Family sues Royal Caribbean after mum ‘was served too much booze’ before falling overboard

The incident occurred on October 22 2024, aboard the Allure of the Seas, approximately 17 miles from Nassau's coastline.

Ms White had purchased an all-inclusive drinks package for the voyage, with cruise packages starting at over £1000.

Her family alleges that staff members continuously provided her with alcohol despite clear signs of inebriation, ultimately contributing to the fatal fall from the ship's deck.

Court documents submitted in Miami-Dade County detail allegations that crew members provided Ms White with seven alcoholic drinks over roughly six hours.

The legal filing asserts that staff continued serving alcohol despite White displaying clear indicators of intoxication, including impaired speech and unsteady movement.

The victim's daughter, Megan Klewin, explained that her mother had acquired an unlimited beverage package, which typically adds £63-71 daily to cruise costs. Klewin suggested her mother might have consumed excessively whilst attempting to maximise the package's value.

"She was completely intoxicated in a way I haven't seen before," Klewin stated to CBS News.

Klewin recounted the tragic moment to CBS News, explaining she believed her mother had gone to inspect her luggage.

"I wasn't looking and the next chance that I did look up, I saw her back," she revealed. "She was seated on the edge of the balcony like she had climbed up."

The daughter described how White perched on the railing before tumbling into the ocean. "She was seated and then fell over before I could get to her," Klewin said.

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The bereaved daughter expressed profound sorrow that her final recollection involved witnessing her mother in such a state.

"It saddens me that that is my last memory of her," she told the broadcaster.

The family's legal representative, Spencer Aronfeld, expressed hope that the proceedings might prompt fundamental changes to cruise industry practices.

"I think 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 (alcohol) drink packages," he stated.

The lawsuit disputes whether adequate rescue measures were implemented, though reports indicate both American Coast Guard and Royal Bahamian Defence Force vessels participated in search operations.

A Royal Caribbean representative confirmed the company's "crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort and is working with local authorities."

Fellow passengers Ashley and Marie Sindaco witnessed the aftermath, describing a three-hour search operation involving multiple vessels, including the sister ship Utopia of the Seas.

GB News has approached Royal Caribbean for a comment.