Jet Ski Accident at CocoCay Leads to Lawsuit Against Royal Caribbean
Jessica Haro’s day at Perfect Day at CocoCay took an unexpected turn during a guided jet ski tour on December 20, 2024. According to Haro, a Royal Caribbean-employed guide collided with her jet ski, causing severe injuries including four spinal fractures.
On February 10, 2025, Haro filed a federal lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, seeking over $5 million in compensation. The lawsuit alleges that the company:
- Failed to properly label the excursion as safe for beginners
- Provided inadequate training and supervision of tour guides
This isn’t Royal Caribbean’s first legal challenge regarding jet ski accidents at CocoCay. In 2013, a similar case resulted in a judge ruling liability waivers void in cases of negligence.
Royal Caribbean has not yet responded to the current lawsuit.
Allegations Against Royal Caribbean
The lawsuit details several allegations against Royal Caribbean, focusing on the company’s alleged negligence in ensuring guest safety during excursions. Key points include:
- Inadequate training and supervision of tour guides
- Failure to provide essential safety instructions
- Misrepresentation of the excursion as safe for beginners
Attorney Justin Shapiro argues that Royal Caribbean overlooked crucial safety measures, potentially endangering novice jet ski enthusiasts. The lawsuit suggests this may be part of a broader pattern of safety oversights.
"The tour guide ultimately drove his jet ski over the top of Ms. Haro's jet ski, causing a violent impact with Ms. Haro's body,"
The case draws parallels to a 2013 incident at CocoCay, where Royal Caribbean faced similar allegations. In that instance, a judge ruled that liability waivers were not valid in cases of negligence.
As the lawsuit unfolds, the cruise industry watches closely to see how Royal Caribbean will respond and whether this case will prompt changes in excursion safety practices across the sector.
Impact and Implications for the Cruise Industry
The Haro lawsuit could have far-reaching effects on the cruise industry’s approach to shore excursions and safety protocols. Cruise lines may need to reassess their balance between offering thrilling experiences and ensuring passenger safety.
Recent statistics highlight the risks associated with water activities. U.S. Coast Guard data from 2023 reported 1,120 recreational vessel collisions, resulting in 43 fatalities and 562 injuries. While jet skiing accidents represent only a portion of these incidents, they underscore the need for robust safety measures.
Potential industry-wide changes could include:
- Enhanced training programs for tour guides
- Stricter enforcement of safety protocols
- More comprehensive pre-excursion safety briefings
- Reevaluation of liability waiver effectiveness
The challenge for cruise lines will be maintaining the appeal of adventurous activities while prioritizing guest safety. This may involve striking a balance between excitement and caution in marketing materials and excursion descriptions.
As the industry navigates these changes, passengers can expect a renewed focus on safety without sacrificing the thrill of cruise adventures. The goal is to create an environment where guests can enjoy exciting experiences with greater peace of mind.
- U.S. Coast Guard. Recreational Boating Statistics 2023. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Homeland Security; 2024.