Virginia Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line and Italian Tour Operator Over Fall on Flavors of Sorrento & Pompeii Excursion
A Virginia woman has filed a maritime personal injury lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida against Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Italian excursion partner New Cycle Tours after she allegedly tripped on a concealed curb during the Flavors of Sorrento & Pompeii shore excursion. The complaint, filed May 8, 2025, claims NCL and its partner failed to ensure safe tour conditions, leading to severe injuries for plaintiff Cynthia Reino. The case is styled Cynthia Reino v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., New Cycle Tours, and XYZ Defendant(s), Case No. 1:25-cv-22137-DPG.
Passenger Tripped on Concealed Curb in Overcrowded Tour Setting
On May 8, 2024, 68-year-old Cynthia Reino participated in the “Flavors of Sorrento & Pompeii” excursion offered by NCL while sailing aboard the Norwegian Viva. According to the complaint, Reino purchased the tour based on NCL’s assurances that it was safe and appropriate for passengers her age and physical condition.
However, upon arrival at the Italian excursion site, Reino alleges the tour was overcrowded, poorly supervised, and failed to provide adequate warnings about site hazards. While following the tour group as instructed, Reino tripped over a concealed curb obscured by crowding and lack of visual warnings.
Serious Wrist and Shoulder Injuries Alleged
As a result of the fall, Reino reportedly sustained a fractured left wrist, right bicipital tendinitis requiring surgery, and additional injuries to her left shoulder, knee, and foot. She claims these injuries have caused lasting pain, loss of function, emotional distress, and significant medical expenses, including the need for continued orthopedic care and rehabilitation.
Legal Claims Against NCL and New Cycle Tours
The complaint brings multiple negligence claims, including:
- Against NCL:
- Negligent failure to warn about tour hazards, overcrowding, and physical site risks
- Negligent selection and retention of an unfit tour operator
- General negligence in the promotion, sale, and supervision of the excursion
- Apparent agency and agency by estoppel, alleging passengers reasonably believed New Cycle Tours acted as NCL’s agent
- Against New Cycle Tours:
- Negligent failure to warn about site hazards and overcrowding
- General negligence in conducting the tour without proper crowd management, supervision, or safety measures
Reino asserts that both NCL and New Cycle Tours had actual or constructive knowledge of the hazardous conditions through prior passenger incidents, safety audits, and internal oversight systems but failed to act to prevent foreseeable harm.
Industry Implications: Cruise Excursion Liability and Passenger Safety
This lawsuit highlights ongoing legal scrutiny of cruise lines’ liability for injuries occurring during third-party shore excursions. Courts have increasingly examined whether cruise operators can avoid responsibility when they promote, sell, and co-organize tours but claim limited control over local conditions.
The outcome of the Reino case could influence how cruise lines vet international tour providers, market excursions to older passengers, and implement safety standards for high-volume, high-risk cultural tours. It may also add weight to arguments that cruise lines hold a non-delegable duty to ensure passenger safety even when working with foreign partners.
Injured on a Cruise Ship Shore Excursion? Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured during a cruise ship shore excursion, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. Protect your legal rights by consulting an experienced cruise ship injury attorney. Contact us today for a free consultation.
