Pig Bite Sparks Rabies Scare

Cruise Passenger Sues Norwegian After Swimming With Pigs Excursion

What was supposed to be a quirky Caribbean vacation memory has turned into a federal negligence lawsuit after a Norwegian Cruise Line passenger says a swimming pig bit his leg during a Bahamas shore excursion — leaving him with stitches and a rabies post-exposure treatment.

According to a complaint filed in federal court in Miami on August 5, 2026, New York resident Jason Gordon was aboard the Norwegian Escape when he booked Norwegian’s “Swimming Pigs Tour” during a stop at the cruise line’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Gordon says he was interacting with the animals as the excursion instructed when one pig suddenly clamped down on his right lower leg, causing a laceration and puncture wound.

Why Would Anyone Want to Swim with Pigs?

Swimming pigs have become a social-media phenomenon, turning what was once an unusual animal encounter into a bucket-list excursion sold to cruise passengers and independent travelers. Norwegian itself currently advertises swimming-pig experiences at multiple destinations, including their private island, Great Stirrup Cay. NCL literature describes the pigs as friendly and enthusiastic and telling guests that guides will explain how to feed and interact with them. The advertised excursion is listed at around $198 for adults, although prices can vary with availability.

The Pig Bite That Changed a Vacation

The lawsuit alleges that Gordon was doing exactly what the excursion encouraged passengers to do: getting into the shallow water, interacting with the pigs and feeding them. The medical aftermath, however, was anything but a vacation souvenir.

Gordon’s complaint claims Norwegian failed to provide adequate warnings about the possibility of bites, injuries and disease transmission and argues that the excursion was unreasonably dangerous or inadequately supervised. The complaint says Gordon returned home four days after the incident and sought emergency treatment, where the wound was closed with sutures and he received intravenous antibiotics. He also underwent rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, including rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin, after concerns about the potential disease risk.

Should Travelers Really Be Worried About Rabies?

Here’s where the story needs some context.

The fact that Gordon received rabies treatment does not mean the pig had rabies. The lawsuit says he feared the possibility of exposure, while available medical guidance makes clear that rabies risk varies by animal and destination.

The CDC’s current Bahamas travel guidance says dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in the country and notes that rabies vaccines are generally available throughout most of the Bahamas if an exposure occurs. The agency nevertheless advises travelers not to touch or feed unfamiliar animals and says anyone bitten or scratched should immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and seek medical attention.

That distinction matters. A pig bite is a wound that deserves medical attention regardless of whether rabies is ultimately considered likely.

The CDC also warns travelers that animal bites and scratches can transmit serious diseases and recommends avoiding contact with animals people do not know. For visitors planning animal encounters, that is a pretty straightforward rule: cute does not automatically mean harmless.

What Cruise Passengers Should Do Before Booking

For anyone considering a swimming-pig excursion, the lesson is not necessarily “never get in the water with pigs.” It is to understand the risks before you book.

First, read the excursion description carefully and ask the operator exactly how guests are expected to interact with the animals. If food is involved, follow the guide’s instructions rather than improvising with your hands or getting your face close to an animal.

Second, wear footwear with good traction and protection. A good pair of water shoes provide grip, drainage and protection from rocks and other hazards, making purpose-built water footwear a sensible choice for beach and water excursions.

Third, protect your phone and valuables. Waterproof phone pouches will keep your phone dry while still allowing you to take plenty of selfies with your new porcine friends.

And finally, know what to do if something goes wrong. Clean any bite or scratch immediately with soap and clean water, then get medical advice promptly rather than waiting until the end of the cruise.