Royal Caribbean Passengers Sue Over Bed Bug Infestation and Bites Aboard Mariner of the Seas
Florida residents Curtis and Sandra Gill filed a negligence lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging they were subjected to a severe bed bug infestation during their cruise aboard the Mariner of the Seas. The couple claims that they awoke to find numerous insects in their stateroom—including near the bed and in the shower—and later discovered painful bites across their bodies that required medical care.
Cruise Passengers File Bed Bug Lawsuit Against Royal Caribbean After Suffering Bites and Health Issues in Infested Cabin
Case Title: Curtis Gill and Sandra Gill v. Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
Case Number: 1:25-cv-21510
Filing Date: April 1, 2025
Jurisdiction: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida (Miami Division)
Plaintiffs: Curtis Gill and Sandra Gill, Florida residents
Defendant: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (d/b/a Royal Caribbean Group)
Vessel Involved: Mariner of the Seas
Incident Date: April 15, 2024
Plaintiffs Claim Negligent Cleaning, Lack of Inspection, and Failure to Warn About Known Pest Issues
Key Allegations in the Complaint
The lawsuit outlines three counts of negligence, centered on Royal Caribbean’s alleged failure to provide safe, sanitary accommodations:
- Negligent Maintenance of the Stateroom (Count I & II)
- Failure to inspect or monitor cabins for infestations
- Failure to keep cabins clean and hazard-free
- Failure to respond promptly or effectively after the infestation occurred
- Failure to warn passengers about the risk of bed bugs in the room
- Negligent Failure to Act Despite Prior Reports (Count III)
- Plaintiffs allege that other passengers had experienced similar infestations, and that Royal Caribbean knew—or should have known—about the issue.
The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean had both actual and constructive knowledge of the bed bug problem and failed to take steps to correct it.
Physical and Emotional Harm Alleged
The Gills claim that the infestation led to:
- Painful bites on the chest, back, and legs
- Emotional distress, including anxiety and embarrassment
- Medical costs and future care
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
They assert that these injuries are permanent and continuing in nature.
Bed Bug Lawsuits on Cruise Ships: Legal Responsibilities and Passenger Rights Under Maritime Law
Cruise Line Liability for Cabin Cleanliness and Passenger Health
Under maritime law, cruise operators owe passengers a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances, which includes:
- Maintaining clean and sanitary accommodations
- Inspecting cabins for hazards like vermin or pest infestations
- Promptly addressing known problems that could harm passengers
- Disclosing known or foreseeable dangers
Bed bug lawsuits often hinge on whether the cruise line had actual or constructive notice of the infestation and failed to respond in a timely or reasonable manner.
Increasing Scrutiny on Cruise Cabin Conditions
Cases involving in-room hazards, such as bed bugs, mold, or water intrusion, have increased scrutiny on cruise lines’ maintenance and sanitation protocols. Courts will consider:
- Did the infestation exist long enough for staff to observe it?
- Were prior complaints made about the same stateroom or nearby rooms?
- Were there systemic inspection failures or training issues?
This case may compel cruise lines to reassess pest control protocols and increase transparency with guests regarding room cleanliness.
Bitten by Bed Bugs During a Cruise? Know Your Legal Rights
If you or a loved one suffered bed bug bites or health issues aboard a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation. These infestations can lead to both physical and psychological harm—and under maritime law, cruise lines can be held liable.
📞 Contact a maritime injury attorney today to discuss your rights and pursue recovery for medical costs, emotional distress, lost wages, and more.
