Tennessee Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Contracting Salmonella Aboard Radiance of the Seas

Holzberg Legal

Anna Lunney, a resident of Tennessee, has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The case, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-23735-BB, alleges that Lunney contracted a severe Salmonella infection during a September 2024 cruise aboard the Radiance of the Seas, resulting in catastrophic medical complications including a total abdominal colectomy.

Cruise Passenger Alleges She Consumed Contaminated Eggs and Became Infected with Salmonella on Radiance of the Seas

According to the complaint, Lunney boarded the Radiance of the Seas on September 13, 2024, for a seven-night Alaskan voyage. During the cruise, she dined in various onboard venues, including the main dining room. On or about September 19 and 20, she consumed eggs and other menu items prepared and served by Royal Caribbean. Shortly thereafter, she began experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, fatigue, muscle pain, and headache—symptoms that intensified after disembarkation.

Medical testing later confirmed that Lunney had contracted Salmonella Enteritidis, a serious foodborne pathogen. She alleges that the food she was served aboard the ship was contaminated and unfit for consumption, and that Royal Caribbean failed to maintain proper food safety standards.

Lawsuit Points to CDC-Confirmed Salmonella Outbreak Affecting 180 Passengers on Radiance of the Seas

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) reported that 180 passengers and 3 crew members aboard the Radiance of the Seas tested positive for Salmonella during the September 20–27, 2024 voyage. Lunney claims her symptoms began on the first day of the reported outbreak and that she was aboard the vessel during the entire incubation period.

Her complaint alleges that Royal Caribbean increased its cleaning and disinfection protocols only after the outbreak was underway, indicating that prior protocols were inadequate. She further asserts that the cruise line failed to warn her and other passengers about the unfolding health risk despite having actual or constructive knowledge of contamination aboard the vessel.

Complaint Highlights Prior Gastrointestinal Outbreaks on Royal Caribbean Ships as Evidence of Ongoing Safety Failures

Lunney’s legal team points to a pattern of gastrointestinal illness aboard Royal Caribbean vessels in the years leading up to her cruise. The complaint notes that at least seven norovirus outbreaks were reported by the CDC on Royal Caribbean ships between 2019 and 2024, including a notable April 2024 outbreak on the Radiance of the Seas—the same vessel Lunney later boarded.

Additional gastrointestinal illness was reported in May 2024 aboard another Royal Caribbean ship, affecting over 120 passengers. Lunney’s attorneys argue that these incidents gave Royal Caribbean ample notice of potential risks and the need for improved food safety protocols, inspection procedures, and passenger warnings.

Royal Caribbean Accused of Negligence in Food Preparation, Sanitation, and Failure to Warn of Outbreak Risks

The lawsuit brings three counts against Royal Caribbean: general negligence, negligent failure to warn, and vicarious liability. The complaint alleges that Royal Caribbean failed to properly store, prepare, and serve safe food; neglected to maintain sanitary cooking conditions; and did not enforce adequate training for food handlers and kitchen staff.

Among the specific failures cited:

  • Serving eggs and other menu items contaminated with Salmonella
  • Failing to maintain hygienic kitchen environments
  • Failing to warn passengers about recent gastrointestinal outbreaks on the same ship
  • Ignoring food safety deficiencies previously identified by the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program

Lunney also alleges that had Royal Caribbean warned her of the foodborne illness risk, she could have taken preventive action or sought early medical care, potentially avoiding her severe illness.

Plaintiff Undergoes Intensive Medical Treatment Including Emergency Surgery Following Cruise Illness

Lunney’s Salmonella infection allegedly progressed into a life-threatening condition requiring multiple hospitalizations, intensive care treatment, and ultimately a total abdominal colectomy with end ileostomy. Her medical ordeal was compounded by a diagnosis of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) and respiratory failure.

She is seeking damages for permanent injuries, disfigurement, medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other related costs.

Sick After Eating on a Cruise? Foodborne Illness May Entitle You to Compensation Under Maritime Law

Cruise lines are responsible for serving food that is safe and free from harmful contaminants. When outbreaks of Salmonella or other foodborne illnesses occur due to unsafe kitchen practices, poor sanitation, or lack of timely warnings, passengers may have legal recourse under maritime law. If you or a loved one experienced severe illness after dining aboard a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation.

Contact us now to speak with a cruise food poisoning attorney.


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.

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