Cowen Edwards, PLLC, stands up for survivors of sexual assault aboard Carnival Cruises. We know how devastating it is to be harmed in a place that was supposed to feel safe. Cruise vacations are meant to offer relaxation and joy–not trauma. While we can’t undo the harm, we can help you understand your legal rights and begin looking at the process of healing. We offer free, private consultations to help you take the first step.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
After something as traumatic as a sexual assault–whether as a passenger on a Carnival cruise or even as a crew member–it’s hard to know what to do next. That uncertainty can feel even more overwhelming when it happens at sea, under Carnival’s watch, and potentially outside the U.S. Having our lawyers by your side means you don’t have to figure it all out alone. We’ll:
- Explain your rights and legal options in plain, understandable language
- Investigate the incident and help determine where accountability lies
- Get and preserve important evidence before it disappears
- Deal directly with Carnival’s legal team and insurance providers
- Handle the legal details while you focus on your moving forward
While you’re not required to get a lawyer, doing so could be a critical step in protecting your rights. Sexual assaults on a cruise often involve pretty confusing legal questions: where the assault happened, who’s responsible, what Carnival’s policies say, and how their corporate team might respond.
Who’s Responsible When There’s a Sexual Assault on a Carnival Cruise Ship?
One of the biggest questions that come with a sexual assault on a Carnival cruise is pretty simple: who’s responsible? In some ways, it’s not all that complicated–the person who sexually assaulted you can be responsible both criminally and civilly.
Where things get dicey is where and how the assault happens. The circumstances matter, but generally, any of the following can share responsibility along with the person that assaults you:
- Carnival Cruise Line – As the operator of the ship, Carnival could be liable if they failed to prevent the assault or respond appropriately. This could include not having proper security, failing to monitor high-risk areas, or mishandling previous complaints.
- Ship staff or security – If employees were negligent, ignored complaints, or acted in a way that made the situation worse, they could be named in a civil claim.
- Third parties – In some cases, vendors, excursion partners, or others involved in cruise activities may also bear responsibility if they created or contributed to an unsafe environment.
Even though you were far from home, you may still have the right to file a legal claim here in Florida–especially if your cruise departed from or returned to Fort Lauderdale. But there’s still things that you’ll need to do in between.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself After a Sexual Assault on a Carnival Cruise?
What you do after a cruise ship assault matters–first and foremost when it comes to your safety. But there’s also your health and potential legal options to think about. These cases are deeply personal, and while it’s hard, here are a few things you can do after the assault happens:
- Get medical care immediately – As soon as you’re able, get medical care–either onboard if the ship has medical staff available, or at a hospital once you return to Fort Lauderdale. This isn’t just for your health–it also creates a record of what happened.
- Report the assault to ship staff – Tell a trusted staff member or go directly to ship security. Under maritime law, they’re required to log the report and, in many cases, alert law enforcement once the ship docks.
- Preserve what you can – Save clothing, take photos, write down what you remember, and get the names of any witnesses. Cruise ships often have surveillance footage, but it doesn’t last long–so the sooner you act, the better.
- Be careful – When you talk to cruise ship personnel or anyone else, be careful with what you say. Never admit fault or say something that could be construed as taking responsibility for what happened.
Once you’ve taken care of your immediate needs, you may start wondering what comes next—and whether there’s anything you can do to hold the cruise line or the perpetrator accountable. The short answer is yes—you do have legal options, even after something as overwhelming as a cruise ship assault.
What Legal Options Are Available After a Sexual Assault on a Carnival Cruise?
If you were sexually assaulted on a Carnival Cruise, the law gives you the right to take legal action—not just against the person who harmed you, but also against the cruise line or anyone else who failed to keep you safe. You can do this in one of two ways:
- An insurance claim out of court – This is often the first step. We contact Carnival’s insurance company and present evidence of what happened and how it affected you. If they agree to a fair settlement, you won’t have to go to court.
- A personal injury lawsuit – If the cruise line or its insurance company won’t take responsibility, you can file a lawsuit. This puts your case in front of a judge or jury and can lead to a court award for what you’ve gone through.
Both options give you the chance to recover damages for things like:
- Medical bills
- Lost income from missing work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Counseling or therapy costs
Just keep in mind–there are strict deadlines for filing these types of claims. Generally, sexual assault claims in Florida have to be filed within four years of the date of the incident. But remember, the quicker you decide to take action, the easier it will be to gather important evidence and information. We can help you figure out which path makes the most sense–and stand beside you through every step of it.
How Do Sexual Assaults Happen on Carnival Cruises?
Unfortunately, sexual assault on cruise ships is more common than most people think. The environment–isolated, self-contained, and heavily reliant on company oversight–can create conditions where people feel emboldened, and victims feel powerless. Here are some of the ways we see these incidents happen aboard Carnival ships:
- In private cabins or crew quarters – Assaults often happen behind closed doors, especially after passengers or crew members have been drinking or socializing. Perpetrators may target people who are isolated or under the influence.
- At bars, clubs, or parties on board – Alcohol-fueled environments on the ship can increase vulnerability. With minimal supervision and a party-like atmosphere, people may feel pressure to let their guard down.
- During shore excursions – Assaults can also happen off the ship during cruise-sponsored activities, where Carnival still has a duty to vet third-party vendors and make sure basic safety protocols are followed.
- By cruise employees – There have been documented cases where crew members exploit their authority or access to take advantage of passengers. Cruise lines are responsible for properly hiring, training, and supervising staff.
- Online or via social media on board – Some assaults begin as digital harassment that escalates during the cruise. Sharing explicit images or coercive behavior over messaging apps can also qualify as assault.
Each case is different, but what never changes is this: it wasn’t your fault. And no matter how far from home it happened, we’re here to help you take your next steps and move forward.
Contact Cowen Edwards After a Sexual Assault on a Carnival Cruise
Being sexually assaulted is devastating–and even more overwhelming when it happens at sea, far from your usual support system. At Cowen Edwards, PLLC, we help survivors who’ve experienced sexual assault aboard Carnival Cruises sailing to or from Fort Lauderdale.
We’re here to listen and walk you through your options in a way that’s clear and respectful. If you choose to take legal action, we’ll handle the hard parts—investigating what happened, dealing with the cruise line, and guiding your case forward—so you can focus on your recovery. Whenever you’re ready, reach out for a free, private consultation.
