Virginia Couple Sues MSC Cruises After Late-Night Bar Assault Aboard MSC Seashore
Two Virginia residents, Isabella Rodriguez and Koren Christian, have filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises SA in the Southern District of Florida. Filed under Case No. 0:25-cv-62060, the complaint alleges that both plaintiffs were violently attacked by intoxicated passengers in a late-night incident aboard the MSC Seashore on May 9, 2025, and suffered serious injuries due to MSC’s failure to provide adequate security and enforce its alcohol policies.
MSC Passengers Assaulted by Intoxicated Guests at Shipboard Bar During Early Morning Hours
According to the lawsuit, the incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on the ship’s seventh deck bar area. Rodriguez, age 22, and Christian, age 21, were seated with a companion at two tables near the bar when they briefly left to order drinks. While they were at the bar, a visibly intoxicated woman sat down at their tables, prompting Christian and the companion to politely offer to vacate the area. Almost immediately, the woman’s friends—two visibly drunk men—arrived and, without provocation, physically attacked Christian and the companion.
As Rodriguez approached the scene to deescalate the altercation, she too was violently assaulted. She alleges she was punched, kicked, and had her head slammed against a metal railing by the initial female aggressor. The plaintiffs claim that MSC security took over 15 minutes to respond and failed to detain the attackers even after determining they were the aggressors.
Cruise Line Accused of Negligent Security and Overservice of Alcohol in MSC Seashore Lounge
The lawsuit claims MSC Cruises failed in its duty to provide reasonable security and protect passengers from foreseeable acts of violence, particularly involving intoxicated individuals. Plaintiffs argue the cruise line’s overservice of alcohol was a direct contributing factor, citing the visibly inebriated state of the attackers and MSC’s failure to monitor or limit their alcohol consumption.
Rodriguez and Christian allege that the attack was not an isolated event but part of a troubling pattern. The complaint references at least two prior violent incidents on MSC ships within a year, including a fatal altercation on the MSC Virtuosa just a week earlier and a physical assault on an elderly passenger aboard the MSC Seascape in October 2024. Plaintiffs contend that MSC was on notice of the risks posed by onboard intoxication and failed to take adequate preventive measures.
Lawsuit Cites Inadequate Security, Poor Staff Training, and Failure to Enforce Alcohol Policies
The plaintiffs assert that MSC breached its duty of care by failing to provide sufficient and properly trained security staff, especially in late-night entertainment venues where alcohol consumption is high. The complaint alleges that no security personnel were present in the bar area at the time of the attack and that MSC’s existing protocols were insufficient to prevent or deescalate violent incidents.
According to the lawsuit, MSC failed to enforce its own liquor policies and enabled the assailants by serving them excessive alcohol. The plaintiffs further argue that MSC failed to warn or protect passengers from foreseeable harm despite a growing history of onboard violence.
Plaintiffs Allege Permanent Injuries, Emotional Trauma, and Ongoing Medical Treatment After Shipboard Assault
As a result of the assault, Rodriguez was diagnosed with a concussion and continues to suffer from symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and back pain. She underwent a CT scan, MRI, and x-rays and remains under medical care. Christian suffered bruises and abrasions across his face, back, and neck. Both plaintiffs claim their injuries have affected their quality of life and ability to engage in normal activities.
The lawsuit brings two counts against MSC Cruises: general negligence and negligent security. Both plaintiffs are seeking damages in excess of $100,000 for medical costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other economic and non-economic harms. The complaint alleges their injuries were the direct result of MSC’s failure to uphold its legal obligation to maintain a safe environment for its passengers.
Contact a Cruise Ship Assault Lawyer if You Were Injured Due to Inadequate Security Onboard
Passengers who suffer injuries as a result of violent incidents aboard cruise ships may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Cruise lines like MSC are legally obligated to provide adequate security, enforce alcohol policies, and take steps to protect guests from foreseeable harm. If you or a loved one were injured in an assault aboard a cruise ship, contact our experienced maritime injury attorneys today to learn more about your rights and legal options.
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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.
