Can You Sue Royal Caribbean If You Get Injured On a Cruise in International Waters?
Cruising with Royal Caribbean can be an amazing experience with memories that last a life time. But for a growing number of unfortunate passengers, it may unfortunately be the beginning of years of recovering from an accident or injury that was the fault of the cruise line. Year after year, countless passengers find themselves injured due to crew and corporate negligence on board these massive floating cities. If you or a loved one has been hurt on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’re likely asking, “Can I sue Royal Caribbean for an injury on board?” The answer is yes—if the injury is serious enough to warrant bringing a claim and the cruise line should have or could have done something to prevent it from happening. But figuring out whether your injury fits the criteria for bringing an injury claim or lawsuit requires the help of a seasoned Royal Caribbean Cruise Accident Lawyer who understands the unique nuances of maritime law and who will hold the cruise line accountable. Usually cruise accidents causing injuries come down to profits over people. With 37 million people expected to cruise in 2025, a passenger might find themselves a statistic in the injured victim category. The cruise line relies on everyday people to operate and maintain its cruise ships — and people sometimes make mistakes. But what is more disheartening  is that some of these injuries are not merely the result of honest mistakes or lapses in judgment. Management makes decisions for business reasons that may risk the safety of passengers.  Sadly, some of these decisions and mistakes can cause severe injury and death.
At Perkins Law Offices, our cruise ship injury lawyers in Miami are vastly experienced in handling cruise ship accident claims. It’s what we do. The firm is based in the same city where most cruise ship passenger injury cases must be brought as required by the terms and conditions in the fine print of the ticket. Miami is the cruise ship capital of the world and his home to headquarters of the largest lines. We know the laws, the loopholes, and how Royal Caribbean may try to avoid responsibility. We know what makes a good case and will always be straightforward with our clients on whether their claim is worth pursuing.  Don’t get us wrong. We don not hate Royal Caribbean. It provides a wonderful vacation venue and experience for most passengers. However, like any business, things do not always go according to plan on the high seas.  Our Florida personal injury firm will help guide you through the process in determining whether you can sue Royal Caribbean for cruise related injuries.
Royal Caribbean is Not Above the Law
Maritime Law & Negligence at Sea
Passengers who get hurt on a cruise typically are unsure of their rights which is completely understandable. Who would? Most lawyers do not even know how it works when a passengers are injured in international waters or in a foreign port. Cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, count on most passengers and their lawyers not having know how or desire to take on the cruise line. Cruise injury lawsuits, when viable operate under general maritime law, which is a legal framework that governs incidents at sea. It’s quite different than bringing a land based car accident case in state court. There are different rules and procedures that apply the greatly impact vase value and viability. But the good news is that if you are seriously injured during a cruise there may very well be a way to bring a claim for money damages against Royal Caribbean. Passengers who suffer harm due to unsafe conditions, crew negligence, failure to provide adequate medical care, and sexual assault by a crew member, may likely have strong grounds to sue the cruise line for damages in federal court in Miami or Orlando, Florida.
Some common examples of negligence include:
- Wet or slippery decks causing slip and fall accidents
- Poorly maintained stairwells or railings
- Inadequate security leading to assaults or harassment
- Unsafe shore excursions
- Delayed or improper medical treatment
- Failure to evacuate
- Falling Ceilings
- Hot Decks causing burn injuries
- Sexual Assault and rape
- Gangway Accidents
- Trip and falls
- Falls down stairs
- Malfunctioning automatic doors
- FloRider injuries
- Over serving alcohol
- Excursion accidents
- Injuries on private islands
- Falling Overboard
- Drownings
- Allergic reactions
Royal Caribbean, like all cruise operators, has a legal duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for its passengers. They also have the duty to warn passengers of dangers that are not open and obvious. When that duty is breached, they can—and should—be held accountable by a skilled Royal Caribbean injury lawyer.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Accident Lawyer
A Fall Down That Changed Everything
Take the case of a couple celebrating their anniversary aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. While walking near the pool deck, the husband slipped on a small puddle of liquid with no warning signs posted. A crew member had just been mopping in that area unbeknownst to the passengers who had just rounded the corner. Of course after he fell, crew immediately arrived with a yellow “caution wet floor sign”. The man shattered his hip and required emergency surgery. Medical expenses and out of pocket costs mounted as their vacation turned into a nightmare trying to get him disembarked and back to his home state. One would think Royal Caribbean would go out of their way to ensure the passenger was well cared for and was concerned for his well being. Yet no one reached out except for an impersonal, generic email glibly apologizing for the experience week later. Had they been more helpful during the ordeal and taken responsibility instead of interrogating my clients, taking pictures of his shoes and asking how many alcoholic drinks he had earlier, I am convinced they would have never hired a lawyer and though about suing.
With the help of a cruise ship accident lawyer Alex Perkins at Perkins Personal Injury Lawyers, the man sued Royal Caribbean for negligence in failing to maintain the floor in safe condition and to warn of the wet floor. The case was settled favorably after a few months of litigation, covering all medical bills plus pain and suffering.
This is not an isolated case. Slip and falls on Royal Caribbean are common and happen way more than they should. They have known problems with the flooring materials that become very slippery due to lack of proper maintenance or selection of the material in the first place. Slip and falls are no laughing matter. When one of our clients calls, they often tell us stories of how many other people they saw slip and fall while on their cruise. It’s elolike there is an endemic of slip and falls, even on the newest Royal Caribbean ships like Icon of the Seas and Brilliance of the seas.
Below is a list of 28 Royal Caribbean ships in operation:
Royal Caribbean International Cruise Ships (2024)
- Icon of the Seas (Icon Class, 2024)
- Gross Tonnage: 248,663
- Passenger Capacity: 5,610 (double occupancy); 7,600 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 2,350
- Star of the Seas (Icon Class, 2025)
- Gross Tonnage: 248,663
- Passenger Capacity: 5,610 (double occupancy); 7,600 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 2,350
- Wonder of the Seas (Oasis Class, 2022)
- Gross Tonnage: 236,857
- Passenger Capacity: 5,518 (double occupancy); 7,912 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 2,204
- Utopia of the Seas (Oasis Class, 2024)
- Gross Tonnage: 236,857
- Passenger Capacity: 5,668 (double occupancy); 6,988 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 2,290
- Symphony of the Seas (Oasis Class, 2018)
- Gross Tonnage: 228,081
- Passenger Capacity: 5,518 (double occupancy); 6,680 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 2,200
- Harmony of the Seas (Oasis Class, 2016)
- Gross Tonnage: 226,963
- Passenger Capacity: 5,479 (double occupancy); 6,687 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 2,300
- Oasis of the Seas (Oasis Class, 2009)
- Gross Tonnage: 226,838
- Passenger Capacity: 5,400 (double occupancy); 6,780 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 2,200*
- Allure of the Seas (Oasis Class, 2010)
- Gross Tonnage: 225,282
- Passenger Capacity: 5,400 (double occupancy); 6,780 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 2,200*
- Odyssey of the Seas (Quantum Ultra Class, 2021)
- Gross Tonnage: 167,704
- Passenger Capacity: 4,180 (double occupancy); 5,510 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 1,550*
- Spectrum of the Seas (Quantum Ultra Class, 2019)
- Gross Tonnage: 169,379
- Passenger Capacity: 4,180 (double occupancy); 5,622 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 1,550*
- Anthem of the Seas (Quantum Class, 2015)
- Gross Tonnage: 168,666
- Passenger Capacity: 4,180 (double occupancy); 4,905 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 1,500*
- Ovation of the Seas (Quantum Class, 2016)
- Gross Tonnage: 168,666
- Passenger Capacity: 4,180 (double occupancy); 4,905 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 1,500*
- Quantum of the Seas (Quantum Class, 2014)
- Gross Tonnage: 168,666
- Passenger Capacity: 4,180 (double occupancy); 4,905 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 1,500*
- Freedom of the Seas (Freedom Class, 2006)
- Gross Tonnage: 156,271
- Passenger Capacity: 3,926 (double occupancy); 4,515 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 1,365
- Independence of the Seas (Freedom Class, 2008)
- Gross Tonnage: 155,889
- Passenger Capacity: 3,858 (double occupancy); 4,560 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 1,360*
- Liberty of the Seas (Freedom Class, 2007)
- Gross Tonnage: 155,889
- Passenger Capacity: 3,858 (double occupancy); 4,960 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 1,360*
- Navigator of the Seas (Voyager Class, 2002)
- Gross Tonnage: 139,999
- Passenger Capacity: 3,386 (double occupancy); 4,000 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 1,200*
- Mariner of the Seas (Voyager Class, 2003)
- Gross Tonnage: 139,863
- Passenger Capacity: 3,344 (double occupancy); 4,000 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 1,200*
- Explorer of the Seas (Voyager Class, 2000)
- Gross Tonnage: 137,308
- Passenger Capacity: 3,286 (double occupancy); 4,290 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 1,185*
- Adventure of the Seas (Voyager Class, 2001)
- Gross Tonnage: 137,276
- Passenger Capacity: 3,286 (double occupancy); 3,807 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 1,185*
- Voyager of the Seas (Voyager Class, 1999)
- Gross Tonnage: 137,276
- Passenger Capacity: 3,286 (double occupancy); 4,000 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 1,185*
- Brilliance of the Seas (Radiance Class, 2002)
- Gross Tonnage: 90,090
- Passenger Capacity: 2,142 (double occupancy); 2,543 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 848*
- Jewel of the Seas (Radiance Class, 2004)
- Gross Tonnage: 90,090
- Passenger Capacity: 2,142 (double occupancy); 2,702 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 848*
- Radiance of the Seas (Radiance Class, 2001)
- Gross Tonnage: 90,090
- Passenger Capacity: 2,143 (double occupancy); 2,466 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 848*
- Serenade of the Seas (Radiance Class, 2003)
- Gross Tonnage: 90,090
- Passenger Capacity: 2,143 (double occupancy); 2,702 (maximum)
- Crew Capacity: 848*
- Enchantment of the Seas (Vision Class, 1997)
- Gross Tonnage: 82,910
- Passenger Capacity: 2,252 (double occupancy); 2,730 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 852*
- Vision of the Seas (Vision Class, 1998)
- Gross Tonnage: 78,340
- Passenger Capacity: 2,050 (double occupancy); 2,514 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 742*
- Grandeur of the Seas (Vision Class, 1996)
- Gross Tonnage: 73,817
- Passenger Capacity: 1,992 (double occupancy); 2,440 (maximum)*
- Crew Capacity: 760*
Why You Need a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Lawyer Based in Miami
Location Matters
Cruise injury claims must often be filed in Miami, Florida, regardless of where the incident occurred. That’s because Royal Caribbean’s passenger ticket contract specifies Miami as the forum for legal disputes. This is true for most passengers who are on a voyage touching a US port. Other factors like nationality of the passenger and non Us Port voyages may vary a passenger’s rights and venue and forum selection ticket terms and conditions. The best cruise ship attorney will  ask you for your booking details to check what fine print may apply to your claim.
As a Miami-based firm, Perkins Law Offices is uniquely positioned to file and fight your case efficiently. We’ve built relationships with local stake holders including opposing counsel, judges and adjusters. We understand the tactics cruise lines use, and have a history of success in Royal Caribbean cruise ship injury claims.
What Types of Cruise Ship Injuries Can You Sue For?
Common Royal Caribbean injury claims include:
- Slip and falls (especially on wet decks or stairwells)
- Food poisoning or unsanitary conditions
- Shore excursion injuries
- Onboard medical malpractice
- Sexual assault or physical violence by crew or other passengers
- Falling objects or unsecured furniture during rough seas
- Accidents involving cruise ship amenities like water slides, climbing walls, or pools
No matter how the accident occurred, it’s crucial to consult with a Royal Caribbean personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case.
Sometimes injuries occur while on the private islands utilized by Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean International and its subsidiaries (including Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises), does not own any private islands outright, either directly or through its subsidiaries. Instead, RCCL operates private destinations under long-term lease agreements. For purposes of bringing an injury claim, if the injury occurs on such a leased island, it is still possible to sue Royal Caribbean in Federal Court.
Private Destinations Operated by Royal Caribbean Group:
- Perfect Day at CocoCay (Bahamas)
- Status: Leased, not owned.
- Details: A 125-acre island in the Berry Islands, leased by Royal Caribbean International since 1988 (initially through Admiral Cruises, acquired by RCL). The lease extends until at least 2050.
- Operated By: Royal Caribbean International, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group.
- Labadee (Haiti)
- Status: Leased, not owned.
- Details: A 260-acre peninsula on Haiti’s northern coast, leased by Royal Caribbean International since 1986. The lease is also valid until at least 2050.
- Operated By: Royal Caribbean International.Future Projects:
- Perfect Day Mexico (Mahahual, Mexico, planned for 2027) will also be a leased destination, not an island, and not owned.
- Royal Beach Clubs (e.g., Nassau, Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico) are leased beachfront properties adjacent to public ports, not islands, and not owned.
- Perfect Day at Lelepa (Vanuatu) was announced in 2019 but has no confirmed status or opening date, and if developed, it would likely be leased, not owned.
What to Do if You’re Injured on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Immediate Steps to Protect Your Claim:
- Report the incident to ship security and get a written report.
- Document everything—take photos of the scene, injuries, and gather witness information.
- Seek medical attention on board, but also follow up with your own doctors or a hospital immediately after disembarkation.
- Avoid signing waivers or giving  statements without getting capturing a picture of anything you said of filled out.
- Contact a cruise injury attorney immediately.
Waiting too long can jeopardize your right to sue. Most cruise contracts enforce a one-year statute of limitations for filing injury claims. There is also a 180 notice  written notice letter requirement.
How to File a Claim Against Royal Caribbean Cruise Line
Filing a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean is not like filing a standard personal injury claim. You’ll need to:
- Review the ticket contract for filing rules
- Collect strong evidence of negligence
- Prove the cruise line breached its duty of care
- File your claim in the correct court, usually U.S. District Court in Miami
This legal maze is best handled by a seasoned Royal Caribbean cruise accident attorney who knows how to counter the cruise line’s legal defense team.
Why Choose Perkins Law Offices?
Experience. Results. Compassion.
Led by attorney Alex Perkins, our firm has represented countless cruise passengers against the biggest names in the industry. Our approach is simple: put the client first, fight aggressively, and never back down from cruise line giants.
“These cases aren’t easy, but we win them because we understand the cruise industry’s weaknesses after 25 years of seeing similar incidents happen to passengers,” says Perkins. “We’ve handled everything from slip and fall cases to sexual assault claims on Royal Caribbean ships.”
We are your Miami Royal Caribbean cruise ship injury lawyer, and we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. The best lawyer for your cruise ship injury case is one who you feel you is responsive and knows the  area of law. Alex Perkins is a cruise attorney who will be transparent and communicative. Clients are always satisfied. Please see his 5 star reviews from clients over the years on Google, Avvo, Martinadale-Hubbel (preeminent rated) and Super Lawyers.
For more information on some of the Royal Caribbean cases we have handled, visit our website for insights. For example, our article on the Overlooked Danger of Gangways on Cruise Ships.
FAQ: Royal Caribbean Cruise Accident Lawsuits
Can I sue Royal Caribbean for an injury on board?
Yes, if the injury resulted from negligence or unsafe conditions, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean. Always speak with a cruise ship negligence attorney to determine your case strength.
Who is liable for cruise ship injuries on Royal Caribbean?
Liability may rest with Royal Caribbean itself, the crew, or even third-party excursion operators. An experienced maritime lawyer can help determine who is responsible.
How much time do I have to sue Royal Caribbean?
Typically, you have one year from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit but must give written notice within six months.
What compensation can I recover?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Future care costs
- Emotional distress
- Out of pocket expenses
- Funeral costs
What if I was injured on a shore excursion?
Royal Caribbean may still be liable if the excursion was organized or endorsed by them. These are complex cases that require the guidance of a Royal Caribbean excursion accident attorney.
Contact a Royal Caribbean Accident Attorney in Miami Today
Cruise lines invest heavily in legal defense teams—but you don’t have to face them alone. If you’ve been injured on a Royal Caribbean cruise, Perkins Law Officesis here to help. We’ll guide you through every step, from collecting evidence to standing up in court.
Call us now or schedule a free consultation with a Royal Caribbean Cruise Accident Lawyer who knows how to win.
It costs nothing to hire Perkins Personal Injury Lawyers. All cruise injury cases are on contingency. This means we do not get paid anything unless we get you paid. The cruise line essentially pays for your lawyer in that we get a percentage of what we recover for you.
