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Cruise Line Lawsuit Weekly: A Look at the Southern District of Florida
Cruise Line Lawsuit Weekly: A Look at the Southern District of Florida
Welcome to the first installment of Cruise Ship Lawsuit Weekly, where I’ll provide an ongoing review of the new lawsuit filings against the major cruise lines in the Southern District of Florida. As a hub for the cruise industry, this Court sees a steady flow of cases involving passenger injury claims, legal disputes, and more. My goal is to break down these filings in an approachable way, offering insights for legal professionals, passengers, and cruise enthusiasts alike.
This week, we’re kicking things off with a roundup of complaints filed between December 31, 2024, and January 5, 2025. During this period, cases were brought against some of the industry’s biggest names: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises.
Highlights from the Week:
- MSC Cruises
- Jane Doe v. MSC Cruises S.A., Case No. 24-cv-62456
Filed on December 31, 2024, in the Fort Lauderdale Division, this case involves a Canadian passenger aboard the MSC Divina who alleges sexual assault by a MSC crew member. The incident occurred on, or about, January 5, 2024, in a restroom near the Manotou Buffet on Deck 14. The plaintiff claims the cruise line was negligent in over serving alcohol to an underage passenger and failing to prevent crew misconduct. - Winston Riley v. MSC Cruises S.A., Case No. 25-cv-20023
Filed on January 3, 2025, in the Miami Division, this case alleges negligence after the plaintiff slipped on water in the bathroom of his stateroom aboard the MSC Seashore. The incident occurred on January 12, 2024, with the plaintiff citing the absence of a shower curtain or other protective barriers to prevent the accumulation of water, which allegedly led to the passenger’s injuries.
- Jane Doe v. MSC Cruises S.A., Case No. 24-cv-62456
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Ida Spells v. Carnival Corporation d/b/a Carnival Cruise Line, Case No. 24-cv-25137
Filed on December 31, 2024, in the Miami Division, the plaintiff alleges severe injuries resulting from a slip-and-fall on a wet staircase aboard the Carnival Conquest. The incident occurred on June 5, 2024, on Deck 11, where the plaintiff claims the staircase lacked adequate anti-slip strips and proper lighting. The lawsuit also cites Carnival’s knowledge of prior similar incidents. - Valerie Loyd v. Carnival Corporation d/b/a Carnival Cruise Line, Case No. 25-cv-20001
Filed on January 1, 2025, in the Miami Division, this complaint involves a passenger who fell on a wet spiral staircase near Rudi’s Seagrill on Deck 8 of the Carnival Jubilee. The incident occurred on January 5, 2024, and the plaintiff alleges that cleaning activities were performed without adequate warnings or barriers to prevent the passenger’s injuries.
- Ida Spells v. Carnival Corporation d/b/a Carnival Cruise Line, Case No. 24-cv-25137
- Royal Caribbean
- Amanda Cortis v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Case No. 1:25-cv-20020
Filed on January 3, 2025, in the Miami Division, this case concerns a passenger who sustained injuries after tripping on a deep groove in the ice at an onboard ice-skating rink aboard the Adventure of the Seas. The incident occurred on December 6, 2023. The plaintiff alleges that the cruise line failed to properly maintain the rink and had knowledge of prior similar incidents.
- Amanda Cortis v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., Case No. 1:25-cv-20020
Why Follow Cruise Line Litigation?
From passenger safety to corporate accountability, these cases reveal the complex legal landscape behind your favorite vacations. Whether you’re a frequent cruiser, someone working in the travel industry, or simply curious about what happens when vacations go wrong, this series will provide a unique look at the legal side of the cruise world.
Stay tuned as I delve into the details of new filings each week, offering a blend of legal insights and storytelling. Let’s explore what’s happening behind the scenes on the high seas!