Canadian Resident Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Trip and Fall Over Hidden Step in Spinnaker Lounge Aboard the Sun
Robert Slater, a Canadian resident and U.S. citizen, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-22637-RKA, alleges that Slater sustained severe injuries on October 28, 2024, after tripping over a concealed step in the Spinnaker Lounge aboard the Norwegian Sun.
Passenger Injured in Spinnaker Lounge Due to Unmarked and Poorly Lit Step on Norwegian Sun
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Slater was visiting the Spinnaker Lounge, located on Deck 12 of the Norwegian Sun, during his cruise. Slater alleges that he tripped over a hidden, unmarked, and camouflaged step that created a dangerous change in elevation. The lounge area was reportedly dimly lit, lacked visible caution signage, and provided no handrails or visual markers to alert guests to the elevation change. Slater contends that he had no way of anticipating the hazard, as it was not open or obvious, and no warnings were issued by the cruise line.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers About Step Hazards in Public Lounge Area
The lawsuit claims that Norwegian Cruise Line had prior knowledge of the risks associated with the design and layout of the Spinnaker Lounge. The cruise line is alleged to have participated in and approved the design choices, including flooring materials, lighting, and step configurations, that created the hidden hazard. Plaintiff’s legal counsel highlights that NCL failed to warn passengers of the danger despite allegedly knowing of previous similar incidents. The complaint references three prior lawsuits involving fall injuries in comparable circumstances aboard other NCL ships, including Ginart v. NCL (2025), Gard v. NCL (2024), and Shidal v. NCL (2024), all of which involved poorly marked or hazardous steps in public areas.
Lawsuit Claims Unsafe Design and Inadequate Maintenance of Lounge Step Created Dangerous Condition
Slater’s lawsuit asserts that NCL’s internal safety standards failed to ensure the step was adequately marked or designed to reduce fall risks. He alleges the cruise line neglected to apply proper lighting, handrails, or slip-resistant flooring and failed to inspect or maintain the Spinnaker Lounge to a reasonably safe standard. The lawsuit further claims that Norwegian did not test or evaluate the step’s visibility or design under realistic onboard conditions, especially considering that many cruise passengers may have mobility or vision impairments. The step’s color scheme and floor materials allegedly made the change in elevation blend into the surrounding area, rendering it indistinguishable to guests.
Plaintiff Seeks Compensation for Permanent Injuries and Loss of Cruise Value Due to Norwegian’s Alleged Negligence
Slater brings three counts of negligence against Norwegian Cruise Line: negligent failure to warn, negligent failure to maintain, and general negligence. He asserts that the cruise line breached its duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for passengers and failed to act on foreseeable risks within the Spinnaker Lounge. As a result of the fall, Slater alleges he suffered serious and permanent injuries, including physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished ability to work. He also seeks damages for medical expenses, loss of enjoyment of life, and the lost value of his cruise and travel costs.
Contact a Cruise Ship Trip and Fall Attorney If You Were Injured Due to a Hidden Step or Poor Design Aboard a Norwegian Vessel
Trip and fall accidents involving hidden steps, poor lighting, or inadequate warnings aboard cruise ships can result in significant injury and disruption to a passenger’s vacation. If you or a loved one was injured on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship—or any other major cruise line—due to unsafe conditions in public areas like lounges or theaters, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Our team of experienced cruise ship injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and pursue justice.
Contact us now to speak with a maritime trip and fall attorney.
