North Carolina Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line for Injuries Aboard NCL Getaway

A North Carolina resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), alleging that she suffered severe injuries after falling on an exterior staircase aboard the NCL Getaway. The case, Manuela Espinosa-Gartzke v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-20581), raises serious concerns about hazardous stair design, insufficient lighting, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s responsibility for passenger safety.

Background of the Case

According to the complaint, on December 16, 2023, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Manuela Espinosa-Gartzke was descending an exterior staircase from Deck 7 to Deck 6 on the NCL Getaway. She alleges that:

• The steps were unreasonably narrow, small, short, and uneven.
• The handrails were not adequately graspable, preventing her from securing herself.
• The steps were unreasonably slippery, making it difficult for passengers to maintain balance.
• The lighting was insufficient, and the step lights were too dim, making it hard to see the descent clearly.

As she stepped down, Espinosa-Gartzke allegedly missed a step, slipped, and fell, suffering severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.

Key Allegations Against Norwegian Cruise Line

The lawsuit alleges that NCL was negligent in several ways, including:

1. Failure to Maintain a Safe Staircase – The lawsuit claims that NCL either knew or should have known that the staircase design was hazardous due to the narrow steps, poor lighting, and lack of proper handrails.
2. Failure to Warn Passengers – The complaint states that NCL did not post warning signs or take precautions to alert passengers about the potential dangers of the stairway.
3. Failure to Properly Inspect and Remedy the Hazardous Condition – Espinosa-Gartzke argues that NCL failed to conduct reasonable inspections of the area and did not take action to fix the stairway.
4. Negligent Design and Installation – The plaintiff alleges that NCL participated in the design and approval of the stairs despite knowing that their design was inherently unsafe.

Legal Implications for Cruise Passenger Safety

This case highlights important legal questions about cruise ship safety, particularly regarding:
✅ Whether NCL is responsible for poorly designed stairways that increase the risk of passenger falls.
✅ What duty cruise lines have to inspect and maintain onboard staircases to ensure they meet reasonable safety standards.
✅ Whether inadequate lighting on cruise ships creates a foreseeable hazard for passengers.
✅ If past incidents of passenger falls aboard NCL ships establish a pattern of negligence.

If successful, this lawsuit could pressure cruise lines to implement better lighting, anti-slip measures, and improved handrail designs to reduce passenger injury risks aboard ships.

What’s Next?

Espinosa-Gartzke is seeking compensatory damages for her injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. The case will likely focus on:

• Whether NCL had prior knowledge of similar stair-related injuries aboard the Getaway and other vessels.
• If NCL should have taken steps to redesign, warn about, or repair the allegedly dangerous staircase.
• Whether Espinosa-Gartzke’s injuries were directly caused by Norwegian Cruise Line’s failure to maintain a safe environment.

Will Norwegian Cruise Line argue that Espinosa-Gartzke was responsible for her own fall, or will the case expose serious safety oversights aboard the NCL Getaway?

Texas Parent Sues Carnival Cruise Line Over Minor’s Basketball Injury Aboard Carnival Dream

A Texas resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Cruise Line, alleging that her 16-year-old son suffered severe injuries while playing basketball aboard the Carnival Dream. The case, Serey Stiles, as Parent and Natural Guardian of A.A. v. Carnival Corporation (Case No. 1:25-cv-20594), focuses on unsafe sports facilities, lack of supervision, and Carnival’s failure to maintain safe recreational areas for passengers, particularly minors.

Background of the Case

According to the lawsuit, on March 16, 2024, A.A., a 16-year-old passenger, was playing basketball on the Deck 14 sports court of the Carnival Dream when he jumped for a layup and landed awkwardly on the basketball hoop’s pole surface, resulting in a fractured tibia and fibula. The plaintiff alleges that the design of the basketball court was inherently dangerous, including:

• The basketball hoop pole was positioned too close to the playing area, providing insufficient space for safe landings.
• The flooring near the hoop was uneven, creating a hazardous landing surface that increased the risk of injury.
• No Carnival crew members were monitoring the game at the time of the incident, despite prior supervision in the area to ensure guest safety and regulate play intensity.

As a result of the alleged unsafe conditions, A.A. required multiple surgeries and is expected to experience long-term impairment and mobility issues.

Legal Implications for Cruise Line Sports Facilities

This case raises serious concerns about passenger safety in recreational areas aboard cruise ships, particularly for minors. Key legal questions include:

✅ Should cruise lines be required to provide crew supervision for onboard sports activities?
✅ Do cruise ship sports courts need to be redesigned to meet safer layout standards?
✅ Are cruise lines legally responsible for injuries resulting from poorly designed recreational spaces?
✅ Does a history of similar injuries establish Carnival’s liability for failing to correct known safety issues?

If successful, this lawsuit could pressure Carnival and other cruise lines to:

• Redesign basketball courts and other sports areas to meet higher safety standards.
• Implement mandatory crew supervision in high-risk recreational zones.
• Improve flooring materials to reduce the risk of slips and unstable landings.
• Provide clearer warning signage in sports facilities to alert passengers to potential hazards.

What’s Next?

The plaintiff is seeking compensatory damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and loss of enjoyment of life. The case will likely focus on:

• Whether Carnival had prior knowledge of similar injuries aboard its ships and failed to take corrective action.
• If Carnival’s failure to monitor the basketball court at the time of the incident contributed to the severity of the injury.
• Whether the basketball court’s design created an inherently dangerous condition that should have been modified before the accident occurred.

Colorado Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean Over Jet Ski Collision During CocoCay Excursion

A Colorado resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., alleging that she suffered severe spinal fractures and other injuries after a Royal Caribbean tour guide crashed into her jet ski during a guided excursion at CocoCay, Bahamas. The case, Jessica Haro v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-20602), raises critical legal questions about passenger safety, negligent operation of jet skis by cruise line employees, and Royal Caribbean’s responsibility for excursion oversight.

Background of the Case

According to the complaint, on December 20, 2024, Jessica Haro, a passenger aboard Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, participated in a guided jet ski tour at the cruise line’s private island, CocoCay, Bahamas. The excursion was marketed as beginner-friendly, with Royal Caribbean assuring participants that no prior experience was necessary.

During the tour, Haro alleges that a Royal Caribbean-employed tour guide recklessly attempted to overtake her at high speed, leading to a violent rear-end collision. The tour guide’s jet ski allegedly crashed into the back of Haro’s jet ski, launching over her and causing catastrophic injuries.

Haro allegedly sustained:

• Four traumatic fractures of her spine
• Severe, permanent contusions covering a large portion of her body
• Long-term impairment and mobility issues

The lawsuit asserts that Royal Caribbean failed to properly train and supervise its tour guides, failed to warn participants of potential dangers, and allowed unqualified employees to operate powerful jet skis in a reckless manner.

Key Allegations Against Royal Caribbean

The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean was negligent in several ways, including:

1. Failure to Train and Supervise Jet Ski Tour Guides – The plaintiff alleges that Royal Caribbean did not provide its tour guides with adequate training in safe jet ski operation, passenger supervision, or emergency response procedures.
2. Failure to Monitor Jet Ski Excursion Participants and Guides – The lawsuit asserts that Royal Caribbean’s tour guide engaged in reckless driving without any real-time oversight from other staff members.
3. Failure to Follow Industry Safety Standards – The lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean ignored international maritime safety regulations, including:
   • COLREGs (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea), which require operators to maintain a safe speed, keep a proper lookout, and avoid overtaking dangerously.
   • Florida Livery Statute & Code (Fla. Stat. § 327.39, § 327.54, FAC 68D-34.002), which regulate minimum training requirements for personal watercraft operators.
4. Failure to Provide Adequate Warnings About Jet Ski Risks – The plaintiff argues that Royal Caribbean misrepresented the safety of the excursion, failing to disclose the risks involved in navigating high-speed personal watercraft in open waters under the control of inexperienced or unqualified tour guides.

Legal Implications for Cruise Ship Excursion Liability

This case highlights critical legal concerns for passengers participating in cruise-sponsored excursions, including:

✅ Are cruise lines responsible for injuries caused by their excursion employees?
✅ Should cruise lines be required to disclose all risks associated with high-speed excursions?
✅ Do maritime safety regulations apply to jet ski operations on private islands?
✅ Can a history of prior similar incidents establish negligence on the part of Royal Caribbean?

Arizona Passenger Sues Norwegian Cruise Line Over Pool Deck Fall Aboard Norwegian Breakaway

A resident of Arizona has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), alleging that she suffered serious injuries after tripping over an elevated portion of the pool deck aboard the Norwegian Breakaway. The case, Linda Francis v. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., NCL Corporation Ltd., and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-20664), raises critical concerns about pool deck safety, trip hazards, and cruise ship liability for passengers with disabilities.

Background of the Case

According to the lawsuit, on August 17, 2024, while the Norwegian Breakaway was at sea, Linda Francis, a passenger with advanced arthritis, was on her way to an appointment with ship employees who were scheduled to assist her in entering the pool.

As she walked toward the pool area, Francis allegedly tripped and fell over an elevated portion of the deck, suffering severe bodily injuries. She claims that the hazardous elevation was not open and obvious, and that NCL failed to properly design, maintain, or warn passengers about the trip hazard.

Francis further asserts that NCL’s crew was aware of her physical limitations, and that the cruise line failed to provide her with proper assistance in safely navigating the pool area.

Legal Implications for Cruise Passenger Safety

This case raises serious legal concerns about cruise ship liability for injuries caused by poorly designed or maintained decks, particularly for passengers with mobility impairments. Key legal questions include:

✅ Are cruise lines responsible for ensuring that their pool decks are designed and maintained in a way that prevents trip hazards?
✅ Does Norwegian Cruise Line have a duty to provide additional safety measures for passengers with disabilities?
✅ Should cruise ships be required to have clear markings, warnings, or handrails in areas where there are elevation changes?
✅ Does a history of similar incidents aboard NCL ships establish a pattern of negligence?

Connecticut Passenger Sues MSC Cruises Over Pool Ladder Collapse Aboard MSC Divina

A Connecticut resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises (USA) LLC, alleging that she suffered severe injuries after a pool ladder collapsed beneath her aboard the MSC Divina. The case, Linda J. Brown v. MSC Cruises (USA) LLC (Case No. 1:25-cv-20674), raises serious concerns about shipboard maintenance, defective pool equipment, and MSC’s duty to ensure passenger safety.

Background of the Case

According to the lawsuit, on March 6, 2024, Linda J. Brown was attempting to enter the swimming pool aboard the MSC Divina using a wooden ladder. As she stood on the second rung of the ladder, preparing to step down, the step allegedly broke beneath her, causing her to fall violently into the pool.

The force of the impact allegedly caused Brown to rip open her skin and suffer severe trauma to her chest, abdomen, and left shoulder. She claims that MSC failed to properly inspect, maintain, or warn passengers about the dangerous condition of the pool ladder, leading to her accident.

Key Allegations Against MSC Cruises

The lawsuit alleges that MSC Cruises was negligent in several ways, including:

1. Failure to Maintain the Pool Ladder in a Safe Condition – Brown claims that MSC did not conduct proper inspections of the ladder, leading to rotting wood and structural failure.
2. Failure to Warn Passengers of the Defective Ladder – The lawsuit states that MSC did not place warning signs or cordon off the hazardous ladder, despite knowing that it posed a safety risk.
3. Negligent Repair & Upkeep of Pool Equipment – Brown alleges that MSC failed to use safe and durable materials in the construction of the pool ladder, creating an unreasonably dangerous condition for passengers.
4. Failure to Implement Proper Safety Inspections – The plaintiff argues that MSC should have known that the pool ladder was defective before the accident occurred, given the frequent use of pool ladders by passengers.
5. History of Similar Incidents – The complaint suggests that other MSC cruise ships have had previous reports of pool deck and ladder-related injuries, establishing a pattern of neglect.

Legal Implications for Cruise Ship Safety & Passenger Injury Claims

This case raises critical legal questions about cruise line liability for onboard injuries, including:

✅ Should cruise lines be required to conduct routine safety inspections of pool ladders and deck equipment?
✅ Can MSC be held responsible for failing to replace a deteriorating wooden ladder?
✅ What legal duty do cruise lines have to warn passengers about potential hazards?
✅ Does a history of prior ladder-related injuries on MSC ships establish a pattern of negligence?

New Jersey Passenger Sues MSC Cruises Over Slip-and-Fall on Wet Deck Aboard MSC Divina

A New Jersey resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit against MSC Cruises S.A., alleging that he suffered severe injuries after slipping on a wet, slippery floor near the elevators on Deck 16 aboard the MSC Divina. The case, Darnell Kimbrough v. MSC Cruises S.A. (Case No. 1:25-cv-20691), raises serious concerns about shipboard maintenance, passenger safety, and MSC’s failure to address known slip hazards on its vessels.

Background of the Case

According to the lawsuit, on April 2, 2024, Darnell Kimbrough was walking from the exterior of Deck 16 to the interior elevator area to return to his cabin. As he stepped onto the interior deck, he suddenly and unexpectedly slipped on a wet and hazardous floor surface, falling hard and sustaining severe injuries.

The lawsuit alleges that the wet conditions were caused by condensation buildup, which resulted from:
✅ Temperature differences between the interior and exterior decks.
✅ High humidity levels outside, leading to moisture accumulation on the deck flooring.
✅ MSC’s failure to install anti-slip mats, drain systems, or warning signs in high-risk areas.

Kimbrough claims that MSC Cruises knew or should have known that the area posed a serious slip-and-fall hazard but failed to take necessary precautions to protect passengers.

Legal Implications for Cruise Ship Safety & Passenger Injury Claims

This case raises critical legal questions about cruise line responsibility for maintaining safe conditions aboard ships, including:

✅ Are cruise lines responsible for preventing moisture accumulation in high-traffic areas?
✅ Does a history of prior similar slip-and-fall incidents establish MSC’s liability?
✅ What duty do cruise lines have to warn passengers about known hazards near elevators and walkways?
✅ Should cruise ships be required to install anti-slip flooring in areas prone to condensation buildup?

What’s Next?

The case will likely focus on:

• Whether MSC Cruises was aware of the hazardous conditions before Kimbrough’s fall.
• If MSC failed to take reasonable steps to warn passengers and prevent similar accidents.
• Whether MSC’s history of similar slip-and-fall incidents strengthens Kimbrough’s negligence claims.

Texas Passenger Sues Royal Caribbean Over Slip-and-Fall in Central Park Aboard Harmony of the Seas

A Texas resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., alleging that she suffered severe injuries after slipping on a wet tile walkway in the Central Park area aboard the Harmony of the Seas. The case, Susan Eckberg v. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (Case No. 1:25-cv-20693), raises serious concerns about shipboard maintenance, slip hazards, and Royal Caribbean’s duty to prevent recurring passenger injuries.

Background of the Case

According to the complaint, on January 31, 2024, Susan Eckberg was walking through the Central Park area on Deck 8 of the Harmony of the Seas when she unexpectedly slipped on an unmarked wet spot, causing her to fall and sustain serious injuries.

Eckberg alleges that:

• The floor surface was unreasonably slippery, particularly when wet.
• There were no warning signs or markings to indicate that the walkway could be hazardous.
• Royal Caribbean knew or should have known that the area had a history of slip-and-fall incidents but failed to implement safety measures.

As a result of her fall, Eckberg suffered:
✅ Lacerations to her gums and multiple broken teeth.
✅ Severe pain, physical impairment, and long-term medical expenses.
✅ Mental anguish and emotional distress.
✅ A diminished ability to enjoy life.

The lawsuit claims that Royal Caribbean had prior knowledge of similar incidents in the Central Park area on its Oasis-class ships but failed to take corrective action.

Legal Implications for Cruise Ship Safety & Slip-and-Fall Injury Claims

This case raises critical legal concerns about cruise ship liability for slip-and-fall accidents, including:

✅ Are cruise lines responsible for ensuring that common walkways remain dry and free of hazards?
✅ Does a history of prior slip-and-fall incidents establish negligence on the part of Royal Caribbean?
✅ Should cruise ships be required to use non-slip flooring in areas with frequent water accumulation?
✅ Did Royal Caribbean breach its duty of care by failing to warn passengers of known dangers?

What’s Next?

The case will likely focus on:

• Whether Royal Caribbean was aware of prior slip-and-fall incidents in the Central Park area and failed to take corrective action.
• If the walkway’s design and maintenance contributed to the hazardous conditions.
• Whether Royal Caribbean’s failure to provide warnings or slip-resistant flooring directly caused Eckberg’s injuries.

Maryland Passenger Sues Carnival Cruise Line Over Slip-and-Fall Aboard Carnival Legend

A Maryland resident has filed a personal injury lawsuit against Carnival Cruise Line, alleging that he suffered severe injuries after slipping on a wet tile floor upon exiting an elevator aboard the Carnival Legend. The case, Richard Spratt v. Carnival Corporation (Case No. 1:25-cv-20697), raises serious concerns about slip hazards, cruise ship flooring materials, and Carnival’s failure to warn passengers of known dangers.

Background of the Case

According to the lawsuit, on March 19, 2024, Richard Spratt was a fare-paying passenger aboard the Carnival Legend when he exited an elevator onto a carpeted surface. As he stepped off the carpet onto the adjacent shiny tiled flooring, he suddenly and without warning slipped and fell, suffering a dislocated right shoulder and other injuries.

Spratt alleges that:
✅ The tile flooring was unreasonably slippery when wet.
✅ There were no warning signs indicating that the floor might be hazardous.
✅ A Carnival crew member was present at the time of the fall but failed to take corrective action.
✅ The hazardous condition was not open or obvious, meaning Spratt had no way of knowing that the floor was wet until after he fell.

Legal Implications for Cruise Ship Passenger Safety

This case raises critical legal questions about cruise ship liability for passenger injuries caused by wet or slippery floors, including:

✅ Should cruise lines be required to use non-slip flooring in areas with frequent water exposure?
✅ Are Carnival’s internal safety policies sufficient to protect passengers from slip hazards?
✅ Does a history of prior slip-and-fall incidents aboard Carnival ships establish a pattern of negligence?
✅ Did Carnival’s failure to warn passengers about the wet flooring directly contribute to Spratt’s injuries?

What’s Next?

The case will likely focus on:

• Whether Carnival had prior knowledge of the hazardous condition and failed to act.
• If Carnival’s internal safety policies were ignored or improperly enforced.
• Whether the lack of warning signs or corrective actions makes Carnival legally responsible for Spratt’s injuries.

This week’s lawsuits paint a troubling picture of passenger safety aboard major cruise lines. From hidden trip hazards and wet, slippery decks to dangerous excursions and collapsing pool ladders, these cases expose serious questions about how well cruise lines are protecting their guests.

Are cruise companies doing enough to prevent these injuries? Or are they cutting corners on maintenance, safety procedures, and staff training, leaving passengers vulnerable to avoidable accidents?

As these lawsuits move forward, the outcomes could set powerful new legal precedents—forcing cruise lines to rethink their policies, improve safety measures, and take greater responsibility for passenger well-being. But cruise companies have teams of lawyers fighting to limit their liability, often arguing that passengers should have been more careful or assumed the risks of travel.

We’ll be watching closely as these lawsuits unfold in court. Stay tuned for more updates in Cruise Line Lawsuit Weekly, where we continue to track the legal battles shaping the future of cruise ship safety and passenger rights. 🚢⚖️