Havana Docks v. Royal Caribbean Cruises

The Supreme Court said cruise lines can be sued under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act for using docks confiscated by Cuba. Havana Docks did not have to show that the cruise lines used its own still-active property interest, and the Court vacated the Eleventh Circuit's decision.

Justice Thomas wrote the 8–1 opinion, joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Kavanaugh, Alito, Gorsuch, Barrett, and Jackson; Justice Sotomayor concurred; Justice Kagan dissented.

The Court ruled 8-1. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the opinion, joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Alito, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Barrett, and Jackson; Justice Sotomayor concurred, and Justice Kagan dissented.

Majority

Thomas

Sotomayor

Kavanaugh

Roberts

Alito

Gorsuch

Barrett

Jackson

Dissent

Kagan

“The cruise lines' use of the docks is sufficient to establish that they used "property which was confiscated by the Cuban Government."”

The decision makes it easier for former Cuban property owners to pursue claims against companies that use confiscated property. For example, cruise lines that used confiscated Cuban docks may face damages claims even if an owner's original interest would have expired.

The case returns to the Eleventh Circuit for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Court's decision. Lower courts will apply the Court's rule in similar claims involving use of confiscated Cuban property.

The Court said using the confiscated docks can support a Title III claim. Havana Docks need not prove the cruise lines used its unexpired property interest.

Former Cuban property owners may have a clearer path to damages claims. Cruise lines and other companies using confiscated Cuban property may face greater exposure.

The Eleventh Circuit will take up the case again under the Supreme Court's rule. The parties will continue the litigation in lower court.