Cruise Injury Blog

One of the most exciting things about cruising is exploring ports all over the world. Cruise lines promote shore excursions for guests to go on at all ports of call, allowing for a little adventure. It’s not uncommon to see shore excursions such as horseback riding, parasailing, walking tours, zip-lining, snorkeling, or hiking offered.

However, it’s important to understand that these excursions have their risks. Accidents and injuries can and do happen on shore excursions, and there are several factors that contribute to them. It could simply be an accident, or it could be negligence on behalf of the shore excursion company, cruise line – or both.

What are the most common causes of shore excursion accidents and what should you do if you’re injured on one? Read on to find out.

Shore Excursion Injuries

As with any activity, accidents and injuries can occur.

Dealing with a medical emergency probably isn’t the first thing you think about when planning a cruise vacation. You’re focused on the destination. The sights and experiences you’ll get to enjoy. The amenities offered on the cruise ship itself.

Unfortunately, medical emergencies are not landlocked. While not exactly common, they can happen anywhere and to anyone, and cruises are no exception. In fact, just a few weeks ago Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas became the first cruise ship to call in Key West since the beginning of the COVID pandemic due to a medical emergency — an 81-year-old man needed urgent medical care to help with septic shock.

The ship’s crew was able to get the passenger to a hospital in Key West, which raises a question: are cruise ships able to deal with serious and urgent medical problems? The answer is… not

COVID has been in the headlines for nearly two years. It has impacted the lives of everyone during that time. From work to leisure, COVID remains a concern for many, and its effect on the cruise industry cannot be understated.

Part of this comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s conditional sailing order. It was set to expire on November 1 but has now been extended to January 15, 2022. This was done out of an abundance of caution and concern regarding the spread of the deadly Delta variant of COVID-19.

What does this mean for the cruise industry? And how are COVID cases on cruise ships looking right now? Read on to find out more.

COVID on Cruise Ships Today

Any cruise ship planning to sail or currently on the water is required to submit daily reports to the CDC that

Cruising has started again, and many people can’t wait to stretch out their sea legs! While most are focusing on the safety of cruising amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to remember that there are other safety factors you should consider on your next cruise.

There are many aspects that cruise lines don’t want to advertise explicitly regarding cruise safety, but those who cruise should be aware of them. Here are a few things to consider that should help make sure you’re as safe as possible on a cruise.

The Good News

While you may worry about safety on cruise ships, it’s important to understand that cruise lines generally take guest safety very seriously. Sometimes, circumstances do happen on board that can endanger the safety of passengers, but cruise lines equip their ships with many features to help balance the risk.

Every cruise ship

If you think crime only happens on land, think again. Cruise ships are generally known for their upscale amenities and stunning vistas, but unfortunately, the cruise industry is also known for its prevalence in crime.

With a lack of law enforcement personnel on a ship’s staff, it can be difficult to monitor for criminal activity—particularly when criminals work in conjunction with other passengers or crew members. There have been numerous instances of violence aboard cruise ships, from theft and robbery to manslaughter and sexual assault.

While the FBI has jurisdiction over crimes committed at sea, they rarely get involved unless there is a risk of physical injury or death.

Common Cruise Crimes

The most common types of criminal behavior on cruises are public intoxication and disorderly conduct — hands down — and those offenses are rarely prosecuted. But serious violent offenses occur on cruise

How Common are Accidents on Cruise Ships?

It’s important to remember that there are plenty of dangerous, extreme activities available on cruise ships and on the coastal tourist spots along the way. Between 2005 and 2018,  there were 448 major cruise ship accidents reported. 16 people died in cruise ship accidents between 2005 and 2011.

Recreational equipment failure may be to blame for a large number of cruise ship accidents, but there are plenty of on-board safety concerns, including but not limited to:

Loss of power resulting in being adrift at sea Fire (101 incidents since 2005) Plumbing issues (bursting pipes, overflowing toilets, etc.) Spread of viruses Improper sanitation Running aground Sinking Crime

Can I Sue the Cruise Line If I Am Injured on their Ship?

Once a cruise ship departs from the U.S. coast, federal maritime laws take over, but basic principles of

For those who are going on a cruise for the first time, planning can feel overwhelming. There are simply things a first-time cruiser won’t know. And that’s okay. But you should endeavor to learn what you can in order to make sure you’re safe on your first cruise.

What that means is that there are definitely things you should do – and things you shouldn’t. Here are some tips for first-time cruisers to help you stay safe and sound on the high seas. And maybe not look so much like a rookie cruiser!

COVID: The Concern Doesn’t Stay on Land

Vacations are meant to be an escape from the trappings of everyday life, but in this day and age, you cannot expect to leave some things back on dry land. Today, that means COVID and any concerns you have about this illness.

Cruise ships