Cruise Line Sued Over Bed Bug Infestation

(KMDL-FM) According to court reports, a major cruise line that serves the Port of New Orleans, the Port of Galveston, and now the Port of Mobile in Alabama is facing litigation over a bed bug infestation onboard.

The suit alleges that guests on a February 2025 sailing experienced bites and discomfort while on an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary that sailed from the Port of Miami.

READ MORE: Ports of Call Revealed for New Gulf Coast Cruise Sailings

READ MORE: Carnival to Strictly Enforce This Rule on All Louisiana Sailings

According to court documents, the pair of guests who filed the legal action experienced severe itching and insect bites on their arms and legs after only being on board for two nights. The suit alleges that as the cruise continued, the bites became more numerous and spread to the shoulders, hands, and faces of the guests.

What Do Bed Bug Bites Look Like?

The description of the bites seems to be consistent with how most bed bug encounters are described. The bites are usually red in color with a raised bump similar to a mosquito bite. There is also itching.

Another sign to look for in the event of bed bugs is this: do the bites seem to form a straight line? Bed bugs tend to bite in a straight line, and it is not uncommon for there to be tiny droplets of blood left on pajamas, skin, or even sheets and mattresses.

The guests who filed the lawsuit maintain they inspected their stateroom mattress and discovered live bugs, eggs, and fecal stains consistent with the insects. The pair notified the crew, but said the crew did not take any action. The pair also says they were not offered accommodations in another stateroom.

Which Carnival Ship Was Mentioned in the Bed Bug Lawsuit?

The incident in question took place aboard the Carnival Horizon. The vessel is currently en route to Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The vessel has planned stops in Grand Cayman and Cozumel before returning to Miami on November 8th.

As you would expect, cleanliness and pest control on board cruise ships are a high priority. Carnival Cruise Line has one of the better cleanliness and pest control protocols in the industry. Each of their vessels undergoes frequent pest control treatments, and if infestations are discovered, they are neutralized at that time.

The two plaintiffs in the case are seeking damages related to medical costs, scarring, lost property, emotional distress, and other ongoing harm related to the incident. It is unclear if or when the case will be heard or if plans for a settlement are in the works.