Georgia Woman Sues Norwegian Cruise Line After Slip and Fall on Wet Artificial Turf During Pride of America Shore Excursion
Tamika Henson, a resident of Georgia, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against NCL Bahamas Ltd., doing business as Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL America LLC, and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:26-cv-24562-KMW, alleges that Henson suffered severe and permanent injuries after slipping on wet artificial turf during a ship-sponsored shore excursion in Hawaii. The incident occurred on July 4, 2025, while Henson was a passenger aboard the Pride of America vessel during a seven-day inter-island cruise that embarked and disembarked in Honolulu.
Cruise Passenger Injured on Jewels of Hawaii Excursion Due to Slippery Artificial Turf and Lack of Warning
According to the complaint, Henson purchased a cruise-line-vetted shore excursion titled Jewels of Hawaii Waterfalls and Tropical Gardens while onboard the vessel. While participating in the tour at a port in Nawiliwili, Kauai County, Hawaii, she was directed to traverse an area covered in wet artificial turf or green grass surface. The complaint alleges that the walking surface was slick and unreasonably dangerous for passengers. Despite wearing appropriate footwear with good tread, Henson lost her footing and fell forcefully onto the ground. The lawsuit asserts that neither Norwegian Cruise Line nor the tour operator corrected the hazardous condition, provided a safe path, or gave any warning to the passengers regarding the slippery nature of the turf.
Norwegian Cruise Line Accused of Negligent Selection and Retention of Hawaii Shore Excursion Operator
The legal action includes allegations that the cruise line failed in its duty to properly vet and monitor the third-party company chosen to run the excursion. Henson argues that Norwegian Cruise Line owed a specific duty of care to its passengers when marketing, selling, and recommending shore activities. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants breached this duty by selecting and retaining an incompetent or unfit tour operator that permitted unsafe walking conditions. The plaintiff contends that had the cruise line exercised reasonable care in its vetting and safety inspection protocols, it would have discovered the hazards and chosen not to offer the excursion to its passengers.
Lawsuit Alleges Apparent Agency and Joint Venture Between Cruise Line and Excursion Operator
Henson claims that the cruise line is vicariously liable for the incident because it actively promoted the tour as an official, safe, and approved part of the Norwegian Cruise Line experience. Through marketing materials, website listings, and an onboard shore excursion desk, the cruise line allegedly led passengers to believe the tour operator was acting as its authorized agent. The complaint further asserts that the cruise line and the tour company engaged in a joint venture. They shared a community of interest, a common business purpose, and split the profits and losses generated by selling these excursions to cruise passengers, meaning both entities share liability for safety failures during the tour.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages for Permanent Spinal Injuries and Medical Expenses Following Excursion Accident
The complaint outlines four distinct legal counts, which are negligence, negligent selection and retention, apparent agency, and joint venture. Henson alleges that the forceful fall resulted in severe bodily injuries, including trauma to her left hip, her lower back, and the lumbar region of her spine, causing pain to radiate down her lower extremities. She was also diagnosed with a strain of the left quadriceps and lumbago with sciatica. Shipboard medical staff treated her with a prescription pain injection during the cruise, and she required further emergency room care and ongoing physical therapy upon returning home to Georgia. The lawsuit seeks compensation for permanent physical impairment, past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and mental anguish.
Contact a Cruise Ship Shore Excursion Injury Lawyer Today if You Were Hurt on a Ship Sponsored Tour
Passengers who suffer injuries during ship-sponsored shore excursions or while traversing unsafe walking surfaces during a cruise vacation may be entitled to financial compensation under maritime law. Cruise operators have a responsibility to protect passengers from foreseeable harm and to recommend only safe activities. If you or a loved one experienced a slip and fall accident during a cruise excursion, consulting an experienced attorney can help protect your rights. Contact our legal team today to explore your options and discuss your case.
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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.
