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North Carolina Man Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Contracting Legionnaires’ Disease from Contaminated Hot Tub Aboard Mardi Gras
Steven Luther, a resident of North Carolina, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-24169-KMM, alleges that Luther contracted Legionnaires’ Disease during a 6-night cruise aboard the Mardi Gras, after exposure to a contaminated hot tub on Deck 16 of the vessel.
Cruise Passenger Diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease Following Exposure to Hot Tub on Carnival Mardi Gras
According to the complaint, Luther was a fare-paying passenger on the Mardi Gras during a sailing that departed from Port Canaveral on May 18, 2025. During the cruise, he used a hot tub located on Deck 16, which was later identified as the likely source of Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ Disease. The illness required hospitalization at Cape Canaveral Hospital, where Luther underwent intravenous antibiotics and respiratory support. He continues to experience long-term complications, including lung damage and ongoing medical issues.
Carnival Accused of Failing to Properly Maintain Hot Tub and Monitor Water Quality in Violation of CDC Guidelines
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival failed to comply with the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), which outlines strict requirements for monitoring, chlorinating, and maintaining cruise ship spa pools and whirlpools. These safety protocols include maintaining halogen levels between 3.0–10.0 ppm, using automated dosing systems, conducting batch chlorination, and keeping detailed inspection logs. Luther’s legal team argues that Carnival neglected these basic water sanitation measures, allowing Legionella bacteria to proliferate within the hot tub system. The complaint also cites prior CDC reports and industry research, warning cruise operators of the high risk of Legionella outbreaks in poorly maintained hot tubs.
Lawsuit Cites Prior Industry Knowledge, Cruise Line Reports, and CDC Warnings About Legionella in Shipboard Hot Tubs
Luther’s attorneys allege that Carnival had both actual and constructive knowledge of the risks associated with inadequately maintained hot tubs aboard cruise ships. The complaint references prior passenger claims, industry literature, and a 2006 report commissioned by Carnival itself, which identified biofilms and oils in spa systems as breeding grounds for Legionella. Despite this longstanding knowledge, Carnival allegedly failed to conduct adequate inspections, change filters, or monitor water chemistry as required. The lawsuit states that the hot tub was not only a health hazard to users but also to guests sitting or dining nearby who could have been exposed to airborne bacteria.
Complaint Alleges Carnival’s Negligence Led to Severe Illness, Hospitalization, and Long-Term Medical Damages
Luther brings a negligence claim against Carnival, asserting that the cruise line breached its duty to provide reasonably safe recreational water facilities. The complaint outlines multiple failures, including improper cleaning and disinfection, inadequate water quality monitoring, failure to replace filters, and lack of passenger warnings regarding the potential for bacterial exposure. As a result of Carnival’s alleged negligence, Luther contracted a serious respiratory illness requiring extended hospitalization and treatment. He now faces ongoing medical expenses, permanent lung damage, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. The complaint also accuses Carnival of failing to preserve maintenance records or inspection logs related to the Deck 16 hot tub, despite being notified of the claim.
Contact a Cruise Ship Hot Tub Illness Lawyer if You Contracted Legionnaires’ Disease on a Cruise
Cruise passengers who contract Legionnaires’ Disease due to unsafe or poorly maintained hot tubs on cruise ships may have grounds for legal action under maritime law. Cruise lines like Carnival are required to inspect, sanitize, and monitor recreational water facilities to prevent serious illnesses. If you or a loved one became ill after exposure to contaminated water aboard a cruise ship, our experienced maritime attorneys can help you understand your legal rights.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship Legionnaires’ Disease attorney.
Disclaimer: Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.