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Understanding the Court’s Dismissal of Canadian Citizen’s Amended Complaint Against Azamara
Posted by HolzbergLegal | February 20, 2025
In a significant decision from the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the court dismissed Plaintiff Dawn Campbell’s Amended Complaint, in the Matter of Campbell v. SP Cruises OPCO, Limited et. al., Case No.: 24-cv-20955-JAL, against SP Cruises OPCO Limited, operating as Azamara. This case, which stems from a personal injury sustained during a shore excursion on an Azamara cruise, explores the enforceability of contractual waivers under general maritime law and examines the influence of international treaties like the Athens Convention. The court’s detailed analysis sheds light on the legal standards governing cruise ship liability and the limitations passengers face when seeking redress for injuries sustained during cruise ship shore excursions.
Cruise Line Lawsuit Weekly: February 9, 2025 through February 16, 2025
Posted by HolzbergLegal | February 17, 2025
From luxury pools to high-speed jet ski excursions and slippery decks, what was supposed to be the vacation of a lifetime turned into a nightmare for several cruise passengers. This week’s lawsuits, filed in the Southern District of Florida, reveal shocking new claims of severe passenger injuries, cruise line negligence, and hidden dangers lurking aboard some of the world’s most popular ships.
Passengers are fighting back against Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, and Royal Caribbean, alleging that these cruise giants failed to protect them from preventable injuries. Among the disturbing allegations:
🚨 A guest’s pool ladder collapsed beneath her, sending her crashing into the water with serious injuries.
🚨 A Royal Caribbean jet ski excursion turned into disaster after a reckless tour guide caused a high-speed collision.
🚨 A Carnival passenger stepped off an elevator and onto a slippery, wet tile—seconds later, he was on the floor with a dislocated shoulder.
🚨 A Norwegian Cruise Line passenger suffered multiple injuries after tripping on a hidden hazard aboard the Breakaway.
Many of these lawsuits claim cruise lines knew about these dangers—yet failed to act. Slippery decks, unsafe recreational areas, poorly designed walkways, and private islands are at the center of this growing legal storm, with passengers demanding millions in damages for their suffering.
Will cruise lines be forced to finally change their safety practices to prevent future accidents? Or will they blame passengers for their own injuries and continue to fight back in court?
New Hampshire Passenger Injured on Royal Caribbean’s Private Island
Posted by HolzbergLegal | February 8, 2025
From slip-and-fall accidents on pool decks and dining areas to excursion-related injuries and onboard security failures, these cases underscore the legal battles passengers face when cruise vacations go wrong. This week, lawsuits against Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Royal Caribbean bring renewed attention to issues of passenger safety, cruise-sponsored excursions, and onboard hazard prevention. Among the most concerning allegations are sexual assault by crew members, injuries from hidden hazards on private islands, and food safety failures leading to severe allergic reactions.
Key Takeaways from This Week’s Cases
- Unsafe Water Attractions & Pool Decks – Several lawsuits highlight the dangers of wet and slippery deck conditions near waterslides, pool areas, and spa facilities, raising questions about whether cruise lines should implement better drainage, anti-slip surfaces, and safety signage.
- Negligent Excursion Oversight – A lawsuit against MSC Cruises involves a zip-lining accident during a cruise-sponsored excursion, leading to serious injuries. The case raises concerns about whether cruise lines properly vet and monitor third-party excursion operators.
- Recurring Slip-and-Fall Incidents – Carnival and Royal Caribbean face multiple claims related to hazardous walking conditions, with plaintiffs alleging negligence in maintaining high-traffic areas, particularly dining rooms, stairways, and private island walkways.
- Cruise Ship Security & Crew Misconduct – A lawsuit against Princess Cruises involves a passenger’s alleged sexual assault by a crew member, emphasizing ongoing concerns about crew background checks, passenger protection, and onboard security policies.
- Food Safety & Allergen Mismanagement – A passenger is suing Royal Caribbean after suffering a severe allergic reaction due to a mislabeled pastry, highlighting the dangers of inadequate allergen warnings in cruise dining areas.
Maritime Lawsuit Weekly: February 1, 2025 – February 8, 2025
Posted by HolzbergLegal | February 8, 2025
This week’s maritime legal battles extend beyond the cruise industry, focusing on luxury yacht injuries, wrongful death claims, vessel collisions, and maritime lien foreclosures. Lawsuits filed in the Southern District of Florida reveal serious disputes involving passenger safety on high-end yacht charters, unpaid vessel repairs leading to foreclosures, and boating accident liability in congested waterways.
With cases ranging from a passenger injury aboard The Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima to a high-speed fatal boat collision in Miami’s Intracoastal Waterway, these lawsuits highlight critical legal and financial risks for vessel owners, charter operators, and maritime businesses.
Slip-and-Fall Injuries at Sea: Lawsuits Against Major Cruise Lines on the Rise
Posted by HolzbergLegal | February 1, 2025
Cruise vacations are meant to be a luxurious escape, but for some passengers, a single misstep can turn their trip into a nightmare of medical bills, legal battles, and lasting injuries. From slippery pool decks and flooded buffet areas to unlit staircases in onboard theaters, these cases highlight an ongoing battle over cruise line liability and passenger safety. Below, we break down some of the most recent cases making waves in maritime litigation, from slip-and-fall lawsuits aboard MSC and Celebrity Cruises to allegations of medical negligence on Norwegian Cruise Line ships. With potential multi-million dollar settlements at stake, these lawsuits could reshape cruise industry policies and set new standards for onboard safety and medical care.
Eleventh Circuit 2024: A Landmark Year for Maritime and Cruise Litigation
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 31, 2025
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals has had a profound impact on the legal landscape in 2024, issuing decisions that reshape maritime litigation, juror impartiality, international law, and personal injury claims against cruise lines. From reversing multimillion-dollar judgments to addressing procedural missteps in high-stakes trials, these rulings highlight the evolving complexities of litigation within the cruise industry. This year’s decisions touch on a broad range of issues—from a landmark reversal due to juror bias in a Royal Caribbean negligence case to a ruling that vacated over $400 million in judgments related to the Cuban embargo. Meanwhile, cruise passengers have seen victories in cases involving pain and suffering damages, and crew members have challenged forum-selection clauses that previously restricted their ability to seek legal recourse in U.S. courts.
As cruise lines navigate the ripple effects of these appellate rulings, 2024 stands out as a defining year for maritime litigation. Below, we break down four of the most significant Eleventh Circuit decisions affecting the cruise industry and what they mean for future litigation.
Icy Decks Cause Hazards on New York Cruises
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 27, 2025
From slippery decks and malfunctioning doors to improper supervision and hazardous water slides, the cases filed this week highlight the unique challenges faced by the cruise industry and its passengers. Each filing sheds light on allegations of negligence that ripple through these floating resorts, reminding us that even the smoothest sail can be disrupted by hidden hazards.
Alcohol Over Service Liability on Cruise Ships: Negligence on the High Seas
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 27, 2025
Welcome to this edition of Cruise Line Lawsuit Weekly! This week’s cases spotlight the serious risks that passengers allege they face while aboard some of the world’s most renowned cruise ships. From dangerous design flaws to alleged security mishaps and over-service of alcohol, these lawsuits reveal how split-second decisions and overlooked safety measures can lead to lasting consequences. The allegations in this week’s filings feature stories of passengers who sought relaxation but ended up in medical disembarkations, confrontations, or worse.
Texas Passenger Injured on the Storm Chaser Water Slide
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 20, 2025
This week, we analyze cases filed against major cruise lines, shedding light on allegations of negligence, safety oversights, and filings from January 13 through January 19, 2025. 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.
The Hidden World of Cruise Line Lawsuits: Confidentiality Clauses
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 13, 2025
Confidentiality clauses are agreements that restrict parties in a legal dispute from disclosing the terms of their settlement or the details of the lawsuit. While intended to protect sensitive business information and encourage settlement, they often prevent broader scrutiny of recurring issues. In cruise line lawsuits, these clauses frequently accompany settlements involving injuries, sexual assaults, onboard misconduct, or dangerous and hazardous conditions.
California Carnival Passenger Injured by Collapsing Bench
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 13, 2025
For this edition, we highlight significant filings from January 6 through January 12, 2025. This week’s lawsuits bring to light allegations ranging from unsafe conditions to more serious claims of misconduct. The Southern District of Florida continues to be the hub of these legal battles, as cruise lines maintain their headquarters and primary operations here.
Cruise Line Lawsuit Weekly (First Edition)
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 7, 2025
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.
Lawsuit Filed Against Royal Caribbean Over Hidden Camera Incident on Symphony of the Seas
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 7, 2025
A lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL), alleging severe privacy violations and emotional distress suffered by a mother and her minor child during a voyage aboard the Symphony of the Seas.
Michigan Woman Sues Royal Caribbean Over Slip-and-Fall Incident on Oasis of the Seas
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 7, 2025
A Michigan resident, Debbie Ratliff, has filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL), alleging negligence in a slip-and-fall accident that occurred aboard the Oasis of the Seas…
Cruise Ships and Exposure to COVID-19
Posted by HolzbergLegal | April 10, 2020
Holzberg Legal is conducting ongoing investigations into the conduct of many Cruise Lines regarding the handling of the COVID- 19 Pandemic and the numerous outbreaks on board numerous Cruise Ships…
Princess Cruises’ response to COVID-19 Outbreak
Posted by HolzbergLegal | April 10, 2020
The Grand Princess, one of oldest c ruise ships in Princess’s fleet, has an experienced crew of 1,100, which on a typical voyage has 3,100 passengers. It is a floating city. On February 11, 2020, the Grand Princess set sail from San Francisco for a 10-day cruise to Mexico…
Cruise Lines Responsibilty for Covid-19 Spread to Passengers-Profits Over Health and Safety
Posted by HolzbergLegal | April 10, 2020
Holzberg Legal is conducting ongoing investigations into the conduct of many Cruise Lines regarding the handling of the COVID- 19 Pandemic and the numerous outbreaks…
Ruby Princess Cruise Ship Under Criminal Investigation
Posted by HolzbergLegal | April 6, 2020
Princess Cruise Line’s Ruby Princess cruise ship is now being investigated for its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak during its March 2020 voyage. As of April 6, 2020, Australia…
Royal Caribbean May Be Liable for Injuries and Deaths From Volcano Eruption
Posted by HolzbergLegal | December 9, 2019
On December 9, 2019, the White Island Volcano erupted, near Tauranga, New Zealand, killing at least sixteen people, including many others who are missing and injured…
Traumatic Capsizing Off of Georgia’s Coast
Posted by HolzbergLegal | September 8, 2019
On Sunday, September 8, 2019, the Coast Guard was called to rescue the crew of The Golden Ray cargo ship which capsized off St. Simons Sound, Georgia…
Cruise Ship Heads Directly Into Fierce Storm
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 10, 2018
How can another cruise line – this time NCL – sail directly into the path of a fierce winter storm that everyone…
Hurricane Irma Denial of Insurance Claims
Posted by HolzbergLegal | September 21, 2017
Hurricane Irma affected millions of Floridians and the southeastern United States. Hurricanes and tropical storms unfortunately affect Florida with regularity…
Medical Errors – 3rd Leading Cause of Death in US
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 12, 2017
Did you know that medical errors with the 3rd leading cause of death the United States? You are 7 times more likely to die by medical errors in car accident, 6 times more likely…
Euro Trip: Cruising Under the Athens Convention
Posted by HolzbergLegal | July 12, 2016
This summer’s cruise season is now in full swing. Many are taking advantage of the low euro conversion rates to cruise in and around…
BREXIT: Cruising in Europe?
Posted by HolzbergLegal | June 28, 2016
To the average American the words Brexit and the European Union meant very little until last Thursday. Anyone who follows the stock…
2016 SuperLawyers
Posted by HolzbergLegal | June 23, 2016
I am gratified that I had been named a Super Lawyer for the 3rd year in a row by Super Lawyers in the field of…
UBER – Who Can I sue if I’m Injured?
Posted by HolzbergLegal | September 29, 2015
For many years suing a taxi company for for your personal injuries was a hassle. Taxi companies are historically either under-insured, had surpluse…
NCL to Allegedly Shake up Cruise Industry With “Cost Saving”
Posted by HolzbergLegal | February 26, 2015
I read an interesting article today published by Brian Sozzi, of www.thestreet.com, a website not co-founded by Jim Cramer, that…
Huge Victory for Medical Malpractice Claims Against Cruise Lines’ Physicians and Nurses
Posted by HolzbergLegal | November 17, 2014
This week the 11th Circuit court of Appeals issued a long overdue opinion in Patricia Franza v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., overturning…
Amazing Experience at The Trial Lawyers College
Posted by HolzbergLegal | November 14, 2014
I have had some time to reflect on my recent 3 1/2 week experience at the Trial Lawyers College on the Thunderhead Ranch…
Prestigious Admission to The Trial Lawyers College
Posted by HolzbergLegal | July 23, 2014
I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected for admission to the 2014 Class of The prestigious Trial lawyers College, in Dubois, WY. Gerry Spence is the founder…
Cruise Lines Playing Chess With Surveillance Videos
Posted by HolzbergLegal | June 4, 2014
Recent cases have reminded us of the importance of fighting for Video CCTV (Closed-circuit television/surveillance) tape production…
Dancer Sues Celebrity After Horror Fall
Posted by HolzbergLegal | March 31, 2014
Holzberg Legal has been representing Manchester UK dancer Jessica Holman, who was dropped by her male dance partner…
Still No Justice for Victims of the Costa Concordia Sinking
Posted by HolzbergLegal | February 10, 2014
News outlets are reporting that a diver has died during Costa Concordia salvage works. The 114,500-tonvessel hit rocks off the ship’s course…
Costa Concordia Developments
Posted by HolzbergLegal | July 16, 2013
There have been many developments in the Costa Concordia cases. The Scimone and Abeid-Saba plaintiffs got a favorable procedural…
Holzberg Legal in The Miami Herald
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 14, 2013
This morning, Glenn was quoted in our hometown paper, The Miami Herald, discussing his continued effort to…
Costa Concordia Grounding Deadline
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 7, 2013
This past Sunday, January 13th, marked the anniversary of the Costa Concordia grounding in the waters off Giglio…
Exciting Interview With Italian Maritime Injury Lawyer
Posted by HolzbergLegal | November 27, 2012
Yesterday, I had a 1 hour tele-conference with a leading Maritime and Personal Injury Lawyer from Northern Italy with reference…
As Miami’s Cruising Industry Grows …
Posted by HolzbergLegal | November 26, 2012
Seeing the week long articles in The Miami Herald on the expansion and future of the Port of Miami made me think about business…
Glenn J. Holzberg on NewsTalk 1010 Radio
Posted by HolzbergLegal | November 7, 2012
Last week, Glenn appeared on The largest News Radio talk show in Canada, The Jim Richards Show, on the sinking…
Prior Incidents in the Royal Caribbean Catacombs Lounge
Posted by HolzbergLegal | February 7, 2012
I read with great interest the sad story of the passenger, Massachusetts Resident, Barbara Wood, who died falling down…
Costa Concordia Deadlines, Questions & Answers You Need to Know?
Posted by HolzbergLegal | February 6, 2012
This has been an eventful week for us. We have been entertaining calls from many Costa Concordia victims…
New Beverage Policy on Norwegian Cruise Ships
Posted by HolzbergLegal | February 6, 2012
Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) has announced that effective July 15, 2016, it will for the first time…
Cruise Ship Runs Aground off Coast of Italy – 6 Dead, 69 Missing
Posted by HolzbergLegal | January 14, 2012
Only hours ago, a Costa cruise ship ran aground off the coast of Tuscany and is now sinking…
Cruise Ships Failing to Properly Investigate Disappearances
Posted by HolzbergLegal | November 3, 2011
News of the recent disappearance of crewmember Rebecca Coriam, 24, from a Disney ship, while sailing…
Hello, Global World!
Posted by HolzbergLegal | October 19, 2011
Hello, Global World! My name is Glenn J. Holzberg. I am a maritime and personal injury lawyer in Miami, Florida, who this week, also christens our new…
Recognizing Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries in Auto and Slip and Fall Cases
Posted by HolzbergLegal | October 18, 2011
Always conduct your initial interview yourself. Mild traumatic brain injuries are subtle in presentation. Your client appears normal, and sounds and responds…
