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Cruise Line Lawsuit Weekly: Highlights from January 13–19, 2025
Welcome to the third edition of Cruise Line Lawsuit Weekly! This week, we analyze cases filed against major cruise lines, shedding light on allegations of negligence, safety oversights, and more. Let’s explore the details of this week’s filings:
Highlights of the Week
1. MSC Cruises – Linda McQueen v. MSC Cruises S.A.
On January 14, 2025, Linda McQueen, a resident of Georgia, filed a lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A. in the Fort Lauderdale Division (Case No. 0:25-cv-60083). McQueen alleges that on December 18, 2023, she slipped on a sticky and hazardous floor outside the spa on the MSC Seashore, fracturing her left arm. The complaint cites negligence in maintaining safe flooring and failing to warn passengers of hazardous conditions.
2. Royal Caribbean – Michael L. Wachel v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Michael Wachel, a resident of Texas, filed a lawsuit on January 14, 2025, in the Miami Division (Case No. 1:25-cv-20197). According to the allegations, on February 27, 2024, Wachel was injured while riding the Storm Chaser water slide aboard the Icon of the Seas. He claims he was flipped and slammed against the slide, sustaining severe injuries. The complaint asserts Royal Caribbean failed to provide adequate warnings, training, and safety measures. Wachel cites to numerous prior substantially similar incident onboard the Icon of the Seas, as well as other vessels including:
- On February 12, 2024: Passenger C.B. was injured on the Storm Chaser water slide aboard the Icon of the Seas.
- On February 5, 2024: Passenger M.R. sustained injuries on the same slide aboard the Icon of the Seas.
- On May 13, 2023: Passenger E.R. was injured while participating in a water slide activity aboard the Liberty of the Seas.
- On October 3, 2019: Passenger B.P. sustained severe injuries while participating in a water slide activity aboard the Navigator of the Seas.
The complaint also alleges that Royal Caribbean has been on notice of prior incidents involving water slides across its fleet but has not disclosed specifics due to confidentiality agreements. The complaint further alleges that “Defendant [Royal Caribbean] regularly resolves cases and requires confidentiality as part of settlements in order to shield the facts and circumstances of incidents from publicly available sources. Accordingly, Defendant is orchestrating and is actively involved in concealment of prior incidents which may be substantially similar to the present incident, which may only be determined through discovery in litigation.” See Wachel v. Royal Caribbean, Case No.: 25-cv-20197 at paragraph 13. Read our story on Confidentiality Agreements.
3. MSC Cruises – Carol Jalazo v. MSC Cruises S.A.
On January 14, 2025, Carol Jalazo, a resident of New York, filed a lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A. in the Miami Division (Case No. 1:25-cv-20205). Jalazo alleges that on January 24, 2024, she slipped on wet granite stairs during an MSC-sponsored excursion in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, while aboard the MSC Seascape. She claims she fractured her right tibia due to insufficient handrails and slippery conditions. The complaint alleges MSC was negligent in its supervision and maintenance of the excursion.
4. Carnival – Mayra Martinez on behalf of L.L. v. Carnival Corporation
On January 15, 2025, Mayra Martinez, a resident of Virginia, filed a lawsuit on behalf of her minor child, L.L., in the Miami Division (Case No. 1:25-cv-20219). The complaint alleges that on July 29, 2024, L.L. fell from a bunk bed aboard the Carnival Venezia, resulting in severe injuries. Martinez claims the bunk bed lacked proper safety features, including adequate guardrails, and asserts Carnival was negligent in designing, inspecting, and maintaining the bed.
Why Follow Cruise Line Litigation?
These cases emphasize the critical need for cruise lines to prioritize passenger safety and meet legal obligations. From onboard conditions to shore excursions, the issues raised highlight the importance of accountability and rigorous safety standards.