to the lawsuit, Cheek was a fare-paying passenger aboard the Mariner of the Seas and had completed his cruise vacation when the incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on disembarkation day. Intending to thank and tip his assigned waiter, Cheek walked into the ship’s galley from the dining room. The complaint alleges that there were no warning signs or barriers posted at the galley entrance, and no instructions given to passengers not to enter the area.
Upon entering the galley, Cheek encountered a large area of floor that was being actively wet-mopped by crew members. The floor, allegedly covered in contaminants typical of kitchen areas—such as grease and food residue—was described as extremely slippery. While walking to locate his waiter, Cheek slipped and fell, sustaining significant physical injuries.
Complaint Alleges Cruise Line Failed to Warn and Maintain Safe Galley Conditions for Disembarking Passengers
Cheek alleges that Royal Caribbean breached its duty of care by failing to properly inspect and maintain the galley floor, allowing an unreasonably slippery condition to exist without warning. The lawsuit claims that the cruise line either created the hazardous condition by ordering the cleaning, failed to adequately supervise or train the crew, or had sufficient time to discover the dangerous situation and failed to act. The presence of a crew member actively mopping the floor near the incident area underscores Royal Caribbean’s knowledge of the condition, according to the complaint.
The legal filing further states that the galley floor’s material was unreasonably slippery when wet, and the cruise line failed to provide signage, block access to the area, or take basic precautions to prevent foreseeable injuries to passengers. Cheek asserts he was acting with due care and had no way of perceiving the danger in time to avoid falling.
Slip and Fall on Cruise Ship Galley Floor Leads to Allegations of Negligence and Failure to Warn
The complaint includes two counts: general negligence and negligent failure to warn. Cheek argues that Royal Caribbean had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition and failed to provide any notice or restriction on access to the hazardous area. The incident occurred on a high-traffic day for passengers departing the ship, further reinforcing the cruise line’s obligation to maintain safe and clearly marked areas.
As a result of the fall, Cheek suffered injuries to his body and extremities, along with emotional distress, pain, and suffering. He also alleges ongoing medical costs, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. The lawsuit claims these injuries are permanent and continuing in nature, impacting his future quality of life and functional capacity.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer Today if You Were Injured on Wet or Unsafe Surfaces Aboard a Vessel
Passengers injured due to unsafe conditions aboard cruise ships—including wet galley floors, unmarked hazards, or poor crew supervision—may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines are responsible for ensuring that vessel areas are properly maintained, especially during high-risk periods such as embarkation and disembarkation. If you or someone you love has been injured in a similar incident aboard a cruise, contact us today to speak with a maritime injury lawyer about your rights and options.
