A Carnival Cruise guest has filed a lawsuit against the company after a “life-changing injury” he says he suffered on an overheated pool deck.
Jorge Luis Alverio Nunez says he was sailing on the Carnival Magic last year when he badly burned the bottoms of his feet while walking toward the pool area.
In court papers reported by the Daily Mail, the injury is described as causing “severe and life changing injury to his feet and other parts of his body,” along with “pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, loss of capacity for the enjoyment of life and expense of hospitalization, medical and nursing care and treatment, loss of earnings and loss of ability to earn money and aggravation of a previously existing condition.”
It adds: “While a passenger may reasonably expect an exterior deck surface exposed to sunlight to become warm, [Alverio Nunez] could not reasonably anticipate that the deck surface had reached temperatures capable of causing severe second-degree burns within seconds of ordinary contact.”
The lawsuit further alleges the deck’s surface temperature had been raised as a concern by other travelers. The complaint claims 42 passengers previously complained about the heat and says the area lacked any alerts.
It reads: “There were no warnings, signs or notices in the area to alert passengers that the deck was able to become so hot that it could cause second-degree burns in a matter of seconds.
“In addition, prior to [Alverio Nunez’s injury], the manufacturer of the deck material provided Carnival with information regarding the deck material’s ability to become dangerously hot, dating back to 2014.”
Alverio Nunez is seeking $5 million in damages. Carnival Corporation told USA Today it does not comment on pending litigation.
Elsewhere in cruise news, some Costa Cruises customers have voiced anger over a buffet policy that could result in extra charges.
Many travelers like bringing food or drinks back to their cabins, but Costa Cruises has reportedly warned guests on certain sailings that taking buffet items to rooms may lead to a €60 ($70) cleaning fee.
Costa Cruises told Fox News Digital: “On a limited number of specific sailings, onboard communication was shared as a preventive and deterrent measure, in line with our existing policies, to encourage guests to [have] responsible behavior.
“Costa Cruises remains committed to ensuring a high-quality, safe and enjoyable experience for all guests on board.”
According to Crew Center, a letter sent to passengers said that eating in cabins, pool areas, public lounges, and other indoor spaces is prohibited in an effort to reduce contamination risks, deter parasites, and help maintain cleanliness onboard.