Texas Horse Trainer Sues Royal Caribbean After Severe Spinal Injury During Deep Tissue Massage Aboard Explorer of the Seas
Megan Draper, a resident and citizen of Texas, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and One Spa World in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-22156-AHS, alleges that Draper suffered permanent and debilitating spinal injuries due to a negligently performed massage treatment during a 10-night Southern Caribbean cruise. The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and the total loss of enjoyment of a milestone wedding anniversary vacation.
Cruise Passenger Sustains Permanent Spinal Damage from Excessive Pressure During Shipboard Massage
According to the legal filing, the incident occurred on April 12, 2025, during the second day of a voyage aboard the Explorer of the Seas. Draper had purchased a deep tissue massage which was performed by a masseuse employed by One Spa World in the ship’s Vitality Spa. The complaint alleges that while Draper was lying face down, the therapist applied concentrated and unreasonable downward force directly onto her thoracic spine. Because the plaintiff was in a prone position with relaxed muscles, she was unable to feel an immediate guarding response. The lawsuit claims the therapist failed to communicate regarding pressure levels and ignored industry protocols for deep tissue work near the spinal column. Upon attempting to sit up after the session, Draper was reportedly overcome by an electrical sensation and excruciating pain that required immediate medical intervention in the ship’s medical bay.
Royal Caribbean and One Spa World Accused of Negligent Training and Failure to Implement Safety Protocols
The lawsuit asserts that both Royal Caribbean and One Spa World breached their duty of reasonable care by failing to properly supervise staff and monitor the techniques used in the Vitality Spa. Draper alleges that the defendants failed to adopt policies for safe massage operations or implement safety stop procedures for high-pressure treatments. The complaint further contends that Royal Caribbean was negligent in its selection and retention of One Spa World as a service provider. A significant portion of the claim focuses on the failure to warn passengers of the hidden dangers associated with deep tissue techniques, specifically the risk of latent structural spinal injury when applied to passengers in a prone position on a moving vessel.
Legal Team Cites History of Similar Injuries and Prior Lawsuits as Evidence of Constructive Notice
Plaintiff’s counsel argues that the defendants had actual and constructive knowledge of the risks posed by their shipboard massage practices. The complaint references several prior lawsuits to demonstrate a pattern of similar incidents involving Royal Caribbean and One Spa World. These include Trivedi v. Royal Caribbean, which involved allegations of excessive force and improper elbow techniques, and MacDougall v. Royal Caribbean, involving equipment-related injuries in the spa. Additionally, the filing points to Narges Najmyar v. Steiner Transocean Limited as evidence that the spa operators were aware of recurring risks to passengers. Despite these documented legal challenges, the plaintiff alleges the cruise line and its spa partners failed to modify their protocols to prevent further harm.
Professional Horse Trainer Faces Loss of Livelihood and Ongoing Medical Management Following Cruise Injury
The impact of the injury has been particularly devastating for Draper due to her profession as a horse trainer. The lawsuit states that she is now severely limited in her ability to ride, as even ten minutes of activity results in debilitating pain that lasts for several days. This physical impairment has effectively prevented her from performing her essential job duties, leading to significant lost wages and a diminished future earning capacity. Beyond the professional impact, the complaint highlights that Draper was confined to her cabin for the remainder of the cruise, unable to participate in shore excursions or formal dinners. The injuries are described as permanent and continuing, likely requiring lifetime medical management, specialized physical therapy, and potential surgical intervention.
Contact a Cruise Ship Spa Injury Lawyer if You Suffered a Massage or Treatment Injury During a Vacation
Cruise passengers who suffer serious injuries during spa treatments, massages, or other shipboard wellness services may have grounds for a maritime personal injury claim. Cruise lines and their subcontractors have a legal obligation to ensure that staff are properly trained and that all treatments are performed according to safety standards. If you or a loved one experienced a spinal injury, nerve damage, or other physical harm due to the negligence of a cruise ship spa provider, it is important to understand the specific filing requirements dictated by cruise ticket contracts. Our team of experienced maritime attorneys is available to review your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills and lost quality of life.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury 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.
