Royal Caribbean Sued After Passenger Suffers Fractured Neck on FlowRider
A passenger is suing Royal Caribbean after suffering a fractured neck on the FlowRider surf simulator aboard the Adventure of the Seas, alleging negligence and misdiagnosis.
A former Royal Caribbean guest is suing the cruise line for negligence after sustaining a fractured neck and other serious injuries while using the FlowRider surf simulator on the Adventure of the Seas in February 2025. The passenger, Jason Keller, alleges that the cruise line failed to address dangerous conditions with the attraction and that the onboard medical team misdiagnosed his critical injury, leading to worsened health outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- A passenger suffered a fractured neck and other injuries on the Adventure of the Seas' FlowRider.
- The lawsuit claims negligence by Royal Caribbean and misdiagnosis by onboard medical staff.
- Allegations include a potentially modified, more dangerous version of the FlowRider and a lack of updated safety features.
The Incident and Allegations
Jason Keller was reportedly using the FlowRider surf simulator when he "violently fell, headfirst," resulting in a fractured neck and subsequent complications, including multiple strokes and left-side weakness. The lawsuit, filed in February 2026, contends that Royal Caribbean was negligent in its maintenance and operation of the attraction. Keller also claims that the medical staff onboard misdiagnosed his neck injury as less severe than it was, delaying proper treatment and exacerbating his condition. As a result, Keller is seeking compensation for physical and mental suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, medical expenses, and lost income.
Concerns About the FlowRider Attraction
The lawsuit further alleges that the FlowRider on the Adventure of the Seas may have been modified to be more dangerous than standard versions. According to the claim, the attraction was "shortened" to better fit the ship, although the specific dimensions have not been publicly detailed. Additionally, the suit points out that the FlowRider brand has reportedly begun using "pillow padding" in recovery zones to enhance safety, a feature that Keller claims Royal Caribbean had not yet implemented on the Adventure of the Seas.
Assumption of Risk and Waivers
Royal Caribbean's FlowRider is described as an extreme sport with inherent risks. The cruise line's website explicitly warns that participation in activities like sheet wave surfing carries the possibility of serious injury, including to the head, neck, and back, and even death. Passengers are required to sign a waiver acknowledging these risks before using the attraction. Height restrictions are also enforced by crew members to ensure the safest possible use, with participation limited to guests between 52 and 58 inches tall. Neither Royal Caribbean nor Keller's attorney have publicly commented on the ongoing lawsuit.