Texas Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean After Fall on Boarding Ramp to Harmony of the Seas in Costa Maya
Maria Rodriguez, a Texas resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. after allegedly falling from a boarding ramp while embarking the Harmony of the Seas in Costa Maya, Mexico. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25282-BB, claims Rodriguez sustained serious and permanent injuries as a result of Royal Caribbean’s failure to maintain a safe boarding process for its passengers.
Cruise Passenger Injured While Boarding Harmony of the Seas in Costa Maya Due to Dangerous Ramp Setup
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on October 24, 2024, as Rodriguez was boarding the Harmony of the Seas via a designated ramp at the port in Costa Maya. The lawsuit alleges that the ramp was set at a dangerous angle and lacked essential safety features such as handrails and clear visual markers to distinguish changes in elevation. As a result, Rodriguez allegedly lost her footing and fell off the ramp, suffering severe injuries to her body and extremities.
The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean, as both the owner and operator of the vessel, controlled the ramp setup and failed to ensure the ramp was safe for passenger use. The cruise line allegedly did not perform adequate inspections or maintenance, nor did it implement sufficient safety protocols to prevent fall hazards during the boarding process.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Failing to Maintain and Warn of Dangerous Conditions on Cruise Boarding Ramp
Rodriguez brings multiple negligence claims against Royal Caribbean, including failure to maintain the boarding ramp in a safe condition and failure to provide proper warnings about the ramp’s hazardous features. The complaint argues that the cruise line knew or should have known about the unsafe condition based on prior inspections, passenger feedback, or previous incidents.
To support her claims, Rodriguez cites several similar lawsuits involving falls on ramps or gangways aboard Royal Caribbean vessels:
- Barbara Freed v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Independence of the Seas)
- Arlean Gulley v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Mariner of the Seas)
- Pamela Taylor v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Allure of the Seas)
These cases are cited as evidence that Royal Caribbean had notice of fall hazards associated with boarding ramps and failed to take appropriate corrective actions to prevent additional incidents.
Lawsuit Alleges Royal Caribbean Violated Duty to Provide Safe Embarkation Under Maritime Law
Under general maritime law, cruise lines have a non-delegable duty to provide passengers with reasonably safe means of boarding and disembarking. The complaint emphasizes that Royal Caribbean’s duty extends beyond simply placing a ramp—it includes selecting safe equipment, ensuring visibility of elevation changes, providing handrails, and supervising the boarding process to avoid dangerous conditions. The lawsuit argues that “even the slightest negligence” in fulfilling this duty can result in liability for injuries sustained during boarding.
Rodriguez claims that had Royal Caribbean adequately designed, maintained, and inspected the ramp, or provided appropriate warnings, her injuries would have been avoided.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Injuries, Medical Costs, and Loss of Vacation Value After Cruise Ramp Fall
The lawsuit seeks damages for medical expenses, physical and emotional suffering, permanent impairment, and loss of earning capacity. Rodriguez also claims damages for the loss of enjoyment of her cruise vacation, alleging the fall rendered her unable to fully participate in the voyage. Her legal team argues that the injuries are permanent or continuing in nature and that she will continue to experience physical and financial hardship in the future.
Injured While Boarding a Cruise Ship in a Foreign Port? Speak With a Maritime Attorney Today
Passengers injured while boarding or disembarking cruise ships may be entitled to compensation under U.S. maritime law, even if the incident occurred in a foreign port like Costa Maya. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean have a legal obligation to provide safe and properly maintained gangways and boarding ramps for all passengers. If you or a loved one suffered injuries while embarking a cruise ship due to poor ramp design, lack of warnings, or unsafe conditions, our legal team is here to help.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship ramp injury lawyer today.
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.
