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A recent incident involving a shore excursion in Nassau has sparked a major legal dispute that highlights concerns over safety and accountability within the cruise industry. Former Carnival guest, Hannah Smith, sustained severe injuries during a tour associated with the Carnival Celebration, a beloved cruise vessel. The accident, linked to a ferry propeller, raises critical questions about excursion safety, alcohol service, and the responsibility of cruise lines for third-party activities.
On May 12, 2025, Hannah Smith embarked on what was intended to be a joyful cruise experience. Unfortunately, her visit to Pearl Island’s Sun Cay Beach Club took a harrowing turn when she fell into the water near a ferry used during the excursion and was struck by its propellers. Following the incident, Smith underwent 25 surgeries and tragically lost both legs.
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This dire situation has led to a negligence lawsuit against various parties including Carnival Corporation, Pearl Investment Management Group, and the tour operators, Sun Cay. Initially filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on December 17, 2025, the case has evolved with an amendment submitted on March 11, 2026. Smith’s friend, Brooklyn Pitre, has also filed a related lawsuit, further scrutinizing the actions taken during the excursion.
A significant element of the lawsuits revolves around claims of irresponsible alcohol service during the excursion. Allegations suggest that guests were encouraged to drink excessively, with some reports claiming drinks may have been spiked by staff. Smith and her companions were allegedly ushered to a private cabana where they were offered high-proof alcohol and marijuana.
Reports indicate Smith’s blood alcohol content was recorded at an alarming 0.447—far exceeding the Florida legal limit of 0.08%. According to the lawsuits, staff advised her to enter the ocean, which directly led to her catastrophic injury when she came into contact with the ferry propellers while attempting to disembark.
These disturbing allegations not only frame the situation as a maritime accident but also raise crucial questions regarding the responsible management of alcohol service during excursions and the level of oversight expected from cruise lines.
Smith’s legal team has leveled accusations of negligence against Carnival, arguing that the cruise line failed to ensure safe excursions despite marketing these tours as secure experiences. They contend that Carnival was aware of risks associated with the excursion well before Smith’s injury, supported by public complaints about the safety of ferry services dating back years.
Carnival has maintained its stance, claiming that the excursions are managed by independent operators and thus, the responsibility for safety falls on those local entities. They assert that all liability rests with the independent operators for any incidents that may occur off their ships.
Carnival’s legal representatives attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed based on the assertion that the excursion was operated by Bahamian businesses. However, a Florida judge ruled against this request. Similarly, Pearl Investment Management Group also sought dismissal on jurisdictional grounds, but the case continues to raise critical questions regarding the accountability of cruise lines when accidents occur during independently operated excursions.
As this legal matter unfolds, it could have significant implications for the cruise industry, particularly concerning the safety protocols tied to shore excursions. With shore excursions being integral to cruise experiences and revenue, the case emphasizes the need for rigorous safety and operational oversight when it comes to tours advertised to cruise passengers.
Interestingly, the specific excursion Hannah Smith participated in, the Sun Cay Beach Club with Lunch, continues to be offered for purchase on Carnival’s website despite its low rating of 2.8 out of 5 stars. This scenario raises alarms regarding how guest feedback is evaluated and whether poor ratings should initiate more in-depth safety reviews.
The Bahamas remain a favored destination for US cruise travelers, particularly Nassau, known for its beach excursions appealing to those seeking quick island getaways. However, this tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder that safety must never be compromised, and trust can be fragile when passengers venture away from the safety of the ship.
The case has emerged concurrently with another related lawsuit involving Carnival Corporation regarding safety and alcohol service. Both incidents underline the urgent need for improved measures concerning alcohol consumption safety on cruises, especially when excursions are involved.
With allegations addressing excessive alcohol service, supervision negligence, and inadequate safety measures during shore excursions, the industry is now facing intense scrutiny. Regulatory practices surrounding tour staff training, safety protocols for ferry operations, guest management, and emergency responses are likely to be revisited and strengthened in the wake of this tragic event.
As Hannah Smith’s case progresses through the legal system, it highlights the complexities of accountability within cruise tourism. For travelers, this serves as an essential reminder to carefully research and assess excursions prior to booking. For the cruise sector, it stands as a pivotal moment to enhance standards of safety and passenger trust in all operational practices.
Source: The post Bahamas and United States Shore Excursion Lawsuit Puts Carnival Under Scrutiny After Passenger Loses Both Legs in Nassau Ferry Propeller Accident first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
