"Missing Honeymooner" lawsuit against Royal Caribbean dismissed

Miami Judge Jon Gordon dismissed a case brought against Royal Caribbean by the family of George Smith IV, who disappeared from the Brilliance of the Seas in July, 2005, while on his honeymoon in the Mediterranean. His body was never recovered, but bloodstains were found at the scene.

Mr. Smith's disappearance, and presumed death, are a tragedy. Yet this tragedy was not Royal Caribbean's fault, and the cruise line did everything it reasonably could to help solve the mystery, starting with promptly notifying the FBI about a possible crime. So said the court, by dismissing the lawsuit.

The suit alleged that Royal Caribbean tried to cover up the incident to avoid liability and to minimize negative publicity. The complaint also charged the cruise line with "intentional infliction of emotional distress" and "invasion of privacy." Yet Royal Caribbean's lawyer Robert Peltz (and ultimately the court) disagreed. Mr. Peltz wrote in his 55-page motion that the cruise line acted above and beyond its legal requirements.

The Smith case has been one of the most publicized cases ever of a missing cruise ship passenger and has even spawned congressional hearings on maritime security.