Florida Family Sues Royal Caribbean over Cruise Balcony Death
The family of Dulcie White has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean following her tragic fall from a cruise ship. The incident occurred on October 22, 2024, during a Taylor Swift-themed cruise aboard the Allure of the Seas. Her body has yet to be recovered, and her family is seeking accountability for her death.
Details of the Lawsuit Against Royal Caribbean
Dulcie White, 66, was reportedly served seven alcoholic beverages within a span of approximately six hours and eight minutes. Her daughter, Megan Klewin, stated that White had purchased an unlimited drink package, which encouraged her to overindulge in alcohol. According to the lawsuit filed in Miami-Dade County, the crew ignored signs of White’s significant intoxication, including slurred speech and difficulty standing.
Negligence Allegations
- White was seen by her daughter struggling to navigate the ship after consuming alcohol.
- A fellow passenger assisted her back to their cabin before the incident.
- Once inside, White went towards the balcony, where they kept their luggage to save space.
- Klewin saw her mother sitting on the edge of the balcony just before the fall.
The lawsuit claims that the crew failed to attempt a rescue after White fell from the balcony, as the cruise ship did not turn around nor deploy rescue boats.
Family’s Quest for Accountability
Klewin expressed profound grief, stating that the incident will haunt them forever. She believes that the overconsumption and over-service of alcohol played a crucial role in her mother’s death. Attorney Spencer Aronfeld, representing the family, noted that they are not seeking a significant payout; instead, they want accountability from Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines.
He emphasized that a victory in this case would encourage cruise lines to reconsider the practice of offering unlimited drink packages.
Implications for the Cruise Industry
The family hopes that their legal battle will prompt Royal Caribbean and other major cruise lines, such as Carnival, Celebrity, and Norwegian, to reevaluate their alcohol service policies. The High Seas Act may limit monetary compensation, but the primary goal is to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Royal Caribbean Group has declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. Meanwhile, the loss of Dulcie White continues to weigh heavily on her loved ones as they seek justice.
