LAWSUIT CLAIMS CRUISE STAFF OVERSERVED ALCOHOL; COMPANY SAYS IT IS REVIEWING THE ALLEGATIONS
A family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging a passenger died after being served 33 alcoholic drinks during a cruise.
Royal Caribbean is facing a new wrongful-death lawsuit after a family alleged that a passenger died following what they describe as extreme overserving of alcohol aboard one of the company’s cruise ships. According to the complaint, the passenger was allegedly served 33 alcoholic beverages over the course of the trip before suffering a medical emergency.
The lawsuit claims that cruise staff failed to intervene despite visible signs of intoxication, arguing that the company neglected its responsibility to monitor alcohol consumption and ensure passenger safety. The family asserts that the overserving contributed to the medical crisis that ultimately led to the passenger’s death.
Royal Caribbean has not publicly commented in detail on the lawsuit but said in a brief statement that it is reviewing the allegations and will respond through the legal process. The company also emphasized that guest safety remains its “top priority.”
Legal experts note that overserving claims at sea can raise complex questions under maritime law, which governs cruise-ship liability and passenger protections. Establishing fault, they say, typically requires showing that staff knowingly violated alcohol-service protocols or ignored safety guidelines.
The incident has reignited debate over alcohol policies aboard cruise ships, where unlimited drink packages, late-night events and vacation environments often contribute to high consumption levels. Consumer advocates say the case could spur broader reform if the court finds evidence of negligence.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and is expected to proceed to preliminary hearings in the coming months.
