Crewmember & Maritime Advocacy Center Files Lawsuit Against Carnival Alleging Sexual Harassment, Retaliation, and Shipboard Injuries. (July 26, 2026)

The Crewmember & Maritime Advocacy Center has filed a maritime lawsuit on behalf of a Tunisian crewmember, Ikram Lassoued, against Carnival Corporation in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

The lawsuit alleges that while employed as a bar server aboard the Carnival Paradise and Carnival Pride, Ms. Lassoued was subjected to repeated sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, wrongful termination, and serious back injuries resulting from physically demanding shipboard duties. The case seeks to hold Carnival accountable for the physical and psychological trauma she experienced.

A Pattern of Repeated Sexual Harassment

According to the complaint, Ms. Lassoued accepted employment aboard Carnival vessels to provide financial support for her family. However, beginning around March 2025, a Food and Beverage Director subjected her to a continuing pattern of unwanted and inappropriate conduct. This included comments about her appearance, sexually suggestive remarks, invitations to his cabin, and unwanted physical contact.

Despite repeatedly rejecting these advances and making it clear she was married, the inappropriate behavior continued. The unique environment of a cruise ship—where a crewmember both works and lives—made it extremely difficult for her to avoid interactions with the supervisor outside of regular working hours.

Unjust Retaliation and Wrongful Termination

After it became apparent that Ms. Lassoued would not accept the advances, she began experiencing adverse treatment in the workplace. Management closely monitored her work, focusing on minor alleged violations despite her history of strong sales and positive guest feedback.

On December 2, 2025, she filed a formal complaint through Carnival’s employee hotline. Instead of protecting her, the retaliatory treatment intensified. She was assigned undesirable shifts, forced to work outdoors in extremely cold conditions without proper clothing, and directed to perform strenuous manual labor. Finally, on January 4, 2026, security personnel abruptly informed her that her contract was being terminated early, an act the lawsuit claims was an unlawful retaliatory discharge.

Severe Physical Injuries and Negligence

In addition to the harassment claims, the lawsuit pursues maritime injury claims. During December 2025, Ms. Lassoued was required to maneuver an overloaded beverage trolley over difficult terrain—including steep ramps, sand, and rocks—without adequate assistance. These strenuous physical demands caused serious injuries to her back. The complaint notes that even after seeking medical attention, she was returned to heavy duties, worsening her condition.

The lawsuit asserts claims under the Jones Act and General Maritime Law, stating that Carnival failed to provide a safe place to work, adequate equipment, and sufficient personnel. It also addresses the company’s failure to pay proper wages upon her discharge and seeks compensation for both physical injuries and psychological trauma, such as PTSD.