A Caribbean cruise is supposed to be about relaxation, luxury, and unforgettable experiences. But for two passengers aboard the Carnival Horizon, a February 2025 vacation allegedly turned into days of painful itching, anxiety, and distress — all due to bed bugs. Their recent lawsuit against Carnival Cruise Line is bringing renewed attention to cruise ship sanitation and passenger safety.
What Happened on the Carnival Horizon
According to a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, plaintiffs Catherine Shockley and William Maycock boarded the Carnival Horizon for an eight-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean. By the second night, Shockley allegedly felt itching on her legs and arms. The next morning, both passengers reportedly found red welts and bite marks across their bodies.
The couple claim they inspected their stateroom and discovered live bed bugs, fecal spotting, and eggs — signs of an active infestation. They reported the issue to ship staff, but according to the complaint, they were not moved to a new room, nor were any significant steps taken to fix the problem.
Adding to their concerns, they say they saw crew members fumigating nearby cabins, suggesting the ship might have known about a wider infestation. The lawsuit describes their injuries as “numerous intensely itchy bites resulting in painful welts requiring medical care, dark splotches, sleep loss, emotional distress, loss of property, and economic damages.”
Legal Issues at the Heart of the Case
Cruise lines have a legal duty to provide safe and sanitary accommodations for their passengers. When bed bugs are present in a stateroom, and the cruise line either knew or should have known about the infestation but failed to act, that duty may have been breached.
This case centers on several legal questions:
- Did Carnival have prior notice of the infestation? The passengers allege that the ship’s crew was already fumigating nearby rooms. If proven, that could show Carnival was aware of the problem.
- Did the cruise line respond appropriately? The plaintiffs claim they were not relocated or provided proper care, which could demonstrate negligence.
- Were the passengers’ injuries foreseeable and preventable? Cruise lines must anticipate common hazards, including infestations in enclosed spaces like staterooms.
Potential Defenses from Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival may argue that bed bugs are not a serious health hazard, as they do not transmit disease, or that they have pest-control measures in place. The company might also claim that passengers did not follow proper reporting procedures. However, the core of the case will focus on whether Carnival acted reasonably once the issue was reported — and whether it had prior knowledge of the problem.
What Compensation Could Include
If the plaintiffs prevail, compensation may cover:
- Medical treatment for bites, infections, or allergic reactions
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and sleep disruption
- Loss of property (luggage and clothing that had to be discarded)
- Loss of enjoyment of the cruise vacation
- Reimbursement for the cost of the cruise
- Punitive damages if the court finds gross negligence
Bed bug cases are complex, and cruise lines often have legal teams ready to minimize payouts. Having an attorney experienced in maritime and premises liability law can make the difference between a denied claim and meaningful compensation.
Why These Cases Matter
This lawsuit highlights a growing problem in the travel industry — poor pest management in confined spaces like cruise cabins. Bed bug infestations can spread quickly, and when companies fail to act, passengers can suffer serious physical and emotional harm.
It also raises questions about transparency. Were other guests informed of possible infestations? Did Carnival implement ship-wide cleaning protocols? These details will likely emerge as the case moves forward.
Protecting Your Rights After a Cruise Injury
Cruise ship claims follow different legal procedures than standard personal injury cases. Passengers are often required to file lawsuits within a year and in a specific jurisdiction — typically where the cruise line’s headquarters is located. Missing that deadline can result in losing your right to compensation entirely.
If you experience an injury or infestation aboard a cruise ship, report it immediately, take photos, save all correspondence, and seek medical care. Then contact a law firm with experience in handling cruise injury and negligence claims.
How DDRB Helps Cruise Passengers
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our attorneys have decades of experience representing injured passengers, including those harmed by unsafe or unsanitary cruise ship conditions. We understand maritime law and know how to hold major cruise lines accountable for neglecting passenger safety.
Our firm investigates every detail — from ship sanitation records to pest-control logs — to uncover the truth and fight for full compensation. We also handle the entire claims process, from documentation to negotiations and trial, allowing victims to focus on recovery.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries, infestations, or illness during a cruise, you deserve answers and justice. Our Orlando office is here to help.
Contact Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP
Miami Office
2665 S Bayshore Dr. Suite 603
Miami, Florida 33133
Call today or visit our website to schedule a consultation with an experienced cruise injury attorney. We stand up to corporate negligence — and fight for passengers who deserve better.