Family Sues Royal Caribbean After Mother Goes Overboard on Cruise

Miami, FL — A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against Royal Caribbean Group after a mother went overboard during a Taylor Swift-themed cruise last year. Dulcie White, 66, fell into the ocean on October 22, 2024, and her body has not been recovered.

Her daughter, Megan Klewin, claims that the cruise line’s crew served White too many alcoholic drinks, contributing to her mother’s tragic accident. According to Klewin, who filed the lawsuit in Miami-Dade County, White purchased an unlimited beverage package, which led her to drink excessively.

“She did overdo it, trying to maybe get her money’s worth,” Klewin said. “It saddens me that that is my last memory of her.” The lawsuit alleges that crew members served White at least seven alcoholic beverages over a period of about six hours, despite observable signs of intoxication.

White was reportedly slurring her speech, swaying, and struggling to remain upright when a fellow passenger helped her back to her cabin. Klewin explained that she saw her mother go toward the cabin balcony, presumably to check their luggage. “The next chance that I did look up, I saw her back. She was seated on the edge of the balcony like she had climbed up,” Klewin said. “She was seated and then fell over before I could get to her.”

The lawsuit also claims that despite being alerted about the incident, the cruise ship did not turn around or deploy rescue boats. The Royal Caribbean spokesperson commented, “We don’t comment on pending litigation.”

Klewin emphasized that the situation will haunt her family for life, as she blames the overconsumption of alcohol and the cruise line’s policies for her mother’s death. “These crew members are incentivized to continue to serve (alcohol) because that’s how they make their tips,” she stated.

The family seeks not only damages but also a change in policies regarding unlimited alcohol packages. Attorney Spencer Aronfeld, who represents White’s estate, believes positive changes in the cruise industry could stem from this case. “A victory would be if Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines discontinue these all-you-can-drink drink packages,” he said.

The event raises ongoing concerns regarding alcohol service aboard cruise ships and their potential impact on passenger safety.