Royal Caribbean Faces Lawsuit After Guest’s Tragic Fall Overboard

What started as a dream cruise quickly turned into a nightmare at sea. A family celebrating together on Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas says their vacation ended in heartbreak, and now they’re taking the cruise line to court. The shocking new lawsuit, filed in Miami, claims this tragedy could have been prevented.

Aerial view of the Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas, with its distinctive open-air aqua theater and multiple sports courts, gliding through the serene blue ocean during a warm, golden hour.

The Lawsuit and Allegations

Royal Caribbean is now facing a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of 66-year-old Dulcie White, who went overboard during a Taylor Swift-themed cruise aboard Allure of the Seas in 2024. The case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, alleges that the cruise line played a direct role in White’s death – both by over-serving her alcohol and by failing to properly search for her once she disappeared.

The suit, brought by White’s husband and daughter, claims that crew members continued to serve her alcoholic drinks long after she showed signs of severe intoxication. Attorneys argue that this negligence, combined with an inadequate response once she fell from her balcony, contributed to a tragedy that could have been avoided.

What Happened on Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, captured from an aerial angle as it sails the open sea. The ship's deck bustles with amenities, including an aqua theater and green spaces, against the vast backdrop of the ocean.

The four-night Allure of the Seas sailing left PortMiami on October 21, 2024, promising a fun-filled Taylor Swift-themed cruise through the Caribbean. But on the second night, tragedy struck. According to the lawsuit, Dulcie White spent the afternoon visiting several onboard venues, including Sorrento’s Pizzeria, the Sand Bar, and Studio B, where she was allegedly served at least seven alcoholic drinks between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Her daughter, Megan Klewin, who was traveling with her on the voyage, told reporters that her mother was “completely intoxicated” by the evening. Another passenger had reportedly helped White back to her balcony stateroom. Moments later, Klewin says she saw her mother sit on the balcony railing, before falling overboard into the darkness below.

Inside the Legal Claims

Bartender with colorful tattoos preparing a cocktail at Royal Caribbean's Bamboo Room, twisting orange peel over a classic drink garnished with a cherry.

The lawsuit, filed by Miami-based Aronfeld Trial Lawyers, centers on two main claims: over-service of alcohol and a lack of adequate search procedures. Attorneys allege that Royal Caribbean’s crew served Dulcie White multiple drinks across three venues even after she was visibly intoxicated. The complaint states that the cruise line failed to enforce its own alcohol policies and acted negligently in ensuring guest safety.

The suit also claims that the ship’s response to the overboard report was insufficient. According to the filing, crew members did not immediately initiate a proper search, despite being alerted to the incident. Spencer Aronfeld, representing the family, said in a statement that the goal of the lawsuit is to hold the cruise industry accountable for what he calls “a pattern of profit over safety.”

Search and Rescue Efforts

A bright red Coast Guard helicopter hovers above the ocean, lowering a rescue worker on a harness toward the water. Several boats and yachts are in the background, with waves disturbed by the helicopter's rotor wash. The clear blue sky and scattered clouds create a dramatic backdrop for the rescue operation.

Court documents allege that Royal Caribbean failed to properly search for Dulcie White after she fell from her stateroom balcony. However, reports from the time of the incident suggest that an immediate response took place. According to multiple sources, Allure of the Seas issued an “Oscar, Oscar, Oscar” emergency call around 9:40 p.m. on October 22, 2024, alerting the crew to a person overboard.

Searchlights were deployed, and rescue boats were launched to scour the area near Nassau, Bahamas. The nearby Utopia of the Seas also altered its course to assist in the operation. Royal Caribbean coordinated with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the U.S. Coast Guard, both of which joined the search by sea and air.

After 15 hours of searching, authorities called off the operation. White’s body was never recovered. The family maintains that not enough was done in those critical first moments – a point that will likely become central in the upcoming legal battle.

Cruise Industry Context

While overboard cases are rare, they remain one of the most serious incidents that can occur at sea. According to maritime safety reports, the vast majority of cruises sail without any such emergencies, but when they do happen, they attract major public attention. The lawsuit against Royal Caribbean comes amid several other recent overboard cases that have reignited debate about cruise line safety standards.

Just days before the lawsuit was announced, a passenger went missing from Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel while sailing near the Azores during a transatlantic crossing. A week later, a crew member from Viking Cruises’ Viking Star went overboard in the Aegean Sea. Both incidents prompted large-scale search operations, but neither individual was found.

These cases have renewed questions about over-service of alcohol, balcony safety, and onboard monitoring systems. Cruise lines have invested in new technology, including motion sensors and overboard detection systems, but critics argue more consistent safety measures are needed across the industry.

Final Word

The family of Dulcie White is seeking a jury trial and all damages allowed under maritime and state laws. As of now, Royal Caribbean has not issued a public comment on the case. The lawsuit adds new attention to how cruise lines handle alcohol service and onboard emergencies, particularly when lives are at stake.

For now, the legal process will determine whether this tragedy was an isolated event or a sign of deeper issues within the cruise industry. What’s certain is that a family’s vacation ended in unimaginable loss, and their fight for accountability has only just begun.