Florida Passenger Sues Celebrity Cruises After Tripping on Unmarked Step on Lido Deck Aboard Celebrity Beyond
A Florida woman has filed a federal personal injury lawsuit against Celebrity Cruises, alleging that an unmarked step on the pool deck of the Celebrity Beyond caused her to trip and sustain serious injuries. The complaint, Frances Dunne v. Celebrity Cruises Inc. (Case No. 1:25-cv-21405-RKA), cites prior passenger falls in the same location and accuses the cruise line of negligence, failure to warn, and failure to maintain a safe walking surface.
Passenger Claims Step on Pool Deck Was Unreasonably Steep, Unmarked, and Blended Into Surroundings
According to the complaint, on September 13, 2024, Frances Dunne was walking across the Lido Deck of the Celebrity Beyond when she unknowingly stepped off a hazardous ledge near the pool area. The step was allegedly:
- Unmarked and without contrast coloring
- Designed in a way that blended into the surrounding flooring
- Abnormally steep and not visually identifiable as a change in level
As a result of her fall, Dunne suffered lacerations to both legs and one arm, a fractured finger, and the development of blood clots. She claims the incident left her with lasting physical and emotional trauma.
Celebrity Allegedly Knew of Trip Hazard from Earlier Passenger Falls on the Same Ledge
Dunne’s lawsuit argues that Celebrity Cruises was aware of the tripping hazard due to multiple prior incidents at the same location. Notably:
- A pool attendant allegedly told Dunne that another guest had fallen on the same step earlier that same day.
- In March 2023, a similar fall involving the same step was the subject of another lawsuit, Michael Eisenberg v. Celebrity Cruises Inc. (Case No. 24-cv-20364), which cited the unmarked step as a contributing factor.
The plaintiff claims that Celebrity’s failure to take corrective action—such as marking the step, redesigning the area, or placing warning signage—amounts to negligence under maritime law.
Lawsuit Alleges Negligence, Failure to Warn, and Failure to Maintain Safe Deck Conditions
The complaint brings three counts under general maritime law:
- General Negligence – Failing to remedy the design flaw or warn passengers despite prior incidents.
- Negligent Failure to Warn – Not alerting guests to the presence of a concealed step hazard.
- Negligent Failure to Maintain – Failing to conduct inspections and keep the pool deck free of tripping dangers.
The lawsuit alleges that Celebrity either knew or should have known about the hazard through daily inspections, crew observations, or passenger complaints.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Injuries, Medical Costs, and Lost Cruise Value
Dunne seeks damages for:
- Physical pain and permanent bodily injuries
- Disfigurement and disability
- Emotional and mental suffering
- Medical expenses and future care
- Lost wages and impaired ability to work
- Loss of enjoyment of her vacation and cruise fare
Her attorneys argue that the injuries are likely permanent and will require long-term treatment.
Cruise Deck Design Under Scrutiny Amid Series of Trip-and-Fall Lawsuits
This case adds to a growing number of lawsuits involving allegedly unsafe walkways, flooring transitions, and design flaws on modern cruise ships. Legal experts note that:
- Courts are holding cruise lines accountable for latent hazards that are not “open and obvious”
- Shipboard conditions that blend aesthetics with function—like minimalist pool deck transitions—can create unexpected safety risks
- Cruise operators must ensure passenger areas meet industry safety standards and be proactive in warning of known dangers
Tripped and Fell on a Cruise Ship? Maritime Law May Entitle You to Compensation
If you were injured aboard a cruise ship due to an unmarked step, uneven surface, or concealed tripping hazard, you may have a valid maritime injury claim.
Cruise lines have a legal duty to maintain safe walking areas and to warn of known or foreseeable dangers.
Contact a maritime personal injury attorney to understand your rights and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
