Ohio Resident Sues Princess Cruise Line for False Imprisonment and Wrongful Eviction After Being Stranded in Hawaii
Vera Ellen Campbell, a resident of Ohio, has filed a maritime lawsuit against Princess Cruise Line in the Southern District of Florida. The complaint, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25920-DSW, alleges that Campbell was subjected to negligence, false imprisonment, and wrongful eviction from a vessel after being falsely accused of being suicidal by a cabin mate.
Cruise Passenger Allegedly Held Under Guard and Wrongfully Evicted from Princess Cruise Ship Based on False Reports
The incident began on December 19, 2024, when Campbell embarked on a 16-day round-trip voyage from Long Beach, California, to Hawaii aboard a Princess Cruise Line vessel. According to the complaint, on December 25, 2024, a dispute occurred between Campbell and her cabin mate. Campbell alleges that her cabin mate, who was reportedly intoxicated and involved with crew members, falsely reported to ship security that Campbell was suicidal. Campbell maintains that while she was sad and crying due to the conflict, she was never a danger to herself. Despite her explanations, security personnel located her near the elevators and marched her to the ship’s medical unit, where she was allegedly held under guard against her will.
Princess Cruise Line Accused of Negligent Mental Health Assessment by Non-Professional Staff Prior to Forced Removal
The lawsuit asserts that the ship’s medical doctor, who Campbell notes was not a mental health professional, failed to properly listen to her or conduct an adequate assessment of her mental state. Instead of receiving a professional evaluation, Campbell was informed she would be detained overnight under guard until the ship reached Maui. The complaint highlights a significant failure in the cruise line’s protocols, alleging that a staff member unqualified in psychiatry made a life-altering medical determination that resulted in Campbell being “marched” to an ambulance upon docking. This forced removal occurred despite Campbell’s repeated assertions that she was not disruptive, combative, or a threat to safety.
Plaintiff Stranded in Hawaii with No Resources After Psychiatrist Cleared Her of Suicide Concerns
Upon arrival in Maui on December 26, 2024, Campbell was transported to the Maui Medical Center. The complaint states that she was promptly evaluated by a licensed psychiatrist who found no issues of suicide or cause for concern, corroborating Campbell’s original claims. Despite being cleared by medical professionals on land, Campbell was not permitted to return to the ship to complete the remaining ten days of her vacation. She alleges she was left stranded in Hawaii with no money, no resources, and no means to return to the mainland. Through the assistance of a hospital social worker and a friend, she was eventually able to secure a flight to Phoenix and then back to her home.
Lawsuit Seeks Damages for Humiliation and Lost Vacation Value Following Unjust Eviction from Princess Vessel
Campbell brings counts of negligence, false imprisonment, and wrongful eviction against Princess Cruise Line. She alleges that the cruise line acted unjustly by removing her based solely on the word of an intoxicated individual without proper verification. The plaintiff is seeking $75,000 in compensation for the humiliation she suffered, the loss of her “vacation of a lifetime,” the financial costs associated with her unexpected travel, and the emotional distress of being treated like a criminal while under guard. The complaint argues that the cruise line breached its duty of care by failing to employ qualified staff to handle mental health reports and by effectively abandoning a passenger in a remote location without support.
Contact a Cruise Ship Wrongful Eviction Lawyer Today if You Were Mistreated or Detained During Your Vacation
Passengers who have been subject to false imprisonment, wrongful eviction, or negligent medical treatment while on a cruise have specific rights under maritime law. Cruise lines have a responsibility to treat passengers with dignity and to follow fair protocols before removing them from a vessel. If you or a loved one experienced an unjust removal or was held against your will by cruise security or medical staff, it is essential to seek legal guidance. Our team of experienced maritime attorneys is dedicated to holding cruise lines accountable for negligence and protecting the rights of travelers.
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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.
