New York Woman Sues Carnival Cruise Line Following Sexual Assault by Jet Ski Operator During Port Visit in Nassau
Jane Doe, a resident and citizen of New York, 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-25956-JB, alleges that Doe was brutally sexually assaulted and raped by a jet ski operator on April 1, 2025, after disembarking the Carnival Sunshine in Nassau, the Bahamas . Doe seeks damages in excess of $75,000 for permanent psychological and physical injuries .
Cruise Passenger Sexually Assaulted on Isolated Island After Renting Jet Ski Near Nassau Cruise Port
According to the complaint, the Carnival Sunshine called at the Nassau Cruise Port as part of its scheduled itinerary . Doe and her travel companions traveled to nearby Junkanoo Beach, where a male jet ski operator approached them and offered a tour . After Doe purchased the tour, the operator allegedly took her to a small, private island under the guise of looking for seashells . Once they were isolated, the operator allegedly threw Doe onto a storage box and violently sexually assaulted and raped her despite her repeated demands for him to stop . Doe reported the incident to Carnival medical staff immediately upon returning to the ship, where an evidence collection kit concluded she had suffered sexual abuse . The Royal Bahamas Police Force later identified and arrested a suspect .
Carnival Accused of Failing to Warn Passengers of Known Risks and Department of State Travel Advisories
The lawsuit alleges that Carnival knew or should have known of the specific risk of sexual assault by jet ski operators in the Bahamas but failed to warn passengers . The complaint highlights that since 2019, the United States Department of State (DOS) has issued warnings regarding sexual assaults by jet ski operators on American tourists in the region . Crucially, on March 29, 2025—just days before Doe’s assault—the DOS issued a Level 2 Travel Advisory specifically warning female American tourists of these risks following multiple reported rapes in late 2024 and early 2025 . Doe asserts that despite Carnival requiring a mandatory safety briefing, the cruise line never mentioned these specific dangers or the standing travel advisories .
Complaint Alleges Negligent Promotion of High-Risk Excursions and Failure to Monitor Criminal Trends in Nassau
In addition to the failure to warn, Doe alleges that Carnival was negligent in its promotion of the Nassau port-of-call . The complaint states that Carnival’s website specifically advertised Nassau as a destination where passengers could enjoy nearby beaches and watersports like jet skiing . Doe argues that by promoting these activities, Carnival implied they were safe despite the cruise line’s knowledge of the risks involving independent jet ski operators . The lawsuit further contends that Carnival failed to implement adequate policies to monitor travel advisories or reported crimes in areas where they encourage passengers to spend time while ashore .
Plaintiff Seeks Punitive Damages for Severe Trauma and Permanent Loss of Capacity Following Assault
Doe brings three counts against Carnival: negligent failure to warn, general negligence, and vicarious liability for the negligence of the ship’s crew and staff . She claims that as a direct result of the assault, she has suffered severe psychological and psychosexual trauma, potential exposure to HIV and other diseases, mental anguish, and a permanent loss of the capacity for enjoyment of life . Doe is seeking judgment for compensatory and punitive damages, as well as the lost value of her vacation . The lawsuit maintains that but for Carnival’s failure to provide a simple warning regarding the DOS advisory, Doe never would have participated in the jet ski tour .
Contact a Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyer Today if You Were Harmed During a Port-of-Call Visit
Cruise passengers who are victims of sexual assault or violent crime during a cruise or while visiting a port-of-call may have legal recourse under maritime law. Cruise lines have a non-delegable duty to protect their passengers from foreseeable harm and to warn them of known dangers in the locations where they are encouraged to disembark. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury or assault while on a cruise vacation, contact our team of experienced maritime attorneys to discuss your rights and potential for recovery.
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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.
