A couple vacationing on a Carnival Cruise Line ship is taking legal action against the company, claiming they ended up with over 30 bug bites during their journey last February.
Katherine Shockley and William Maycock expected an unforgettable trip when they boarded the Horizon cruise ship in February 2025.
In a recent lawsuit filed in the Southern District of Florida, they state they woke up on February 17, just a day into their voyage, covered in bites.
The complaint notes they felt itching on their arms and legs, which they believed were insect bites.
Initially unsure of the source of the bites, they decided to stay in their cabin for another night. However, the next morning, Katherine found more red spots appearing all over her body, leading her to believe something was seriously wrong.
Mr. Shockley investigated the stateroom and reportedly found live bed bugs at various life stages, along with their droppings and eggs, which confirmed their suspicions about the bites, according to the lawsuit.
Afterward, the couple quickly informed flight attendants and reported the situation to guest services.
The law states that flight attendants are supposed to be trained in identifying bed bugs and must inspect each cabin regularly.
The cruise line’s policy indicates that if any signs of bed bugs are detected, that cabin and others nearby will receive chemical treatment.
However, Shockley and Maycock claim that the staff, including flight attendants and housekeepers, failed to take any action after they reported the problem.
By the end of the trip, they reported suffering from more than 30 bites.
The couple experienced painful welts, significant swelling, trouble sleeping, emotional distress, and financial losses necessitating medical attention, as stated in the complaint.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have noted that bed bugs can infest even high-end hotels and resorts.
Shockley and Maycock are suing the cruise line on three counts of negligence, arguing that the entire situation could have been avoided with proper inspections and maintenance by the staff.
It’s worth noting that on February 23, the Horizon underwent an inspection by the CDC’s Ship Hygiene Program, receiving a score of 93 out of 100. Furthermore, the agency stated that all inspections since 2018 have scored 91 or higher.
However, the CDC also emphasizes that cleanliness doesn’t guarantee the absence of bed bugs.
“Bed bugs can be found in five-star hotels and resorts,” they pointed out, underscoring that being in a clean location isn’t a foolproof defense against these pests.
The newspaper has reached out to Carnival for a response.
