Kelsey Cugino, a 43-year-old resident of North Carolina, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Middle District of Florida against Classica Cruise Operator Ltd. Inc., the operator of the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 6:25-cv-00916-ACC-RMN, arises from a slip and fall incident that allegedly occurred due to dangerously slick and defective steps leading into one of the ship’s swimming pools.

Cruise Passenger Injured on Pool Step Aboard Margaritaville at Sea Islander Due to Missing Anti-Slip Strips and Loose Surface

According to the complaint, Cugino was injured on April 16, 2025, while sailing in the Caribbean aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Islander. As he stepped into one of the vessel’s swimming pools, his foot slipped on a step that was allegedly as slick as ice. The suit claims that friction strips on the step had deteriorated to the point of being completely ineffective and that the step was also wobbly and loose, compounding the hazard.

Cugino alleges that the cruise operator failed to maintain the step in a reasonably safe condition despite knowing of its dangers. He states that he lost his balance and suffered a complete tear of his right quadriceps tendon, requiring surgical intervention and a long rehabilitation period. The injury has allegedly caused him enduring physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Margaritaville at Sea Accused of Failing to Maintain Safe Pool Steps and Ignoring Prior Notice of Hazardous Condition

The lawsuit asserts that Classica Cruise Operator had actual or constructive knowledge of the unsafe condition prior to Cugino’s injury. According to the complaint, the cruise line had previously taken corrective measures by placing one-inch-wide friction strips along this step and surrounding areas, indicating it was aware of the slipping hazard. Maritime case law recognizes such corrective actions as evidence of notice, particularly when the condition involves common risk areas like pool decks and stairways.

Despite this alleged knowledge, Cugino contends that the cruise line failed to replace the worn strips in a timely manner or to secure the loose step. The lawsuit also claims that the absence of visible warnings or barriers around the unsafe pool area allowed a foreseeable danger to persist unaddressed.

Classica Cruise Operator Sued for Negligence After Passenger Suffers Severe Leg Injury on Unsafe Pool Step

Cugino has brought a single count of negligence against Classica Cruise Operator Ltd. Inc., citing a failure to inspect, maintain, and repair the step in accordance with the duty of reasonable care owed to passengers under maritime law. He is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 for his pain and suffering, medical expenses, permanent impairment, and other economic and non-economic losses.

The complaint emphasizes that cruise lines are obligated to ensure public areas such as pools are free from preventable dangers, especially when defects are known and repair protocols are already in place. In this case, the Plaintiff argues that the cruise operator’s inaction directly caused his debilitating injuries and vacation disruption.

Hurt on a Cruise Ship Due to Slippery Pool Steps or Defective Surfaces? You May Be Entitled to Compensation

Cruise ship passengers injured due to dangerous conditions such as worn friction strips, loose steps, or poorly maintained pool areas may have grounds for a maritime personal injury lawsuit. Operators like Classica Cruise Operator Ltd. Inc. have a duty to inspect and repair known hazards and protect passengers from preventable accidents while aboard. If you or someone you love suffered an injury on a cruise due to slippery flooring, loose fixtures, or other safety issues, contact our experienced legal team today.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship slip and fall attorney.

Florida Woman Sues Margaritaville at Sea After Performing Heimlich on Choking Passenger and Suffering Injuries Due to Lack of Crew Response

Christina Lockwood, a Tallahassee resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Classica Cruise Operator Ltd., doing business as Margaritaville at Sea. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-20948-AHS, alleges that Lockwood suffered serious physical and emotional injuries after stepping in to save a fellow passenger who was choking during dinner aboard the Margaritaville Paradise, only to be struck in the process and receive no support from ship personnel.

Cruise Passenger Allegedly Forced to Respond to Choking Emergency Aboard Margaritaville Paradise Without Crew Assistance

According to the complaint, the incident occurred on February 27, 2024, during dinner service aboard the Margaritaville Paradise. Another passenger began choking on her food, prompting Lockwood to call for assistance. The lawsuit claims that despite urgent pleas, no crew members responded to the emergency. With no medical help in sight, Lockwood attempted to perform the Heimlich maneuver on the distressed passenger.

During her life-saving effort, the choking passenger allegedly collapsed backward, falling on Lockwood and injuring her in the process. Despite continuing CPR and chest compressions, no crew members intervened until after the passenger had died. The traumatic incident allegedly triggered a seizure in Lockwood and caused her to suffer both physical and psychological harm.

Margaritaville at Sea Accused of Negligently Failing to Provide Emergency Medical Response During Onboard Choking Incident

Lockwood’s complaint brings two counts against Margaritaville at Sea: general negligence and failure to render aid. The lawsuit alleges that the cruise line breached its duty to have trained emergency response personnel readily available to assist passengers in distress. By failing to respond in a timely manner and negligently managing the medical crisis, the cruise line is accused of creating a situation where a paying passenger had to intervene, resulting in her own injuries.

The complaint further asserts that the cruise line’s crew failed to take reasonable steps to protect the safety of its passengers during the incident, leading to both Lockwood’s injury and the death of the choking guest. Lockwood states that the ship’s refusal to provide immediate medical care afterward further exacerbated her injuries.

Lawsuit Seeks Compensation for Physical Trauma, Seizure, and Emotional Distress After Cruise Line’s Emergency Response Failure

As a result of the incident, Lockwood claims to have suffered physical injuries, an epileptic seizure, emotional distress, and substantial medical costs. She is seeking damages in excess of $75,000 for the injuries she sustained while attempting to assist another passenger in a life-threatening situation. Her legal team argues that Margaritaville at Sea’s inaction and lack of trained medical intervention violated their duty to provide reasonable care to passengers under maritime law.

Lockwood’s lawsuit emphasizes the cruise line’s alleged failure to prepare and execute emergency response protocols, stating that her injuries and trauma were entirely avoidable had the crew responded appropriately.

Injured While Trying to Save a Passenger Due to Cruise Line Inaction? Maritime Law May Protect Your Rights

Cruise passengers have a right to expect that emergency situations will be handled by trained professionals. When cruise lines like Margaritaville at Sea fail to provide timely medical assistance or neglect their duty to intervene during life-threatening events, they may be held liable under maritime law. If you or a loved one suffered injuries or trauma due to a cruise ship’s failure to act during an onboard emergency, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney and learn how we can help you protect your rights.

Florida Man Sues Margaritaville at Sea After Suffering Severe Burns in Onboard Sauna Due to Hidden Steam Vent Hazard

Nathaniel M. Whaley, a Pensacola resident, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Classica Cruise Operator Ltd., Inc., doing business as Margaritaville at Sea, and Horizon Hotel Owner, LLC, which operates the onboard St. Somewhere Spa. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 9:25-cv-80021-RLR, alleges that Whaley sustained serious burn injuries from an excessively hot steam vent inside a cruise ship sauna during a January 2024 voyage aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise.

Cruise Passenger Burned in St. Somewhere Spa Sauna on Margaritaville Paradise Due to Dangerous and Unmarked Steam Vent

According to the complaint, Whaley was a fare-paying passenger aboard the Margaritaville Paradise from January 12 to January 14, 2024. On January 13, while using the ship’s St. Somewhere Spa sauna, he swung his leg over a bench and, without making contact, passed near an unmarked steam vent. Despite not touching the vent, the emitted steam allegedly caused immediate and severe burns to his right foot and ankle.

Whaley asserts that the vent was either defective or dangerously configured, causing it to emit steam at an excessively high temperature. He further alleges that the vessel’s medical center was closed at the time of the injury, and when he reported the incident to the ship’s front desk the following day, he was merely advised to consult his own doctor ashore.

Margaritaville at Sea and Spa Operator Sued for Negligence in Failing to Maintain Safe Sauna Conditions and Warn Passengers

The lawsuit accuses both Classica Cruise Operator and Horizon Hotel Owner (St. Somewhere Spa) of failing to inspect, maintain, and repair the sauna, and of allowing a hidden danger to persist without warning to passengers. Whaley alleges that the cruise line and spa operator either knew or should have known about the excessively hot steam vent through prior complaints or similar incidents and failed to act.

The complaint includes counts of negligent maintenance and failure to warn, arguing that neither entity posted warning signs, installed protective coverings, nor trained staff to monitor dangerous temperature levels. It also alleges that crew members had a duty to inspect and regulate the sauna environment to ensure passenger safety.

Passenger Seeks Compensation for Burns, Disfigurement, and Emotional Distress Caused by Sauna Incident on Margaritaville Cruise

Whaley seeks damages in excess of $75,000 for physical injuries, pain and suffering, mental anguish, permanent disfigurement, medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity. The complaint claims that his injuries were the direct result of the defendants’ failure to exercise reasonable care under maritime law. It further asserts that the danger posed by the steam vent was not open or obvious, and that no warnings were issued despite the foreseeable risk of harm to unsuspecting passengers.

Both Classica and Horizon Hotel Owner are named as defendants, with Whaley demanding a jury trial and full compensation for the ongoing impacts of his injury.

Burned in a Cruise Ship Spa or Sauna Due to Hidden Hazards? Learn Your Rights Under Maritime Law

Cruise passengers injured by hidden dangers in spas, saunas, or other wellness areas aboard vessels may be entitled to compensation under federal maritime law. Cruise lines and their third-party spa operators have a duty to inspect and maintain facilities, and to warn of any non-obvious risks. If you or a loved one suffered burns, disfigurement, or other injuries due to an unsafe onboard spa or sauna, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise ship injury attorney about your case.