Pennsylvania Father Sues Royal Caribbean After Crew Serves Peanut Dessert to Child with Severe Nut Allergy on Adventure of the Seas
Gregory Thompson, a Pennsylvania 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-22611-DPG, alleges that Thompson’s minor daughter, identified as M.T., suffered a severe allergic reaction after being served a peanut-containing dessert aboard the Adventure of the Seas on August 1, 2024—despite multiple warnings to the crew about her life-threatening allergy.
Royal Caribbean Crew Allegedly Served Nut-Contaminated Dessert to Child After Family Warned of Severe Allergy
According to the complaint, Thompson and his daughter boarded the Adventure of the Seas on July 27, 2024, for a family cruise. On August 1, during the voyage, M.T. was served a chocolate-covered peanut butter rice crispy treat by one of Royal Caribbean’s employees. The suit alleges that prior to this incident, members of M.T.’s family explicitly notified the crew—on more than one occasion—that M.T. had a severe peanut allergy and required strict food precautions. Despite these warnings, the crew member allegedly served her the peanut-laced treat without providing a warning or verifying its ingredients. As a result, M.T. suffered a significant allergic reaction and had to be treated with an EpiPen injection administered by her father.
Cruise Ship Allergy Incident Triggers Claims of Negligent Food Handling and Failure to Warn Passengers of Risks
The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean had actual or constructive knowledge of the dangerous condition created by serving allergen-contaminated food without appropriate warnings. The lawsuit argues that the food was improperly labeled, poorly inspected, and negligently served—even after the crew had been placed on direct notice of the risk. Thompson contends that the cruise line had a duty to provide a reasonably safe dining experience for all passengers, particularly when they had been made aware of a known, life-threatening medical condition.
The lawsuit further states that the peanut-containing treat posed an unreasonably dangerous condition that was not readily apparent to the child or her family, and which could have been avoided with proper labeling, communication, or alternative meal accommodations.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Train Food Service Staff in Allergen Safety Protocols on Adventure of the Seas
In addition to alleging negligent food preparation and failure to warn, the lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean failed to adequately train its food service staff on how to handle food allergies. The plaintiff’s legal team argues that had the crew been properly trained on allergen protocols—including ingredient verification, cross-contamination prevention, and the importance of guest allergy communication—the incident could have been avoided. The complaint also alleges that serving a known allergen to a child after direct warnings represents either a reckless disregard for passenger safety or a willful violation of basic food safety standards.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Child’s Injuries, Emergency Medical Response, and Ongoing Emotional Distress Caused by Cruise Line’s Negligence
The complaint brings three counts of negligence against Royal Caribbean: failure to maintain safe food practices, failure to warn of a known danger, and failure to adequately train employees. As a result of the allergic reaction, Thompson asserts that M.T. experienced physical pain, emotional trauma, and disruption of her vacation. The suit also seeks compensation for emergency medical treatment, future care, and the loss of enjoyment of the cruise. Thompson alleges that Royal Caribbean breached its non-delegable duty to provide reasonable care under maritime law and failed to act on information that could have prevented a serious medical emergency at sea.
Contact a Cruise Ship Food Allergy Injury Lawyer if You or a Family Member Was Harmed Aboard a Cruise Due to Allergen Exposure
Passengers with food allergies are entitled to safe, informed dining experiences aboard cruise ships. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean are legally obligated to protect guests from foreseeable dangers—including those arising from allergen exposure. If you or your child suffered an allergic reaction after being served unsafe food during a cruise, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses under maritime law. Speak with a knowledgeable cruise ship food allergy lawyer today.
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