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Royal Caribbean is facing legal action after a passenger claims a serious injury suffered on one of its ships was mishandled by onboard medical staff.
The lawsuit centers around an accident involving the popular FlowRider surf simulator on Adventure of the Seas, which allegedly left the guest with life-changing injuries.
The injured passenger, Jason Keller, says the accident occurred on February 3, 2025, while he was attempting to use the surf simulator.
During the activity, Keller reportedly lost control and fell headfirst, resulting in a fractured neck and additional trauma.
According to court filings submitted on February 9, 2026, Keller is accusing Royal Caribbean of negligence, claiming the cruise line failed to ensure proper safety and medical care following the incident.
Injury Allegedly Led to Strokes and Long-Term Damage
The legal complaint states that Keller’s injuries went beyond the initial fracture.
He claims the untreated or improperly diagnosed injury caused multiple strokes, which left him with lasting physical impairments, including weakness on the left side of his body.
Although the ship’s medical team provided initial treatment, Keller alleges they failed to correctly identify the severity of his neck injury.
Because of this, he says his condition worsened significantly over time.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
Keller argues that the cruise line’s response fell short of what should be expected in such a serious medical emergency.
Safety Concerns Raised About FlowRider Design
The lawsuit also raises questions about the safety of the FlowRider attraction itself.
Keller claims the version installed on Adventure of the Seas may present higher risks because of design differences.
FlowRider is a surf simulation attraction found on many Royal Caribbean ships.
It uses powerful jets to send approximately 30,000 gallons of water across a sloped surface, allowing guests to try surfing or boogie boarding in a controlled environment.
However, Keller alleges that newer versions of the attraction include additional safety improvements, such as enhanced protective padding in recovery areas.
According to the claim, these updates were not present on the ship where his accident occurred.
Royal Caribbean has not publicly responded to these specific allegations.
Cruise Line Warns Guests About Risks in Advance
Royal Caribbean does provide clear warnings about the potential dangers of participating in FlowRider activities.
The company classifies the simulator as a high-risk recreational attraction, noting that injuries can occur, including serious harm to the neck, spine, or head.
Passengers are required to sign liability waivers before using the attraction, confirming that they understand and accept the risks involved.
The cruise line also enforces safety rules, including height requirements and operational guidelines.
Despite these precautions, Keller’s lawsuit argues that additional safety measures and proper medical evaluation could have prevented his condition from worsening.
Part of a Series of Legal Challenges
This is not the only recent legal issue involving onboard attractions.
Royal Caribbean has faced multiple lawsuits in recent months, including claims tied to ride malfunctions and onboard incidents.
The outcome of Keller’s case could potentially influence future safety procedures and how cruise lines handle onboard injuries and medical care.
At this time, neither Royal Caribbean nor Keller’s legal team has released further public statements about the ongoing case.
