Georgia Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line After Slipping on Wet Lido Deck Near Tiki Bar Aboard Carnival Celebration
Joyce Sharpe, a resident of Georgia, 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-22940-DPG, alleges that Sharpe sustained serious injuries after slipping on a wet surface near the Red Frog Tiki Bar on the Carnival Celebration during her cruise on April 24, 2024.
Cruise Passenger Falls on Wet Surface Near Red Frog Tiki Bar on Lido Deck of Carnival Celebration
According to the complaint, the incident occurred while Sharpe was walking across the lido deck near the Red Frog Tiki Bar—an area that sees heavy foot traffic due to its location next to the pool and casual dining venues. While traversing the area, she unexpectedly slipped on a wet floor with no warning signage or crew intervention. Sharpe contends she was exercising reasonable care at the time and had no knowledge or indication of the hazardous condition prior to her fall.
Carnival Allegedly Failed to Address Recurrent Lido Deck Slip Hazards Across Its Fleet
Sharpe accuses Carnival of failing to maintain a safe walking surface on the lido deck and points to a history of similar incidents on other Carnival ships as evidence the cruise line knew or should have known of the risks. Specifically, the complaint references a March 31, 2024 incident on the Carnival Sunrise in which another passenger slipped after leaving the Lido Dining Area, as well as a September 6, 2022 incident aboard the Carnival Horizon, where a passenger similarly slipped on a wet lido deck floor.
By citing these prior occurrences, Sharpe’s legal team argues that Carnival was on notice of the dangerous conditions that exist in lido deck areas, especially those near bars, dining venues, and pool facilities. Despite this, the cruise line allegedly failed to implement proper precautions, such as anti-slip surfacing, regular mopping and drying procedures, or the placement of warning signs during peak passenger use.
Complaint Asserts Negligence in Maintaining Safe Conditions and Failing to Prevent Slip and Fall Risks
The lawsuit brings a single count of negligence, alleging that Carnival breached its duty of care by allowing hazardous water accumulation to remain on the deck without adequate maintenance or warnings. Sharpe contends this failure directly caused her fall and resulting injuries. Under maritime law, cruise operators owe their passengers a duty to exercise reasonable care, which includes ensuring walking surfaces are safe and dry or properly marked if slippery conditions exist.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Serious Injuries and Medical Costs Related to Lido Deck Slip Incident on Carnival Celebration
As a result of the incident, Sharpe claims she sustained serious injuries, though the nature of those injuries is not specified in the initial complaint. She is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $75,000, along with interest and the costs of pursuing the lawsuit. The complaint was filed in accordance with the forum selection clause in Carnival’s passenger contract, which designates the Southern District of Florida as the venue for any personal injury claims arising during a cruise.
Contact a Cruise Ship Slip and Fall Lawyer If You Were Injured on a Wet Deck or Unsafe Surface While Aboard a Carnival Vessel
Passengers who suffer injuries due to unaddressed wet surfaces or other hazards aboard cruise ships may have legal recourse under federal maritime law. Lido decks, bars, and poolside areas are known risk zones for slip and fall injuries if not properly maintained or monitored by the cruise line. If you or a loved one was injured under similar circumstances on a Carnival cruise, a maritime personal injury attorney can help you determine your rights and pursue compensation.
Contact us now to speak with an experienced cruise ship injury lawyer.
