New Jersey Man Sues Royal Caribbean After Slipping on Wet Hot Tub Steps Aboard Vision of the Seas
Sean Flynn, a resident and citizen of New Jersey, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The legal action, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-26015-KMM, alleges that Flynn suffered severe and permanent injuries after slipping on dangerous steps while attempting to enter a hot tub aboard the Vision of the Seas on March 27, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Vision of the Seas Due to Worn Hot Tub Steps and Lack of Handrails
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on Deck 9 of the vessel while it was in navigable waters. Flynn was attempting to enter the hot tub when he encountered steps that were allegedly wet, worn, and featured non-slip strips in a state of disrepair. The lawsuit further asserts that the area lacked proper and sufficient handrails to provide support for passengers. As a result of these conditions, Flynn slipped and struck his leg on the edge of a bench, causing a large laceration. The injury subsequently became infected and developed into cellulitis, requiring the plaintiff to undergo extensive medical care and hospitalization.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Warn Elderly Passengers of Slip and Fall Hazards
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean markets its cruise services to elderly individuals and is aware that these passengers may have mobility or vision issues. Despite this knowledge, the complaint states that there were no warnings or caution signs posted near the hot tub to alert Flynn to the slippery conditions. The plaintiff contends that the dangerous nature of the steps was not open or obvious. Furthermore, the complaint suggests that Royal Caribbean’s own internal safety standards, governed by international maritime regulations like the ISM Code and the vessel’s Safety Management System, required the maintenance of appropriate co-efficient of friction for external decking and flooring in high-traffic, wet areas.
Complaint References Prior Slip and Fall Incidents on Other Royal Caribbean Ships as Evidence of Notice
A central argument in the lawsuit is that Royal Caribbean had actual or constructive notice of the hazardous conditions. The plaintiff’s legal team points to several prior incidents involving passengers slipping while entering or exiting hot tubs on other vessels within the fleet. The complaint cites cases such as Yankelov v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. aboard the Liberty of the Seas, LaRowe v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. on the Symphony of the Seas, Kolcynski v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. on the Independence of the Seas, and Taylor v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. on the Allure of the Seas. These examples are used to argue that the cruise line was aware of the risks associated with similar flooring and step designs but failed to take remedial action to protect passengers.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries and Medical Expenses Following Hot Tub Accident
Flynn brings three counts against Royal Caribbean: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. The complaint alleges that the cruise line breached its duty of care by failing to provide a reasonably safe walking surface and failing to properly inspect the area for fall hazards. As a direct result of the negligence, Flynn claims to have suffered physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability. In addition to seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, the plaintiff is seeking damages for the lost benefit of his vacation and cruise costs.
Contact a Cruise Ship Hot Tub Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt on a Vessel Due to Negligence
Cruise passengers who suffer injuries due to poorly maintained steps, slippery flooring, or a lack of adequate handrails may be entitled to seek compensation under general maritime law. Cruise operators have a responsibility to maintain their vessels in a reasonably safe condition and to warn travelers of known dangers that are not easily detectable. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall accident while on a cruise, reaching out to an experienced maritime attorney can help you understand your rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip 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.
