This case involves a dispute between Carnival Cruise Lines and the Shutes over the enforcement of a forum-selection clause in the tickets issued by Carnival Cruise Lines. The clause requires all disputes to be litigated in a court located in Florida, USA. The Shutes filed a lawsuit in the Western District of Washington, claiming negligence by Carnival Cruise Lines. The District Court granted summary judgment in favor of Carnival Cruise Lines, but the Court of Appeals reversed, stating that the clause was not freely negotiated and would deprive the Shutes of their right to a fair trial.

The Supreme Court found that the forum-selection clause was dispositive of the issue and federal law governs its enforceability. The Court did not address whether the respondents had sufficient notice of the clause before entering the contract. The respondents argue that the clause violates the Limitation of Vessel Owner's Liability Act and would deprive them of their day in court. The Court notes factual differences between this case and The Bremen, which prevent a straightforward application of The Bremen's principles. The Court ultimately upheld the forum-selection clause and ruled in favor of Carnival Cruise Lines.

The Bremen case established that forum-selection clauses in contracts should generally be enforced absent a strong showing that they should be set aside. In this case, the Court held that a forum-selection clause in a non-negotiated form contract for a commercial cruise ticket may be enforceable if it is reasonable and can benefit both parties. The Court rejected the argument that the clause should not be enforced because the plaintiffs are physically and financially incapable of pursuing litigation in Florida. The Court found no evidence of bad faith or fraud and no violation of a statute that prohibits vessel owners from limiting their liability or the right of claimants to a trial by court. The Court of Appeals' judgment was reversed. However, it was noted that the issue of whether the respondents had sufficient notice of the clause before entering the contract was not addressed.

Justice Stevens disagrees with the Court's decision to uphold the forum-selection clause in the passenger ticket, arguing that it is not fully disclosed to passengers and is unenforceable under federal admiralty law and the Limitation of Vessel Owner's Liability Act. He notes that such clauses often result from unequal bargaining power and go against the public interest in preventing negligence. The forum-selection clause may limit the respondents' ability to recover for a slip and fall incident during the cruise. The author disagrees with the decision and argues that forum-selection clauses in passenger tickets are considered unfair and subject to scrutiny for reasonableness under traditional contract law.