Tragedy on the High Seas: Family Alleges Negligence in Mother's Fatal Fall on Taylor Swift-Themed Cruise
A mother-daughter trip took a tragic turn when Dulcie White, 66, fell overboard during a Taylor Swift-themed cruise with Royal Caribbean on October 22, 2024. White's family alleges that despite showing signs of severe intoxication, crew members continued to serve her alcohol. The family claims in a wrongful death lawsuit that the cruise ship did not take immediate action after White fell from the balcony. White had purchased an "unlimited alcoholic beverages" package and consumed seven drinks within six hours and eight minutes, despite showing signs of intoxication. Another passenger helped White back to her cabin, where she tragically fell from the balcony before her daughter could intervene.
Megan Klewin, White's daughter, expressed her distress over her mother's last moments, recalling her severe intoxication. She criticized the cruise line's all-you-can-drink packages, suggesting that crew members are motivated to keep serving alcohol to earn tips. The family believes that the existence of such packages contributed to White's overconsumption and that crew members should have recognized the signs of intoxication and stopped serving her. Klewin emphasized the lasting impact of the tragedy on their family, attributing White's death to overconsumption and over-service of alcohol.
Royal Caribbean declined to comment on the pending litigation, stating it is their policy not to do so. The family's attorney, Spencer Aronfeld, argued that White's death should not be labeled as an accident but rather as a consequence of a broader industry pattern where cruise lines profit from serving excessive alcohol, endangering passengers. The family is seeking justice for White's death and hopes to raise awareness about the risks associated with unlimited alcohol packages on cruises.