Cruise Passenger Files Lawsuit After Jet Ski Accident at Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay Island
A thrilling shore excursion turned into a nightmare for Jessica Haro during her cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. On December 20, 2024, at a stop at the cruise line’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Haro signed up for a beginner-level jet ski excursion. She was seriously injured after a tour guide allegedly crashed into her at high speed. Haro now seeks justice, claiming negligence in a lawsuit filed against Royal Caribbean.
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Jet Ski Excursion Turns Tragic for Royal Caribbean Passenger
Jessica Haro, along with 12 other participants, was enjoying a guided jet ski excursion on the final day of her 7-night cruise when disaster struck. The excursion, marketed as beginner-friendly, became the scene of a high-speed collision, allegedly caused by one of the guides. Haro was hit by the guide’s jet ski, resulting in four spinal fractures and extensive internal injuries. Her injuries are described as permanent, necessitating long-term medical care.
Despite being inexperienced with personal watercraft, Haro had chosen the tour based on Royal Caribbean’s marketing, which touted the excursion as ideal for novice operators. The cruise line’s efforts to make the activity accessible to first-timers are now at the center of the lawsuit, which claims that Haro was not only inadequately prepared but also put at risk by the reckless actions of the tour guide.
The Lawsuit and Allegations of Negligence
The lawsuit was filed on February 10, 2025 by Haro’s attorney, Justin Shapiro of Lessfield & Partners in Miami. In it, Shapiro accuses Royal Caribbean of negligence, claiming that the tour guide acted recklessly. The suit details how the guide attempted to pass Haro at high speed but ultimately collided with her, causing violent injuries.
According to the filing, the guide’s actions contradicted the safety guidelines provided by the company, which aimed to ensure safe experiences for guests, particularly those with little to no experience with jet skis. The lawsuit highlights the expectation that Royal Caribbean’s employees, specifically the guides, should prioritize safety above all else.
The Perfect Day at CocoCay Jet Ski Tour
Royal Caribbean offers jet ski tours as part of its exclusive experiences at Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private destination in the Bahamas. The “Wave Jet Guided Tour” is a one-hour and fifteen-minute excursion, allowing guests to operate their jet skis or ride as passengers. The company’s Cruise Planner assures participants that the tour is suitable for beginners and provides safety briefs and instructions.
However, the excursion is not without warnings. Guests are advised not to drink alcohol before participating, and those with medical conditions, such as asthma or heart problems, are cautioned to consider their health before booking. Guests must also sign a liability waiver, releasing the company from responsibility in the event of accidents or injuries.
A History of Jet Ski Accidents at CocoCay
This isn’t the first time that jet ski accidents have made headlines at Perfect Day at CocoCay. In 2013, a lawsuit was filed by Linda Arnold, who claimed to have been injured in a similar accident while jet skiing on the island in 2011. Arnold’s jet ski was struck by another passenger’s watercraft, leading to her injuries. The court found the waiver used by Royal Caribbean to limit its liability to be invalid in cases of negligence, which has implications for the ongoing case of Jessica Haro.
