USA–Bahamas Cruise Dispute: Royal Caribbean Faces Negligence Lawsuit Over FlowRider Injury on Adventure of the Seas

A fresh legal battle has been initiated in the United States following a serious onboard incident involving the Royal Caribbean FlowRider Surf Simulator aboard Adventure of the Seas. The case stems from an injury sustained during a February 3, 2025 sailing, when a guest was reported to have fallen headfirst while using the popular surf attraction. The lawsuit, filed on February 9, 2026, has placed Royal Caribbean under renewed scrutiny, particularly regarding safety protocols and medical response procedures at sea.

The incident occurred during a voyage frequently associated with itineraries between the United States and the Bahamas, two destinations central to the cruise industry’s operations. Allegations of negligence have been raised, including claims that onboard medical staff misdiagnosed the severity of the injury. The legal complaint also questions whether design differences in the attraction may have increased risk levels. As the cruise line continues to operate one of the largest fleets in the world, the case has drawn attention from legal observers and cruise safety advocates across the United States.

Details of the Incident at Sea

The injury reportedly took place while Jason Keller, a passenger sailing aboard Adventure of the Seas, attempted to surf on the FlowRider attraction. During the activity, a violent fall was said to have occurred, resulting in Keller landing headfirst. A fractured neck was sustained, along with additional injuries.

According to the filed complaint, the neck fracture allegedly led to multiple strokes. Ongoing medical complications were described, including weakness on the left side of the body. The consequences were said to have extended beyond immediate physical trauma, affecting overall quality of life.

Adventure of the Seas, a 3,807-guest vessel weighing 138,193 gross tons, is part of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager-class fleet and frequently sails routes connecting the United States with Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas. Attractions like the FlowRider Surf Simulator are marketed as signature features designed to enhance onboard experiences.

Allegations of Medical Misdiagnosis

Immediate medical care was reportedly provided onboard following the fall. However, the lawsuit alleges that the severity of the neck injury was not correctly identified by the ship’s medical team. The condition was allegedly assessed as less serious than it ultimately proved to be.

It has been claimed that the misdiagnosis resulted in a lack of timely and appropriate treatment, potentially contributing to worsening complications. As a result, long-term medical challenges were reportedly experienced.

The plaintiff, identified as a Pennsylvania resident, has sought compensation for medical expenses, lost income, physical suffering, mental distress, and diminished enjoyment of life. The lawsuit contends that the cruise line failed to uphold a reasonable standard of care in both maintaining the attraction and responding medically after the incident.

Questions Raised About Attraction Design

Central to the case are claims that the version of the FlowRider Surf Simulator installed on Adventure of the Seas may differ in size from those found on other ships in the fleet. The complaint suggests that the attraction was shortened to better accommodate the ship’s layout.

While public filings have not disclosed the precise dimensions of the onboard installation, it has been alleged that the reduced length may have affected safety margins. The FlowRider is described on Royal Caribbean’s website as a 40-foot-long surf simulator powered by 30,000 gallons of rushing water, designed to allow guests to attempt surfing or boogie boarding in a controlled setting.

The attraction is widely available across multiple classes of Royal Caribbean ships, including the Icon-class, Voyager-class, Quantum-class, Freedom-class, and Oasis-class vessels. Select ships such as Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas are equipped with two FlowRider installations.

Additional claims within the lawsuit indicate that the FlowRider brand has begun implementing pillow padding in recovery zones to reduce injury risks. It has been alleged that such updates were not yet adopted aboard Adventure of the Seas at the time of the incident.

Assumption of Risk and Waivers

Participation in the FlowRider attraction is accompanied by clear risk disclosures. Guests are required to complete a waiver acknowledging the inherent dangers associated with the activity. The experience is described by Royal Caribbean as an extreme sport and high-risk recreational activity.

Potential injuries outlined in company advisories include harm to the head, neck, back, hips, arms, and legs, along with the possibility of severe outcomes such as paralysis or death. Height restrictions are also enforced for safety purposes, limiting participation to guests between 52 inches and 58 inches tall.

Such waivers and warnings are expected to form a key component of Royal Caribbean’s potential defense strategy. In maritime law, assumption of risk may reduce liability if participants are found to have knowingly accepted known dangers.

Broader Legal Context

The lawsuit emerges during a period in which Royal Caribbean has faced several legal challenges. In August 2025, legal action was taken after the Frightening Bolt waterslide reportedly shattered onboard Icon of the Seas, leading to passenger injury. Later in 2025, two wrongful death suits were also filed against the cruise line.

Although each case involves distinct circumstances, the accumulation of litigation has drawn public attention within the United States and internationally. Cruise operators that sail to destinations such as the Bahamas operate under complex maritime legal frameworks, often governed by federal courts in Florida.

As of the time of publication, neither Royal Caribbean nor Keller’s attorney, Luis Alexander Perez, has publicly commented on the matter.

Cruise Industry Safety and Innovation

The FlowRider Surf Simulator has long been marketed as a hallmark attraction, symbolizing innovation in cruise entertainment. By combining elements of surfing with controlled water propulsion technology, the attraction has been positioned as a high-energy activity that appeals to thrill-seekers.

However, attractions of this nature inherently carry elevated risks compared to passive entertainment options. As cruise ships continue to incorporate larger and more elaborate features, scrutiny over design standards, maintenance practices, and medical preparedness has intensified.

Cruise lines operating between the United States and Caribbean nations such as the Bahamas must balance passenger demand for adventurous experiences with robust safety oversight. Regulatory frameworks, industry standards, and corporate risk management strategies all play significant roles in shaping onboard safety measures.

What Comes Next

The case will proceed through the legal system in the United States, where maritime injury claims involving major cruise operators are typically adjudicated. Discovery processes are expected to examine maintenance records, design specifications, medical logs, and staff training procedures.

For passengers, the incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with high-adrenaline cruise attractions. For cruise operators, the lawsuit underscores the importance of continual safety evaluations and clear communication regarding onboard activities.

As legal proceedings unfold, attention will remain focused on whether negligence can be established and whether compensation will be awarded. The outcome may also influence future safety enhancements across Royal Caribbean’s fleet and potentially shape operational standards throughout the broader cruise industry.

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