Texas Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Fall Down Theater Stairs During Rough Seas Aboard Explorer of the Seas
Mika D. Ullery, a Texas 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-24999-FAM, stems from a fall Ullery suffered on November 7, 2024, while aboard the Explorer of the Seas during rough weather conditions on the ship’s return to Miami, Florida.
Cruise Passenger Injured in Theater Area of Explorer of the Seas During Unexpected Lurch Caused by Rough Seas
According to the complaint, Ullery was ascending the stairs near the theater area before a scheduled show when the Explorer of the Seas suddenly rocked, lurched, or listed, causing her to be thrown backward and down the stairs. The lawsuit alleges the sudden ship movement occurred without any warning and that Ullery had no way of anticipating the danger, as she was in an interior part of the vessel and had not been informed of the worsening sea conditions.
The complaint also asserts that no warning announcement was made until several hours after the incident. At that point, passengers were told to remain in their cabins and were advised that the ship would reroute to Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, due to injuries sustained by other passengers during the same period of rough seas.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Navigating Through Known Rough Weather Without Warning or Stabilization
Ullery alleges that Royal Caribbean and its ship’s officers knew or should have known that the Explorer of the Seas would encounter rough weather and heavy seas based on internal policies and access to live meteorological data. Despite this knowledge, the ship’s captain allegedly failed to:
- Navigate around known rough weather
- Utilize available stabilization systems
- Warn passengers about the risks associated with ship movement
The lawsuit cites multiple prior incidents aboard Royal Caribbean vessels involving similar sudden lurching or listing in rough seas. These include a 2024 injury aboard the Independence of the Seas, a 2023 incident aboard the Wonder of the Seas, and widely reported occurrences on the Anthem of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas in earlier years.
Lawsuit Brings Five Counts of Negligence Against Royal Caribbean for Failure to Warn, Maintain, and Safeguard Passengers During Rough Weather
The complaint brings five counts against Royal Caribbean:
- Vicarious liability for the captain’s negligent navigation into dangerous sea conditions
- Vicarious liability for failure to warn passengers of risks related to rough seas
- Direct negligence in the operation and planning of the voyage
- Negligent failure to warn of the dangers of walking in certain areas during rough seas
- Negligent failure to maintain the stairway and theater area in a safe condition
Ullery claims Royal Caribbean should have restricted access to areas like the theater and surrounding stairways during periods of anticipated ship movement. She also argues the cruise line failed to implement adequate policies and procedures to prevent injuries caused by the vessel’s motion.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Lasting Injuries, Medical Expenses, and Loss of Cruise Enjoyment
As a result of the fall, Ullery alleges she suffered injuries to her body and extremities, along with mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and disability. Her complaint states that the injuries are permanent or continuing in nature. She is seeking compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and physical handicap
- Loss of the value of her cruise vacation and travel costs
The lawsuit emphasizes that Ullery’s injuries could have been avoided had Royal Caribbean taken proper precautions and communicated the risks to passengers in advance.
Cruise Lines May Be Liable for Failing to Warn or Protect Passengers from Known Rough Sea Hazards
Passengers injured during rough seas may have legal claims under maritime law if cruise lines fail to reasonably anticipate and mitigate foreseeable risks. Cruise companies have a duty to monitor weather conditions, warn guests of potential hazards, and modify ship operations or access to certain areas when necessary to protect passengers.
If you were injured during rough seas or due to sudden ship movement on a cruise, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced 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.
