Cruise news · August 25, 2026
Eleventh Circuit orders a new trial in a Carnival Miracle crew assault case
The appeals court reversed a pretrial ruling and sent a passenger's sexual assault and false imprisonment claims against Carnival back for a new trial.
On August 25, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit decided Jane Doe v. Carnival Corp., No. 24-13159, a published opinion. The passenger alleged that a crew member sexually assaulted her aboard the Carnival Miracle in December 2018, and a jury in the Southern District of Florida found Carnival liable for sexual assault.
The appeals court reversed the trial court's pretrial ruling on false imprisonment, vacated part of the judgment, and ordered a new trial on the false imprisonment and sexual assault claims. The case returns to the federal court in Miami.
An assault by a crew member and an assault by another passenger are analyzed differently. Either way, the ticket's written notice deadline still applies.
Sources
A public report, not a case of this office. Published by Shabsi Kabacznik, Florida Bar No. 1038917, on October 23, 2026.
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