Nevada Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Fall on Dunn’s River Falls Excursion from Symphony of the Seas
Pia Statam, a resident of Nevada, 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-22913-JEM, stems from a May 1, 2024 incident in which Statam alleges she suffered serious injuries while participating in a Royal Caribbean–sponsored shore excursion in Jamaica.
Cruise Passenger Falls on Slippery Rocks During “Green Grotto Caves and Dunn’s River Falls” Excursion Marketed by Royal Caribbean
According to the complaint, Statam was a passenger aboard the Symphony of the Seas and purchased the “Green Grotto Caves and Dunn’s River Falls” shore excursion through Royal Caribbean’s website. The excursion, which took place in Falmouth, Jamaica, was described by the cruise line as “strenuous,” but the lawsuit claims it was significantly more dangerous than advertised. Statam asserts she relied on Royal Caribbean’s promotional materials, which emphasized the convenience and safety of their excursions, to make her purchase decision.
While attempting to climb slippery rocks under the direction of excursion staff, Statam lost her footing and fell face-first, allegedly sustaining permanent and painful injuries. The lawsuit includes photos of the damage to her teeth and notes that the area lacked adequate handrails, non-slip surfaces, or sufficient supervision. Participants were instructed to hold hands for support, but the conditions led to multiple people slipping during the climb.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn About Dangerous Shore Excursion Conditions and Inadequate Safety Measures
The complaint contends that Royal Caribbean failed to properly warn passengers of the known hazards associated with the Dunn’s River Falls excursion. Although the cruise line’s own website allegedly stated that “extreme caution must be used” and noted a “high risk of slips and falls,” this language was not prominently displayed or emphasized, and Statam did not see the warning because her daughter booked the excursion. The lawsuit also claims Royal Caribbean misrepresented its relationship with the local excursion operator and created the impression that it directly operated or closely supervised the tour.
Citing past lawsuits, including Corby v. Kloster Cruise Ltd. and Flaherty v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., the complaint asserts Royal Caribbean had prior notice of similar falls at Dunn’s River Falls but failed to take corrective action or issue adequate warnings. Reviews on TripAdvisor also allegedly flagged safety concerns, yet the cruise line continued to sell the excursion without modifications.
Complaint Alleges Negligent Retention and Joint Venture Between Royal Caribbean and Local Excursion Operator
Statam’s legal team asserts that Royal Caribbean retained an unfit excursion operator and failed to conduct proper inspections or vetting procedures despite having knowledge—or constructive knowledge—of the excursion’s risks. The complaint further alleges that Royal Caribbean and the Jamaican operator were engaged in a joint venture, sharing profits and responsibilities related to the tour. The suit claims Royal Caribbean marketed and sold the excursion as its own product, collected payment directly, and failed to disclose that another entity was running the activity.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Dental Injuries, Pain, and Disrupted Cruise Experience Due to Royal Caribbean’s Alleged Negligence
Statam brings four counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent retention, negligent failure to warn, negligence under apparent agency, and negligence based on joint venture. She seeks damages for permanent bodily injury, pain and suffering, emotional distress, medical expenses, and the lost value of her cruise. According to the complaint, the impact of her injuries extended beyond physical harm to include psychological trauma and a ruined vacation experience.
Injured on a Royal Caribbean Shore Excursion? Learn Your Rights from a Maritime Injury Attorney
Passengers injured during cruise line–sponsored excursions may be entitled to compensation under maritime law if those excursions are found to be unsafe, misrepresented, or negligently operated. If you or a loved one suffered an injury while participating in a Royal Caribbean excursion involving dangerous terrain or inadequate safety measures, you may have legal options. Our team of experienced maritime injury attorneys can help you evaluate your rights and hold cruise lines accountable for unsafe excursion practices.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise excursion injury lawyer.
