Carnival Hit With Lawsuit Over Alleged Bedbug Infestation
Carnival Cruise Line is facing a lawsuit filed by two passengers who allege that they suffered from severe bedbug bites during their February 2025 sailing aboard the Carnival Horizon.
The plaintiffs, Catherine Shockley and William Maycock, filed their case in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on October 28, 2025, accusing the cruise line of negligence in addressing the bedbug infestation.
The couple claims that their vacation quickly turned into a nightmare when, just two days into their 8-night Southern Caribbean cruise, they began experiencing intense itching and noticed insect bites on their arms and legs.
By the following day, the bites had spread to their faces, shoulders, and hands. Shockley then reportedly inspected their stateroom bedding and discovered live bedbugs, as well as fecal stains and eggs, leading them to believe the infestation was ongoing and improperly managed.
Despite alerting crew members to the problem, the couple claims that nothing was done to resolve the issue. They were also not offered a room change during the remainder of their cruise. Shockley and Maycock assert that they saw crew members fumigating nearby staterooms, which they believe indicates that Carnival was aware of the issue during their sailing.
The lawsuit describes the couple’s suffering, including “intensely itchy bites resulting in large, painful welts” that required medical treatment, as well as dark splotches, loss of sleep, emotional distress, and scarring. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for medical expenses, lost property, emotional harm, and other ongoing impacts related to the alleged bedbug incident.
Carnival Cruise Line has an established protocol for detecting and managing bedbugs. The line’s procedures include weekly stateroom inspections by attendants to check for signs of infestation in beds, curtains, and carpets.
If an infestation is found, the affected cabin is treated chemically, along with surrounding staterooms. The cruise line also performs extensive pest control treatments during dry dock refurbishments, the next of which for the Carnival Horizon is scheduled for spring 2026.
The presence of bedbugs on cruise ships, while not uncommon, often raises concerns among passengers. The tiny parasites can be difficult to eliminate and are not indicative of cleanliness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bedbugs do not transmit diseases, though their bites can cause discomfort and allergic reactions.
While such incidents are rare, the lawsuit has brought attention to the issue, and Carnival’s response will likely impact its reputation and future protocols. The outcome of the lawsuit could take months to resolve, leaving the couple to pursue compensation for the physical and emotional toll of their ordeal.
As this case unfolds, it underscores the importance of vigilant pest control and responsive customer service in ensuring a safe and comfortable experience for cruise passengers.
