One cruise passenger’s thrill-seeking adventure at a private island took a disastrous turn, leading her to take legal action against Royal Caribbean.
Jessica Haro was sailing on Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, when it stopped at Perfect Day at CocoCay on 20th December 2024.
The private island, known for its beaches and water attractions, was the final destination before the ship completed its seven-night roundtrip cruise from Miami.
Looking to make the most of her visit, Haro joined a 75-minute guided jet ski excursion, Perfect Day at CocoCay Guided Wave Jet Tour – Driver. Marketed as beginner-friendly, the tour allows participants as young as 16 to operate a jet ski, whether solo or with a passenger.
However, the experience took a devastating turn when, according to Haro, one of the tour guides struck her jet ski at high speed, resulting in severe injuries.
She claims the guide attempted to pass her but instead crashed into her from behind, sending his jet ski over hers and directly onto her body.
Haro suffered multiple spinal fractures and internal injuries that she says will have lasting consequences, requiring ongoing medical treatment.
Seeking justice and compensation, she has filed a federal lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, demanding more than $5 million in damages, including medical expenses and legal fees.
Claims of negligence and safety concerns
The lawsuit, filed on 10th February 2025 by Haro’s attorney, Justin Shapiro of Lessfield & Partners, argues that Royal Caribbean was responsible for the accident.
It states, “In the course of the jet ski tour, Royal Caribbean’s tour guide, who was hired to protect Ms. Haro, suddenly and recklessly crashed his jet ski into the rear of Ms. Haro’s jet ski at a high rate of speed while trying to pass her.”
The suit also highlights Haro’s lack of experience with jet skis, saying she had trusted the cruise line’s description of the excursion as suitable for novices.
Royal Caribbean requires all jet ski participants to wear life jackets and sign a liability waiver before the excursion.
The waiver acknowledges the risks of operating a personal watercraft and releases the company from responsibility in case of accidents.
The cruise line also prohibits alcohol consumption before the activity and advises against participation for guests with certain medical conditions.
Previous legal battles over jet ski incidents
This is not the first time Royal Caribbean has faced a lawsuit over a jet ski excursion at CocoCay.
A similar case arose in 2013 when a passenger on Monarch of the Seas claimed they were injured in a jet ski crash during a tour on the island, before it was known as Perfect Day at CocoCay.
In that case, Royal Caribbean attempted to dismiss responsibility by citing the liability waiver signed by the passenger.
However, a U.S. District Court judge ruled that the waiver could not exempt the company from claims related to negligence.
Despite these legal disputes, jet ski accidents at CocoCay remain rare. The island hosts over 2.5 million visitors annually, and the excursion continues to receive positive reviews from participants.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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