Royal Caribbean Injury Lawsuit: What You Need to Know
If you’ve suffered an injury aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’re not alone.
Royal Caribbean is the second largest cruise line in the world. It has 28 ships in service as of April 2025 with larger ships able to carry almost 8000 passengers plus 2350 crew. That’s larger than many town populations! It’s no wonder why we see so many injured passengers often reporting similar incidents and injuries. Royal Caribbean also owns other cruise brands like Celebrity Cruises and Silver Seas which it also operates out its Miami headquarters. Currently, RCCL’s Icon of the Seas is the largest cruise ship.
The Caribbean’s is the most visited region for cruise tourism, capturing roughly 38-40% of the global cruise market. With an estimated 35.7 million total cruise passengers globally in 2024 (per the Cruise Lines International Association, CLIA). Among Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines brands, it operates 44 cruise ships.
The chart below list the names of all the ships in operation under the Royal Caribbean moniker along with the number crew and passengers the ship can hold at capacity.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships in Operation (April 2025)
| Ship Name | Class | Max Passenger Capacity | Crew Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Icon of the Seas | Icon | 7,600 | 2,350 | Largest cruise ship in the world, launched 2024. |
| Star of the Seas | Icon | 7,600 | 2,350 | Launched 2025, same size as Icon of the Seas. |
| Wonder of the Seas | Oasis | 6,988 | 2,204 | Oasis-class, launched 2022. |
| Utopia of the Seas | Oasis | 6,988 | 2,290 | Oasis-class, launched 2024. |
| Oasis of the Seas | Oasis | 6,699 | 2,181 | First Oasis-class ship, launched 2009. |
| Allure of the Seas | Oasis | 6,780 | 2,200 | Oasis-class, launched 2010. |
| Harmony of the Seas | Oasis | 6,687 | 2,200 | Oasis-class, launched 2016. |
| Symphony of the Seas | Oasis | 6,680 | 2,200 | Oasis-class, launched 2018. |
| Odyssey of the Seas | Quantum Ultra | 5,498 | 1,500 | Quantum Ultra-class, launched 2021. |
| Spectrum of the Seas | Quantum Ultra | 5,622 | 1,550 | Quantum Ultra-class, launched 2019. |
| Anthem of the Seas | Quantum | 4,905 | 1,500 | Quantum-class, launched 2015. |
| Ovation of the Seas | Quantum | 4,905 | 1,500 | Quantum-class, launched 2016. |
| Quantum of the Seas | Quantum | 4,905 | 1,500 | Quantum-class, launched 2014. |
| Freedom of the Seas | Freedom | 4,515 | 1,365 | Freedom-class, launched 2006. |
| Independence of the Seas | Freedom | 4,515 | 1,365 | Freedom-class, launched 2008. |
| Liberty of the Seas | Freedom | 4,515 | 1,365 | Freedom-class, launched 2007. |
| Explorer of the Seas | Voyager | 4,290 | 1,185 | Voyager-class, launched 2000. |
| Adventure of the Seas | Voyager | 3,807 | 1,185 | Voyager-class, launched 2001. |
| Voyager of the Seas | Voyager | 4,269 | 1,176 | Voyager-class, launched 1999. |
| Navigator of the Seas | Voyager | 3,968 | 1,213 | Voyager-class, launched 2002. |
| Mariner of the Seas | Voyager | 4,000 | 1,213 | Voyager-class, launched 2003. |
| Brilliance of the Seas | Radiance | 2,543 | 848 | Radiance-class, launched 2002. |
| Jewel of the Seas | Radiance | 2,702 | 852 | Radiance-class, launched 2004. |
| Radiance of the Seas | Radiance | 2,466 | 894 | Radiance-class, launched 2001. |
| Serenade of the Seas | Radiance | 2,490 | 891 | Radiance-class, launched 2003. |
| Enchantment of the Seas | Vision | 2,730 | 852 | Vision-class, launched 1997. |
| Rhapsody of the Seas | Vision | 2,416 | 765 | Vision-class, launched 1997. |
| Grandeur of the Seas | Vision | 2,440 | 760 | Vision-class, launched 1996, smallest ship. |
If you get injured on one of these Royal Caribbean ships due to the cruise line’s negligence, you do have the right to bring an injury claim against the cruise line. As one of the largest cruise lines in the world, Royal Caribbean has faced numerous injury claims ranging from slip and falls to medical negligence, and even sexual assaults. This Miami cruise injury law firm is a powerhouse and has handled claims and lawsuits against RCCL. If you are wonder what your cruise injury case is worth or whether you have a case, Alex Perkins, Esq. in Miami will tell you everything you need to know about a Royal Caribbean injury lawsuit, your rights, and how Perkins Law Offices in Miami can help you seek justice.
Understanding the Reality of Cruise Ship Injuries
Imagine this: You’re on vacation, enjoying a dream cruise to the Caribbean. The sun is shining, the drinks are flowing, and you’re surrounded by endless ocean views. But within seconds, your trip turns into a nightmare. You slip on a wet deck, fall down a poorly maintained staircase, or experience severe food poisoning from the onboard buffet.
Unfortunately, these scenarios aren’t just hypothetical. Cruise ship injury cases are more common than many people think. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), there are hundreds of reported injuries annually—many involving Royal Caribbean passengers.
Common Types of Injuries on Royal Caribbean Cruises
While some injuries may be minor, others can have life-altering consequences. Common incidents include:
1. Slip and Fall Accidents
Wet decks, poorly lit stairwells, loose railings, sticky dance floors, steep gangways, worn out anti skid tape, uneven thresholds, camouflaged step downs, no caution wet floor signs, mopping, condensation, spilled drinks, wet bathings suits, greasy sunblock and unsecured carpets are just some of the culprits behind slip and fall injuries on cruise voyages. Cruise ships must maintain safe walkways, yet these claims make up a significant portion of cruise ship lawsuits.
2. Medical Malpractice
Royal Caribbean employs onboard doctors and medical staff, but they may not be held to the same standards as U.S.-based medical professionals. Misdiagnoses and treatment delays have led to serious injury and death cases. Failing to properly treat, transfer or evacuate sick passengers happens as does forcing sick passengers off ships in foreign countries, far away from hospitals.
3. Assault and Sexual Violence
There have been documented cases of sexual assault on cruise ships, including by crew members. I have handled such cases with seven figure results. Cruise lines can be held strictly liable for the sexual assaults by crew against passengers. These are serious claims, and Royal Caribbean is not immune from bad crew members.
4. Injuries from Excursions
Many cruise-goers don’t realize that shore excursions—though booked through Royal Caribbean—can involve third-party companies. Royal Caribbean tries to limit liability for excisions through the use of disclaimers in its terms and conditions for travel. However, if you’re injured during a tender transfer, snorkeling, zipline tour, scuba dive, nature hike or other activity, you may still have a claim depending on how the excursion was marketed and arranged.
Royal Caribbean injury lawsuit: What you need to know
Can You Sue Royal Caribbean for an Injury?
Yes, but it’s not always straightforward. Because cruise ships operate under maritime law, injury lawsuits against Royal Caribbean follow a unique set of rules. Most importantly, the terms of your cruise ticket include a forum selection clause—meaning you usually must file your claim in Miami, Florida, even if the injury occurred in international waters.
Perkins Law Offices, located in Miami, has extensive experience handling these complex cases and can help you navigate the legal terrain. If your cruise touched a US port, the federal court in Miami is the venue where a lawsuit must be filed. Perkins Personal Injury Lawyers is located in Miami and licensed in all of the Florida federal courts to bring cruise ship accident lawsuits. We know the judges, we know the port., we know the players. We also know where the bones are buried and the pressure points for the cruise lines. Let us help you get justice free of charge. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t get paid unless we get you paid.
Time Limits Matter: Statute of Limitations
Cruise injury claims must often be filed within one year of the incident—much shorter than typical personal injury cases. Additionally, injured passengers must provide written notice to Royal Caribbean within six months. Missing these deadlines can result in your case being dismissed.
This is one reason why it’s essential to consult a qualified Royal Caribbean injury attorney as soon as possible. Perkins handles Royal Caribbean injuries regularly, as well as cases against Carnival the largest cruise line and Norwegian Cruise Lines, the third largest. We know cruise injury law, that’s what we do. Get a free case review to see what your car might be worth.
What You Need to Prove
To succeed in a Royal Caribbean injury lawsuit, you must show:
- That the cruise line had a duty of care to keep passengers safe
- That it breached this duty through negligence
- That this breach directly caused your injury
- That you suffered actual damages, such as medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering
Real Case Example: Broken Ankle on the Pool Deck
In one real case handled by Perkins Law Offices, a Royal Caribbean passenger broke her ankle after slipping on an unmarked wet area near the pool. Surveillance footage showed no warning signs were posted, and the crew failed to respond quickly. Of course they put out this yellow caution, wet floor signs after the fall and tried to slam our client for not paying attention and wearing flip flops. The firm was able to recover a significant confidential settlement to cover her medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering from the surgery.
Why Perkins Law Offices?
Navigating a Royal Caribbean injury lawsuit is not something you want to do alone. Federal court and maritime law is complicated. As the old saying goes, “The man who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client”. Statistics show people who hire a personal injury lawyer will get much more money than someone who represents themselves. I’ve never seen a passenger successfully represent themselves against a cruise line. At Perkins Law Offices, we:
- Focus on maritime injury law
- Have a proven track record against major cruise lines
- Offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case
- Are located in Miami, where Royal Caribbean lawsuits must be filed if the cruise touched a US port.
Our goal is to give cruise ship injury victims the legal firepower they need to take on powerful corporations.
Steps to Take After a Cruise Ship Injury
If you’ve been injured aboard a Royal Caribbean ship, follow these steps:
- Report the incident immediately to the ship’s staff and ask for a written report.
- Document everything: Take photos, record witness statements, and keep all medical records.
- Do not sign anything that waives your rights without speaking to an attorney.
- Contact Perkins Law Offices as soon as possible for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is a Royal Caribbean injury lawsuit worth?
The value of your case depends on the severity of your injury, medical costs, lost wages, and physical and emotional trauma. Settlements can range from tens of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars. We take serious cases with significant injuries.
Do I need to file my lawsuit in Miami?
Yes, most Royal Caribbean tickets require that lawsuits be filed in federal court in Miami, Florida. Perkins Law Offices is located in Miami and well-equipped to handle these cases.
Do I have to travel to Florida to file a claim against Royal Caribbean?
No, you do not need to travel to Florida to hire us and file a claim. Even if we file a lawsuit you still most likely will not need to come to Florida unless there is a trial or other compelling legal reason where the Court requires it. 99% of injury cases settle without trial and with the event of technology like Zoom, many legal proceedings that me require attendance are done remotely.
Can I sue for emotional distress if I was physically injured?
Yes, especially if the injury involved trauma such as sexual assault. Emotional damages can be a significant part of your compensation in a sexual assault or ape claim or in a wrongful death of a loved one or if you have sustained severe injury, disability or disfigurement.
What if I was injured during a shore excursion?
If Royal Caribbean advertised or arranged the excursion, you may still have a claim—even if a third party was involved. Each case depends on the level of control and promotion by the cruise line as well disclaimers in terms and conditions
How long does the lawsuit process take?
Cruise ship injury cases can take several months to over a year to resolve, depending on the complexity of the case and whether a settlement is reached or the case is hotly contested as far as liability.
Let Perkins Fight for Your Rights
An injury on a cruise ship can derail your life—but it doesn’t have to derail your future. Royal Caribbean has a legal team; so should you. If you or a loved one has been hurt, don’t wait. Contact Perkins Law Offices in Miami today and let our cruise injury lawyers help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation now and learn if you have a case.
Perkins Law Offices: Maritime Injury Attorneys in Miami — Holding Cruise Lines Accountable.
