Full Breakdown
Family Sues Royal Caribbean After Mother Falls Overboard on Taylor Swift-Themed Cruise
11/2/2025, 10:52:31 AM
Incident Overview
Dulcie White, a 66-year-old woman from Westmoreland, New York, fell overboard from the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Allure of the Seas on October 22, 2024, during a Taylor Swift-themed cruise. Her family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging that the crew overserved her alcohol, contributing to her fatal fall. White's body has not been recovered, and the incident occurred approximately 17 miles north of Nassau, Bahamas.
Details of Alcohol Service
According to the lawsuit filed in the Southern District of Florida, White purchased an unlimited alcoholic beverage package, which allowed her to consume drinks throughout the cruise. Her family claims she was served at least seven alcoholic beverages over a span of six hours and eight minutes. Witnesses reported that White exhibited clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, swaying, and glassy eyes, while in plain view of the crew. Megan Klewin, White's daughter, stated, “She was completely intoxicated in a way I haven’t seen before,” emphasizing that her mother was trying to maximize the value of the drink package.
Circumstances Leading to the Fall
After being assisted back to her cabin by another passenger around 7:30 p.m., White later went out onto the balcony, where she was seen sitting on the railing before falling into the sea. Klewin described the moment, stating, “I wasn’t looking and the next chance that I did look up, I saw her back. She was seated and then fell over before I could get to her.” The incident occurred shortly before 9:40 p.m.
Allegations Against Royal Caribbean
The lawsuit accuses Royal Caribbean of negligence, claiming that crew members failed to stop serving White alcohol despite her visible intoxication. The family also alleges that the cruise line did not follow proper rescue protocols after White fell overboard, as the ship did not turn around or launch rescue boats immediately. Instead, the search for White was conducted by the Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the U.S. Coast Guard, but it was suspended within 24 hours without finding her body.
Official Statements & Responses
Spencer Aronfeld, the family's attorney, criticized Royal Caribbean's practices, stating, “Royal Caribbean didn’t just sell drinks—it sold danger.” He expressed hope that the lawsuit would lead to changes in how cruise lines manage alcohol service, particularly regarding all-you-can-drink packages. Royal Caribbean has not commented on the ongoing litigation but has stated that they immediately alerted authorities following the incident.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the cruise industry's alcohol policies argue that the incentive structure for crew members encourages over-serving, which can lead to dangerous situations for passengers. The lawsuit seeks accountability not only for White's death but also aims to prompt a reevaluation of alcohol service practices across the cruise industry.
What's Next
The lawsuit, filed by White's husband, Terry White, and her daughter, is set to proceed in court. The family hopes that a favorable outcome will lead to significant changes in the cruise industry, particularly the discontinuation of unlimited alcohol packages that may compromise passenger safety.
