US Court Denies Royal Caribbean's Bid to Force Arbitration in Ship Voyeurism Case
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TL;DR
- A US federal court denied Royal Caribbean's motion to compel arbitration in a class action over shipboard voyeurism.
- The court found that claims related to sexual assault and harassment are exempt under federal law from forced arbitration.
- The ruling cites the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act of 2022.
- The class action involves alleged hidden-camera recordings of guests on Symphony of the Seas.
Overview
A US federal judge has upheld a recommendation to deny Royal Caribbean Cruises' request to require arbitration for alleged victims in a shipboard voyeurism case. The case involves passengers on the Symphony of the Seas who were allegedly recorded by a crew member using hidden cameras. The court ruled that federal law bars forced arbitration for sexual assault or harassment claims.
What Happened
On April 22, 2026, US Magistrate Judge Detra Shaw-Wilder ruled that Royal Caribbean could not compel arbitration for passengers allegedly victimized by hidden-camera recordings on its cruise ship, Symphony of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean contended that passengers agreed to arbitrate such disputes via their ticket contracts, except in cases involving physical contact or sexual assault.
The plaintiffs argued that their claims fell under sexual assault or harassment, even without physical contact, and cited the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act (EFAA) of 2022.
US District Judge Darrin Gayles reviewed and fully adopted Magistrate Shaw-Wilder's findings on May 26, 2026, denying Royal Caribbean's motion to stay litigation and compel arbitration.
Context
The class action lawsuit was filed on October 15, 2024, on behalf of passengers allegedly recorded by a crew member between December 1, 2023, and February 26, 2024.
The Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, enacted in 2022, prevents employers from requiring arbitration for such disputes.
Royal Caribbean had previously tried to dismiss the suit, arguing the claims should be resolved through arbitration under the Federal Arbitration Act.
Why It Matters
- The ruling prevents Royal Caribbean from resolving the claims in private arbitration, allowing the plaintiffs' class action to proceed in court.
- The decision affirms federal limits on forced arbitration in cases of sexual assault or harassment.
- This outcome could influence similar litigation involving cruise lines and other service providers.