- Contact Us for a Free Consultation 305-668-6410
Florida Woman Sues Princess Cruises After Hip Fracture on Concealed Rock at Princess Cay Shore Excursion
Donna Richard, a 68-year-old Florida resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Princess Cruise Lines and its affiliated travel agent, Vacations To Go. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22778-RAR, alleges that Richard suffered a fractured hip after striking a concealed rock while participating in a shore excursion at Princess Cays during her June 2024 cruise aboard the Enchanted Princess.
Cruise Passenger Injured at Princess Cays After Falling on Hidden Rocks During Escorted Private Beach Excursion
According to the complaint, Richard was one of several passengers escorted to a designated beach area at Princess Cays, a private Bahamian island owned and operated by Princess Cruises. The excursion was organized by Vacations To Go and allegedly approved by Princess Cruises. While entering the water, Richard struck a submerged rock concealed beneath sand, causing her to suffer a painful hip fracture. The incident also caused injuries to her companion, who sustained a knee laceration. Richard initially believed the injury was minor, but continued pain after the cruise led to an x-ray that confirmed a serious fracture requiring surgery.
Princess Cruises Accused of Failing to Warn About Hazardous Shore Conditions at Princess Cays
The complaint asserts that Princess Cruises failed to warn passengers about known hazards such as concealed rocks and sharp underwater formations at the excursion site. Richard claims that the cruise line intentionally manipulated the beach terrain to appear soft and sandy, concealing the dangerous rocky bottom. She further alleges that Princess did not post signage, provide verbal warnings, or take steps to alert passengers about the hidden dangers. The plaintiff contends that Princess Cruises had prior knowledge of these unsafe conditions through inspections, passenger complaints, or internal protocols but failed to act on the information.
Plaintiff Alleges Negligence by Both Princess Cruises and Vacations To Go for Unsafe Excursion Practices
In addition to claims against Princess Cruises, the lawsuit also names Vacations To Go for negligence, citing its role in organizing, supervising, and promoting the excursion. Richard alleges that Vacations To Go failed to report the incident promptly to Princess Cruises, depriving her of the opportunity to document the scene and preserve evidence. The travel agency is also accused of failing to provide adequate medical assistance, ignoring company reporting procedures, and failing to notify ship personnel of the injury. The complaint argues that both defendants were jointly responsible for the conditions and execution of the beach event.
Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Injury Lawsuit Seeks Compensation for Fractured Hip, Surgery, and Emotional Distress
Richard is seeking damages for her permanent injuries, emotional distress, and related medical expenses. She claims ongoing pain, impaired mobility, and a diminished quality of life following the incident. The lawsuit includes counts of general negligence, failure to warn, and agency-based liability for both defendants. Richard contends the cruise line and its travel agent acted in concert to promote an excursion they knew or should have known posed serious risks to passenger safety.
Injured During a Cruise Line Beach Excursion? You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Dangerous Conditions
Cruise passengers injured during shore excursions or beach events—particularly at cruise line–owned private islands—may be eligible for compensation if the injury was caused by hidden hazards or poor supervision. Cruise lines and their agents have a duty to warn guests about known dangers and to ensure excursions are safe. If you or someone you love was injured on a cruise ship excursion, our experienced maritime attorneys are ready to help you explore your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship excursion injury attorney.