North Carolina Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Suffering Spinal Fractures on FlowRider Aboard Voyager of the Seas
Krissy Jones, a resident of North Carolina, 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-25505-KMM, alleges that Jones sustained serious thoracic spine fractures after being violently propelled into the back wall of the FlowRider surfing simulator aboard the Voyager of the Seas.
Passenger Thrown Into Wall After Using FlowRider Attraction on Voyager of the Seas
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on November 27, 2024, while Jones was participating in the FlowRider activity located on Deck 13 of the Voyager of the Seas. Jones asserts that while using the FlowRider under the supervision of Royal Caribbean crew, she was violently launched into the simulator’s back wall, resulting in multiple thoracic spine fractures and other neurological injuries.
The lawsuit contends that the FlowRider on Royal Caribbean ships is a modified version of the land-based design with a shortened configuration and reduced recovery zone, offering inadequate space for safe dismount or impact absorption. Jones claims this version lacked modern “pillow padding,” had excessive water velocity, and was staffed with inadequately trained crew. The dangerous design allegedly caused her to be launched uncontrollably into fixed structures without proper warning or intervention.
Royal Caribbean Allegedly Ignored Known Dangers of FlowRider and Prior Injuries on Other Ships
Jones asserts that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive notice of the FlowRider’s dangers. The complaint cites multiple prior lawsuits involving serious FlowRider injuries across the cruise line’s fleet, including incidents on the Oasis of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, and others. These prior claims allegedly involved riders being propelled into the back wall or sides of the simulator due to high water velocity, improper supervision, and inadequate safety features.
Despite these warnings, the complaint alleges Royal Caribbean failed to install safer padding, maintain proper water pressure, or provide meaningful warnings. Jones also argues that the simulator’s hazardous design could not be detected by a reasonable passenger, making the danger neither open nor obvious.
Complaint Brings Three Negligence Counts Against Royal Caribbean for Unsafe FlowRider Operation
Jones brings three counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: negligent maintenance, negligent failure to warn, and negligent operation/supervision under vicarious liability.
She alleges that Royal Caribbean:
- Failed to install appropriate safety padding or cushioning
- Operated the FlowRider at unsafe speeds and force levels
- Did not maintain sufficient recovery distance to prevent impact injuries
- Provided inadequate or misleading instructions to riders
- Failed to monitor, supervise, or stop the ride when danger was foreseeable
- Required passengers to sign unenforceable waivers that downplayed the risks
The negligent operation claim targets the FlowRider Operator aboard the Voyager of the Seas, alleging that crew failed to properly instruct, supervise, or assist Jones during the activity, and did not reduce the ride’s force or stop the simulation when she was in clear danger.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Spinal Fractures, Neurological Symptoms, and Permanent Disability
As a result of the incident, Jones claims she suffered thoracic spine fractures, neurological symptoms, and long-term disability. The lawsuit alleges that she has experienced pain and suffering, mental anguish, diminished enjoyment of life, and economic damages including medical expenses and reduced earning capacity. These injuries and losses are alleged to be permanent and ongoing.
Jones seeks compensatory damages and has requested a jury trial.
Injured on a FlowRider or Shipboard Attraction? Contact a Cruise Injury Lawyer Today
Cruise lines must ensure that onboard recreational attractions such as the FlowRider are safe for passengers and adequately supervised. When a ride is negligently maintained or operated, and passengers are injured as a result, the cruise line may be held legally responsible under maritime law.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a FlowRider accident or other cruise ship recreational activity, we can help.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship FlowRider injury lawyer.
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.
