Lawsuit Claims NY Mom Over-served Alcohol Before Fatal Cruise Fall
A New York family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, claiming that their mother was over-served alcohol before her tragic fall from a cruise ship. The case centers around Dulcie White, a 66-year-old woman, who disappeared into the Caribbean Sea on October 22, 2024, during a Taylor Swift-themed cruise aboard the Allure of the Seas.
Details Surrounding the Incident
Dulcie White was traveling with her daughter, Megan Klewin, when she fell from her cabin’s balcony. The incident occurred about 17 miles north of Nassau, Bahamas. According to the lawsuit, White had consumed seven alcoholic drinks over a period of six hours and eight minutes, leading to significant intoxication.
Family’s Claims Against Royal Caribbean
- Dulcie purchased an “unlimited alcoholic beverages” package as part of her cruise ticket.
- White exhibited clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and swaying, when served more drinks.
- The crew allegedly ignored her condition and continued serving her alcohol.
The family argues that this negligence contributed to her fatal plunge. Klewin described her mother as “completely intoxicated,” and expressed sorrow over the memory of her final moments.
Details of the Fall
At approximately 7:30 p.m., another passenger assisted White back to her cabin. Shortly after, Klewin observed her mother sitting on the railing of their balcony. Before she could intervene, White fell overboard into the sea around 9:40 p.m. The ship did not turn back nor launch rescue operations immediately after the fall, raising further concerns from the family about the crew’s response.
Search and Recovery Efforts
Despite the cruise ship’s lack of immediate action, the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a search operation. However, Dulcie White’s body has yet to be recovered.
Legal Action and Broader Implications
The lawsuit was filed by White’s husband, Terry, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The family’s attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, criticized cruise lines for promoting unlimited alcohol packages, suggesting they contribute to dangerous situations at sea.
- “Royal Caribbean didn’t just sell drinks—it sold danger,” Aronfeld stated.
- He called for changes in industry practices to prevent future tragedies.
This lawsuit is positioned not just as a personal grievance, but as a call for industry-wide reform. The family hopes that a verdict in their favor will deter cruise lines from offering excessive alcohol consumption options in the future.
