Carnival Lawsuit
Jason Merritt’s suitcase originally went missing during Carnival Magic’s 8-night Southern Caribbean sailing that embarked from PortMiami on February 8, 2025 – which was supposed to be a fun celebration of his anniversary with his wife, Tammy. What was meant to be a relaxing vacation turned into a nightmare when his bag went missing during the trip, only to be returned later with several valuable items missing. Now, the couple claims that Carnival failed to adequately secure their belongings and is responsible for the theft.
A Vacation Gone Wrong
Jason and Tammy Merritt, a married couple from Texas, were excited about their anniversary cruise aboard the Carnival Magic. They had carefully packed their bags with essential travel items, including expensive electronics, designer clothing, and sentimental jewelry. However, upon arrival at their stateroom, they noticed that Jason’s checked suitcase had not been delivered.
Concerned, the couple immediately contacted the cruise line’s guest services department, only to be met with vague reassurances that the bag would likely turn up soon. As hours passed and there was no sign of their luggage, Jason and Tammy grew increasingly worried. Despite repeated follow-ups with the staff, the suitcase remained missing for nearly two days.
The Shocking Discovery
On the third day of their cruise, the Merritts were informed that their missing suitcase had been located. Relieved, they retrieved the bag from guest services. However, their relief was short-lived. Upon opening it, they found that multiple high-value items were missing. Among the stolen belongings were a MacBook laptop, an iPad, a designer handbag worth over $1,000, and a gold necklace that had been in Tammy’s family for generations.
To make matters worse, the bag itself showed signs of tampering, with a broken zipper and an unfamiliar luggage tag attached. The couple immediately reported the theft to Carnival’s security team, but they were met with more frustration. According to Jason, the response from the cruise line was dismissive, and they were told that the company was not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Seeking Legal Action
Furious over their experience, the Merritts have now decided to take legal action against Carnival Cruise Line. They argue that the company failed in its duty to protect their belongings and properly handle their missing luggage. Their attorney, Rachel Simmons, has stated that the couple plans to file a lawsuit citing negligence, breach of contract, and lack of accountability.
According to Simmons, Carnival’s terms and conditions include clauses that attempt to limit the cruise line’s liability for lost or stolen belongings, but she believes these policies do not absolve them of responsibility. “The cruise line’s failure to properly track and secure the Merritts’ bag, as well as their dismissive response to the situation, constitutes negligence,” Simmons said. “We are seeking compensation for the stolen items and additional damages for emotional distress.”
Carnival’s Response
When reached for comment, a Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson stated, “We take reports of lost and stolen items very seriously. We are investigating this matter and will work with the guests to address their concerns. However, per our policies, guests are advised not to pack valuable or irreplaceable items in their checked luggage.”
Despite Carnival’s official statement, the Merritts feel the cruise line’s response has been insufficient. They believe that passengers should feel secure when entrusting their belongings to the ship’s staff and that stronger measures need to be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Bigger Issue: Luggage Security on Cruises
The Merritts’ case is not an isolated incident. Over the years, numerous cruise passengers have reported missing or stolen items from their luggage. While most cruise lines have policies in place that attempt to limit their liability, many travelers argue that these policies leave them vulnerable.
Experts in the travel industry suggest that passengers take precautions such as using GPS luggage trackers, carrying valuables in a carry-on bag, and photographing their packed suitcases as proof of their contents. However, critics argue that cruise lines should implement better baggage tracking systems and more stringent security measures to prevent theft.
What Happens Next?
As the Merritts move forward with their legal case, their lawsuit could set a precedent for other travelers who have faced similar issues. If successful, it may push cruise lines to rethink their baggage policies and take greater responsibility for passengers’ belongings.
For now, the couple remains hopeful that their case will bring much-needed attention to the issue of luggage security on cruise ships. “We just want accountability,” Tammy said. “No one else should have to go through what we did.”
This case will be one to watch as it unfolds, potentially changing the way cruise lines handle lost and stolen luggage in the future.
