California Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Alleged Sexual Assault by Crew Member Aboard Carnival Firenze

A California woman identified as Jane Doe has filed a maritime personal injury and negligence lawsuit against Carnival Corporation in the Southern District of Florida following an alleged sexual assault by a crew member aboard the Carnival Firenze. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25758-JAL, arises from an incident that allegedly occurred on January 11, 2025, while Doe was a fare-paying passenger on the cruise ship.

Cruise Passenger Alleges Sexual Assault by Stateroom Attendant Inside Cabin on Carnival Firenze

According to the complaint, the incident occurred inside Doe’s assigned stateroom aboard the Carnival Firenze while the vessel was operating in navigable waters. Doe alleges that a Carnival stateroom attendant followed her into her cabin without permission as she entered alone to use the restroom. The crew member allegedly had no legitimate reason to enter the stateroom and took advantage of Doe’s isolation.

The lawsuit claims the crew member forcibly attempted to kiss Doe, ignored her verbal protests, and continued unwanted physical contact despite clear signs of distress and non-consent. Doe alleges the encounter lasted several minutes and that she feared the situation would escalate into further sexual violence. The complaint states that the crew member eventually left the cabin, after which Doe immediately reported the incident to ship personnel.

Lawsuit Claims Carnival Failed to Protect Passenger After Initial Assault Was Reported

The complaint alleges that Carnival’s response after the initial report placed Doe at further risk. After being assured by ship security that the offending crew member would be removed from her area, Doe returned to her cabin later that day with her minor children and niece. According to the lawsuit, the same crew member again confronted Doe in the hallway, called her by name, and attempted to enter her stateroom using what appeared to be a crew access key.

Doe alleges that this second encounter occurred despite Carnival’s assurances of her safety and that the crew member continued to follow her and attempted to discourage her from reporting the assault. The lawsuit claims that Carnival failed to adequately restrict the crew member’s access, failed to protect Doe from further contact, and failed to take immediate steps to relocate her to a safer accommodation onboard.

Carnival Accused of Mishandling Sexual Assault Investigation and Re-Victimizing Passenger

The lawsuit further alleges that Carnival mishandled the investigation and response after the assault was reported. Doe claims she was interviewed by security personnel in public or semi-public areas of the ship, causing additional distress. The complaint asserts that Carnival failed to provide proper privacy, failed to keep Doe informed of any disciplinary action against the crew member, and failed to ensure that she would not encounter him again during the remainder of the voyage.

According to the allegations, Doe was later provided with information suggesting that law enforcement had been notified, only to discover after disembarkation that no such report had been made. The lawsuit claims Carnival failed to comply with obligations under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act by not properly reporting the incident and not providing Doe with access to appropriate law enforcement and victim support resources.

Complaint Alleges Pattern of Sexual Assaults and Inadequate Crew Screening by Carnival

The lawsuit places Doe’s allegations within a broader context, asserting that Carnival has long been aware of the risk of sexual assaults committed by crew members aboard its vessels. The complaint references multiple prior lawsuits and publicly reported incidents involving alleged sexual assaults on Carnival ships, arguing that Carnival had actual and constructive notice of the danger.

Doe alleges that Carnival’s hiring, screening, training, and supervision practices were inadequate, particularly for crew members with access to passenger cabins. The complaint contends that Carnival failed to properly monitor crew activity in passenger areas, failed to enforce access restrictions, and failed to implement reasonable security measures despite knowledge of prior similar incidents across its fleet.

Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Emotional Trauma and Ongoing Psychological Injuries

Doe brings multiple claims against Carnival, including strict liability under general maritime law, general negligence, negligent security, failure to warn, and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit alleges that Carnival owed passengers a non-delegable duty of reasonable care and an absolute duty to protect passengers from intentional misconduct by its employees.

The complaint claims that as a result of the alleged assault and Carnival’s response, Doe has suffered severe emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She seeks damages for past and future medical and psychological treatment, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. The lawsuit also alleges that the injuries are permanent and continuing in nature.

Speak With a Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyer About Your Legal Rights

Passengers who experience sexual assault or other violent crimes aboard cruise ships may have legal rights under federal maritime law. Cruise lines have a duty to provide reasonable security, properly screen and supervise crew members, and comply with reporting and victim protection requirements when incidents occur. Claims involving crew-on-passenger assaults are complex and time-sensitive, particularly when governed by passenger ticket contracts and maritime law.

If you or someone you care about was harmed aboard a cruise ship due to inadequate security, negligent supervision, or crew misconduct, an experienced cruise ship sexual assault lawyer can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury lawyer.

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.