Pensioner sues Marella Cruises for fall, blames inappropriate shoes

Marian Reinelt, a pensioner from Dorset, is suing Marella Cruises Ltd for up to £50,000 after falling down stairs in the auditorium of the Marella Explorer cruise ship in May 2023, which left her with permanent scars requiring skin grafts. Reinelt alleges that she tripped due to a defect in the metallic stair nosing, which was in a state of disrepair and claims the incident ruined her family’s £6,000 island-hopping holiday celebrating her 75th birthday and 55th wedding anniversary. Marella Cruises, owned by TUI, denies liability, arguing that her injuries were caused by her choice of 'inappropriately high-heeled shoes' rather than any fault with the stairs. The case is being heard in the High Court in London, with both sides disputing whether the stair’s condition or Reinelt’s footwear was responsible for the fall. The outcome could hinge on the court’s assessment of responsibility for passenger safety versus individual judgment. The incident has drawn attention to cruise ship safety standards and passenger liability.