Louisiana Woman Hospitalized Following Rope Swing Injury During Carnival Cruise Excursion in Honduras

Kirsten Lindsey sustained what medical professionals described as a catastrophic saddle injury on the third day of her inaugural cruise vacation when a rope swing excursion in Honduras went severely wrong. According to her boyfriend Blake, the retrieval line became improperly connected to the primary rope and struck her between the legs as she swung out over the water.

The initial injury appeared minor, but within hours the affected area swelled dramatically to approximately the size of a baseball, causing intense pain that required immediate medical intervention. Lindsey spent more than 12 hours receiving treatment at the ship’s medical center, with her boyfriend reporting that an approximately $4,000 fee was charged before they could disembark.

Rather than seek care at a Mexican hospital or remain in the ship’s medical facility, the couple opted for emergency air evacuation to ensure Lindsey received specialized treatment back in the United States. The evacuation from Costa Maya cost roughly $20,000, with an additional $30,000 charged for transport to Florida, Blake stated.

Lindsey ultimately arrived at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, where she underwent at least two surgical procedures to address the extent of her injuries. The combined medical expenses from the incident significantly exceeded initial estimates, underscoring the potential risks associated with certain adventure-based cruise activities.