Arizona Resident Sues Carnival and OneSpaWorld After Alleged Sexual Assault During Massage on Carnival Valor
Jane Doe, a resident of Arizona, has filed a maritime personal injury and sexual assault lawsuit against Carnival Corporation and OneSpaWorld (Bahamas) Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-20509-RS, alleges that Doe was subjected to inappropriate and unwanted sexual contact by a massage therapist while the ship was in navigable waters on January 28, 2025.
Cruise Passenger Subjected to Sexual Assault During Spa Treatment on Carnival Valor in Navigable Waters
According to the complaint, the incident took place at the Cloud 9 spa facility onboard the Carnival Valor. Doe had scheduled a relaxation package and was a business invitee of the spa at the time of the incident. The plaintiff alleges that during the massage session, the therapist repeatedly touched her breasts and massaged her pelvic area without consent. The complaint describes how Doe became frozen and traumatized as the assailant moved the sheets and her undergarments to facilitate the unwanted contact. The lawsuit asserts that these intentional acts occurred while the therapist was acting within the course and scope of employment, utilizing a secluded massage room that lacked adequate surveillance or safety procedures to protect passengers from such attacks.
Carnival and OneSpaWorld Accused of Negligent Hiring and Failure to Monitor Fitness Center Staff
The lawsuit brings significant allegations regarding the hiring and supervision practices of both Carnival and OneSpaWorld. The plaintiff’s legal team argues that the defendants had a duty to properly screen, investigate, and vet employees to ensure they did not pose a danger to guests. The complaint alleges that there were red flags or prior problems involving the therapist that should have indicated unfitness for service, including potential past criminal offenses or allegations of misconduct. Furthermore, the plaintiff claims the defendants failed to implement adequate policies for the retention and training of massage therapists and did not comply with industry safety standards. The complaint suggests that Carnival had actual or constructive notice of such dangers, noting that the cruise line has investigated hundreds of sexual assault allegations over the past decade.
Complaint Alleges Breach of Non-Delegable Duty to Protect Passengers from Crew Member Misconduct
Jane Doe’s legal team emphasizes that under general maritime law, common carriers like Carnival owe an absolute and non-delegable duty to protect passengers from the intentional torts and assaults of their employees. The lawsuit claims that even if the spa was operated by a third party, OneSpaWorld acted as an agent or apparent agent of Carnival, as spa confirmations and receipts carried the Carnival name and logo. The complaint alleges that Carnival failed to follow its own internal safety protocols following the report of the assault. Specifically, it is alleged that the cruise line failed to immediately connect Doe with a member of the onboard CARE team and instead prioritized taking statements for security rather than providing immediate medical or psychological treatment.
Plaintiff Seeks Punitive Damages for Emotional Distress and Permanent Psychological Injuries
The lawsuit includes counts for premises liability, negligent hiring, vicarious liability for sexual assault, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Doe alleges that as a result of the incident, she has suffered significant emotional distress, including the resurfacing of prior trauma, anxiety, panic attacks, and difficulty sleeping. She is seeking damages for medical and psychological expenses, lost earning capacity, and noneconomic damages for mental anguish and loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life. The complaint also makes a demand for punitive damages, characterizing the conduct of the defendants and their employee as willful, wanton, and in reckless disregard for the safety and rights of the passenger.
Contact a Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyer Today if You Were Harmed by Crew Member Misconduct
Passengers who have been victims of sexual assault or physical battery while on a cruise ship have specific rights under maritime law. Cruise lines are held to a high standard of care and are often strictly liable for the criminal acts of their crew members against passengers. If you or a loved one experienced harm due to inadequate security, negligent hiring, or staff misconduct during a cruise vacation, it is essential to speak with an experienced legal professional. Our team is dedicated to helping survivors of cruise ship injuries and assaults navigate the complexities of federal maritime litigation and hold negligent cruise operators accountable.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship sexual assault 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.
