Royal Caribbean Hit with Lawsuit Over Passenger’s Fatal Jump from Balcony
The family of a woman who went overboard on Allure of the Seas during a Taylor Swift-themed cruise has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Group, alleging that the cruise line’s unlimited drink package contributed to her death.
The Incident
On October 22, 2024, 66-year-old Dulcie White was reported overboard while the Allure of the Seas sailed roughly 17 miles north of Nassau during a four-night themed voyage.
Local authorities later confirmed that White had jumped from the 14th deck of the ship.
Despite extensive search and rescue efforts by the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, the U.S. Coast Guard, and even Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, her body was never recovered.
Claims Against Royal Caribbean
White’s daughter, Megan Klewin, says her mother had purchased Royal Caribbean’s deluxe drink package — an add-on that allows unlimited alcoholic beverages — and alleges it played a role in the tragedy.
“Because of that drink package, she did overdo it, trying to maybe get her money’s worth,” Klewin told CBS News. “She was completely intoxicated in a way I haven’t seen before. It saddens me that that is my last memory of her.”
According to the lawsuit, filed in Miami-Dade County, crew members served White seven alcoholic beverages over roughly six hours, ignoring clear signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, stammering, and trouble standing. Another passenger eventually helped her back to her stateroom.
Once there, Klewin recalled seeing her mother walk toward the balcony — where they had been keeping luggage to free up cabin space — before climbing onto the railing. “I wasn’t looking, and the next time I did, I saw her back. She was seated on the edge of the balcony and then fell over before I could get to her,” Klewin said.
Questions About the Response
The lawsuit further claims that the Allure of the Seas did not turn around or deploy rescue boats after White went overboard, though Royal Caribbean has said its crew “immediately launched a search and rescue effort” and coordinated with authorities.
The family’s attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, noted that the High Seas Act may limit financial damages, but emphasized that the goal is accountability, not compensation. “A victory in this case would be if Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines — Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian — decide to discontinue these all-you-can-drink packages,” Aronfeld said.
Royal Caribbean’s Statement
Royal Caribbean Group has declined to comment on the pending litigation, a standard practice during active legal proceedings.
A Family Seeking Change
White’s family says their lawsuit aims to prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreak. “It will haunt us for the rest of our lives,” Klewin said. “I feel the overconsumption and overservice of alcohol was the cause of this. These crew members are incentivized to keep serving because that’s how they make their tips.”
The case highlights a growing debate in the cruise industry over unlimited drink packages — a popular but controversial perk that some critics say encourages dangerous levels of consumption at sea.
