Lawsuit Against Princess Cruises: Passenger Sues Over Trip Hazard Onboard Ruby Princess in U.S.

In a significant legal development, Princess Cruises faces a lawsuit filed by a former guest who claims to have sustained serious injuries during a dining experience onboard the Ruby Princess cruise ship. Lucy Gero, a resident of Pennsylvania, initiated the lawsuit in federal court on February 19, 2026, citing three counts of negligence against the cruise line. The case revolves around a trip-and-fall incident that occurred on March 4, 2025, in the Michelangelo Dining Room on Deck 5, when Gero allegedly tripped over ribbons left on the floor by the ship’s crew members. According to the complaint, the ribbons were poorly visible, and the lack of adequate lighting contributed to the fall.

Gero asserts that the cruise line is responsible for her injuries due to their failure to remove the ribbons and provide appropriate warnings. The passenger claims that Princess Cruises violated their own internal safety protocols and failed to ensure a safe dining environment for guests. This lawsuit has raised serious concerns about Princess Cruises’ safety practices, with Gero accusing the company of negligence in maintaining cleanliness and preventing accidents aboard the ship. The incident has left Gero with a torn meniscus in her right knee, leading to surgery, chronic pain, and mobility issues, further complicating her daily life.

Alleged Fall in Dining Room Leads to Legal Battle

The incident that led to the lawsuit occurred in the Michelangelo Dining Room, a primary dining venue on the Ruby Princess, which is a Grand-class cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises. Gero was walking carefully through the dining area when she tripped over ribbons that had been left on the floor. These decorative ribbons were apparently used to mark a special occasion or holiday, which is a typical practice on Princess Cruises for themed sailings.

According to the lawsuit, Gero was unaware of the ribbons due to the insufficient lighting and the patterned carpet that caused the ribbons to blend in, making them difficult to see. The ribbons, while not large in size, became a significant hazard in the absence of proper visibility and precautions. The lack of adequate warning signs or contrast to highlight the danger, coupled with the crew’s failure to inform the passengers of the hazard, forms the core of Gero’s allegations against Princess Cruises.

Gero’s Injury and Its Long-Term Impact

Following the accident, Lucy Gero reportedly suffered severe injuries, including a torn meniscus in her right knee, which required surgery. Her recovery has been challenging, and she now experiences chronic pain and reduced mobility, significantly impacting her day-to-day life. Gero’s lawsuit also points to the mental and physical toll that this injury has taken, along with the loss of quality of life.

Gero alleges that the Princess Cruises team should have removed the ribbons from the floor or taken steps to secure the area. She also accuses the cruise line of failing to maintain their promised cleanliness standards and safety procedures. According to the lawsuit, Princess Cruises has an internal policy requiring crew members to inspect areas for potential hazards and ensure cleanliness at regular intervals. Gero claims that the crew did not follow these procedures during the dining service.

Princess Cruises Responds with Silence

As of now, Princess Cruises has not issued any public statement in response to the lawsuit. The cruise line has yet to comment on the specifics of the incident, including the failure to remove the ribbons or warn guests. While the company has not confirmed the existence of the internal safety policy that Gero refers to in her claim, it is common for cruise lines to implement procedures for crew members to maintain cleanliness and monitor potential hazards in public areas.

Further investigation into the matter could potentially include the release of security footage from the Michelangelo Dining Room, which would either support or refute Gero’s claims. The cruise line has not yet provided any details about the availability of this footage, which could prove to be a key piece of evidence in the ongoing case.

Similar Legal Issues for Princess Cruises

This lawsuit is not the first time Princess Cruises has faced legal action related to passenger injuries. In recent months, the cruise line has been involved in multiple lawsuits, including one filed in December 2025 after a passenger was injured by a broken chair in the main theater onboard one of its ships. Another case, from November 2025, involved a passenger who slipped on a greasy substance while using the stairs on the Enchanted Princess.

The frequency of these incidents raises concerns about the cruise line’s overall safety and accident prevention measures. As a major player in the cruise industry, Princess Cruises has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of its passengers. The ongoing litigation and past incidents highlight the potential risks that passengers face while onboard, especially in dining areas and other common spaces where hazards can go unnoticed.

Legal Proceedings and Future Considerations

The lawsuit filed by Lucy Gero has been taken to federal court, where a judge will likely examine the facts of the case, including the extent of Princess Cruises’ liability. Gero’s legal team is pushing for compensation for her medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life. If the court rules in Gero’s favor, the cruise line may face significant financial penalties, which could set a precedent for future cases involving accidents on cruise ships.

At this stage, it is unclear how Princess Cruises will defend itself, but the company has the backing of Carnival Corporation’s legal team, which may help the cruise line navigate the legal complexities of the case. This case may take months, if not longer, to resolve, and its outcome could have broader implications for the cruise industry as a whole.

This lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and attention to detail when operating a cruise ship. While Princess Cruises continues to carry passengers on voyages to Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, and the West Coast, the incident involving Gero serves as a cautionary tale for cruise operators and passengers alike.

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