Cruise Injury Blog

If you embark and disembark on a cruise ship in Miami—or anywhere else in the United States—it makes sense that you might think that the ship is an American vessel. However, this is usually not the case.

 

Currently, only one major cruise ship is registered in America—NCL America’s Pride of America. All other cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Princess, are registered in foreign countries. This practice of registering ships in foreign countries is referred to as “sailing under ‘flags of convenience’” and while it may be a convenient practice for owners of the cruise lines, it can be critically dangerous for passengers.

 

What are Flags of Convenience?

 

To find out which flag your cruise

Water transportation has come a long way since birch-bark canoes and rickety rafts. Modern-day cruise ships are outfitted with a dazzling array of amenities, special features, and technologies dedicated to promoting passenger comfort and safety.

 

Royal Caribbean recently released one of the most high-tech ships on the seven seas to date—Quantum of the Seas. With more than 2,000 advanced staterooms and high-tech features like electronic wristbands and maps, this ship works hard to protect passengers from many of the risks previously associated with sea travel and cruise vacations. Here are some of the ways Quantum of the Seas designers have reduced some of the most common risks for cruise ship accidents and mishaps:

 

WOW Bands reduce

There’s a certain thrill in being amongst the first few to enjoy a new experience, so it’s no surprise that many vacationers jump at the opportunity to be on a new cruise ship’s maiden voyage. But does that mean it’s actually a good idea? While it can be exciting to set sail on an inaugural cruise, you may also have to contend with a few kinks in the service, entertainment, and maintenance departments.

 

For some cruise passengers, a few setbacks are a small price to pay for being able to experience a brand new cruise ship, but for others, it may be much more relaxing to book a trip on a seasoned cruise ship. It ultimately comes down to

If you’ve never been on a cruise before, you may not really know what to expect—other than what you’ve seen in advertisements and heard from friends. You probably have some idea that you’ll spend time lounging by the pool, indulging in gourmet food, and exploring the ports of call. But beyond that, what can you do to both stay safe and make the best of your cruise? Many first-time cruisers miss some great opportunities—or even jeopardize their health and safety—just because they aren’t fully prepared for their trip or don’t know how to get the most out of what cruises offer.

 

Those who are preparing to embark on their first cruise vacation should try to avoid the following mistakes.

The expression “booze cruise” doesn’t just exist because it’s a convenient rhyme. From Champagne Brunches to happy hours to all-you-can-drink packages, there’s certainly no shortage of alcohol aboard cruise ships. But all the libations can be problematic, with intoxicated passengers more likely to get into an accident due to poor judgment, lack of coordination, or even manipulative crew members.

 

Here’s a quick look at how the culture of cruises has led to excessive drinking and associated accidents.

 

Drinking is an Expectation on Many Cruises

 

Cruise ships are vacation vessels, and for many passengers, letting loose and drinking is what they plan to do on their vacation. Cruise lines know that people want to drink on their ships,