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Florida Passenger Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Alleged Sexual Assault Following Underage Drinking Aboard Carnival Venezia
A Florida woman identified as A.H. has filed a maritime negligence lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, under Case No. 1:25-cv-22719, claims that Carnival negligently served her alcohol despite her being underage and failed to protect her from a foreseeable sexual assault aboard the Carnival Venezia.
Young Passenger Claims Carnival Served Her Alcohol Despite Being Underage on Carnival Venezia
According to the complaint, the incident occurred on July 17, 2024, while A.H. was an 18-year-old passenger aboard the Carnival Venezia. Carnival’s policy prohibits serving alcohol to guests under 21 years old, but crewmembers allegedly served A.H. multiple alcoholic drinks in the ship’s Limelight Lounge nightclub.
After leaving the nightclub alone in the early morning hours, A.H. was followed by another passenger who forcibly pulled her into his cabin and sexually assaulted and raped her. The lawsuit claims Carnival failed to enforce its own underage drinking policies and failed to provide security or supervision to protect intoxicated young women returning to their staterooms late at night.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Protect Passenger Despite Known Risk of Sexual Assaults at Sea
The lawsuit asserts that Carnival has long been aware of the elevated risk of sexual assaults on its vessels, referencing both congressional hearings and the Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act (CVSSA) which requires reporting of sexual assault incidents at sea. Public data shows Carnival reports among the highest number of sexual assault incidents in the cruise industry. The complaint lists dozens of similar incidents involving sexual assaults and rapes aboard Carnival ships between 2019 and 2024.
Despite this known history, A.H. alleges that Carnival failed to adopt and implement reasonable security measures such as increased patrols in passenger corridors, properly trained security staff, adequate surveillance, or safe escort services for guests leaving nightclubs alone at night.
Lawsuit Alleges Carnival’s Negligence in Security, Underage Alcohol Service, and Failure to Warn Passengers
The lawsuit brings two counts against Carnival: negligence and negligent failure to warn. It claims Carnival breached its duty to provide a safe environment by failing to protect A.H. from foreseeable criminal conduct, failing to enforce its age restrictions on alcohol, and failing to warn her of the risks of being targeted for assault when intoxicated and unescorted.
As a result, A.H. claims she has suffered severe physical, psychological, and emotional trauma, incurred medical and counseling costs, lost earning capacity, and will continue to endure the effects of the assault.
Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Victims May Have Legal Rights Under Maritime Law
Cruise lines are obligated under maritime law to protect passengers from foreseeable criminal acts and to enforce safety policies, including age restrictions on alcohol. If you or someone you love was sexually assaulted on a cruise ship due to inadequate security or negligent serving of alcohol, you may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, therapy, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Contact our experienced cruise ship assault attorneys today for a confidential consultation and to discuss your legal options.