Michigan Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Slipping on Melted Ice Cream Near Arcade on Oasis of the Seas
Gloria Jackson, a Michigan resident, 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-25093-DSL, alleges that Jackson suffered a serious shoulder injury after slipping on a puddle of melted ice cream near the arcade area on Deck 15 of the Oasis of the Seas on November 26, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Slips on Melted Ice Cream in High-Traffic Area Near Restaurants on Oasis of the Seas
According to the complaint, Jackson was walking toward the midship elevators around 4:30 p.m. when she entered a hallway adjacent to the ship’s arcade. The area—located near the Portside BBQ and El Loco Fresh restaurants—is described as a heavily trafficked zone where passengers commonly pass by or dine. As she proceeded through the corridor, Jackson slipped on a puddle of melted ice cream that blended with the light-colored tiled flooring. The substance was allegedly difficult to detect and not marked by any warning signs, mats, or cones.
The fall caused Jackson to tear her right rotator cuff, resulting in ongoing pain, reduced range of motion, and long-term disability. The complaint emphasizes that Jackson was walking cautiously and had no reason to suspect the hazard, which she alleges was not open or obvious.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Slippery Hazard and Inadequate Maintenance Practices
Jackson alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to warn passengers about the slippery floor and neglected to clean or inspect the area adequately. Despite the high likelihood of spills in the vicinity of food service areas, the cruise line allegedly did not station crew members to monitor the area, place caution signs, or ensure the flooring had anti-slip properties appropriate for potential food and drink spills.
The lawsuit further argues that the cruise line violated its own safety policies and international maritime standards, including SOLAS and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, which require regular inspections, cleaning, and risk mitigation measures in passenger-accessible spaces. Jackson contends that Royal Caribbean failed to implement these standards near the location of her fall.
Complaint Cites Prior Slip and Fall Cases Involving Similar Flooring Hazards Aboard Royal Caribbean Ships
The complaint references multiple prior lawsuits involving slip and fall incidents aboard Royal Caribbean vessels, particularly in or near restaurant areas with similar tile flooring. Cases cited include:
- Ricca v. RCCL: Slip and fall while exiting a restaurant on Deck 8
- Panicker v. RCCL: Slip in the Windjammer on Deck 14
- White v. RCCL: Slip near the Central Park Café on Deck 8
- Lockett v. RCCL: Slip in a Deck 5 restaurant on greasy flooring
- Rodriguez v. RCCL: Slip in the Promenade Café on Deck 4
- Loder v. RCCL: Slip in the Windjammer Café in a high-traffic zone
These earlier lawsuits are cited to establish that Royal Caribbean had prior knowledge—both actual and constructive—of the risk posed by wet or slippery tile flooring in dining-adjacent areas, yet failed to remedy the condition fleetwide.
Plaintiff Alleges Royal Caribbean Failed to Enforce Anti-Slip Standards or Address Known Safety Hazards
In addition to failing to clean the spill promptly or place visible warnings, the lawsuit accuses Royal Caribbean of failing to adopt and enforce flooring safety measures, such as selecting non-slip materials or using slip-resistant mats in spill-prone areas. Jackson also alleges that the cruise line failed to test the coefficient of friction of the flooring to ensure it was safe for passengers, particularly when wet.
The suit claims that ice cream and other slippery substances are commonly served in the area where the incident occurred, and that the cruise line should have reasonably foreseen and addressed the risk of a passenger falling due to such hazards.
Lawsuit Alleges Ongoing Injuries and Losses Due to Unsafe Shipboard Conditions Aboard Oasis of the Seas
Jackson’s complaint includes three counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. She seeks compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, medical expenses, diminished earning capacity, and the lost value of her cruise experience.
The injuries are alleged to be permanent and continuing in nature. Jackson also argues that Royal Caribbean’s practices regarding injury documentation and confidential settlements make it difficult to access the full extent of prior similar incidents, though discovery is expected to reveal additional evidence of negligence.
Injured by a Slip and Fall on a Cruise Ship? Know Your Rights Under Maritime Law
Slip and fall accidents aboard cruise ships—particularly near restaurants, cafés, and food service areas—can result in serious injury and long-term disability. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are legally obligated to maintain passenger areas in a safe condition, post clear warnings, and respond promptly to known hazards. If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to slippery floors or unsafe shipboard conditions, a maritime injury attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney in Florida.
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.
