Cruising can be fun. It can also be dangerous. While they aren’t often publicized, injuries onboard cruise ships are extremely common. While these injuries may result from a variety of different factors, some factors are more common than others. In this article, Miami cruise ship accident attorney Keith Brais discusses five common injury risks for cruise passengers.
1. Long Lines and Crowded Spaces
Many cruise ship injuries happen when passengers are corralled together in crowded spaces. This includes lines to board, attend scheduled meals and disembark at ports of call. It also includes overcrowded pools, dance floors and other popular areas onboard. Injuries resulting from collisions between passengers, collisions with furniture and other objects, and confrontations between angry and frustrated passengers are all common in these areas.
2. Drunk Cruise Passengers
It is no secret that some cruise passengers drink more than they should. Unfortunately, drunk cruise passengers aren’t only dangers to themselves—they are dangers to others as well. If you were injured by a drunk passenger onboard a cruise ship, you could have a claim against the cruise line for overserving.
3. Inadequate Supervision
Inadequate supervision is a major risk onboard cruise ships. Without adequate supervision, areas can become overcrowded, dangerous situations can quickly get out of hand, and accidents can go unnoticed. Cruise lines must provide adequate supervision in all areas of the ship, including (but not limited to):
- Pools
- Lazy rivers
- Water slides
- Roller coasters
- Climbing walls
- Casinos
- Kids’ play zones
4. Inadequate Warnings
In addition to providing adequate supervision, cruise lines must provide adequate warnings as well. This includes posting signs with warnings about things like potential slip, trip and drowning risks, as well as providing audible warnings when passengers need to return to their cabins during rough seas and storms. While many experienced cruisers know what to expect, most less-experienced cruisers do not—and cruise lines have a duty to ensure that passengers can keep themselves (and their children) safe at all times.
5. Poor Maintenance and Cleaning
Passengers onboard many cruise ships are appalled when they learn the condition of the vessel. While cruise lines and travel agencies publish curated photos of shiny and well-maintained ships, reality often does not match passengers’ expectations. Not only can poor maintenance and cleaning make for a disappointing experience, but they can present injury risks as well. This includes common risks such as:
- Slippery interior and exterior walking surfaces
- Dangerous steps and stairways
- Dangerous elevators and escalators
- Dangerous kids’ play equipment
- Poorly-lit areas
- Malfunctioning pool filter equipment
- Malfunctioning rides and activities
- Inadequate or inoperable safety equipment
Injured? Talk to a Miami Cruise Ship Accident Attorney for Free
If you have been injured due to any of these factors—or any other factor—onboard a cruise ship, you should speak with an attorney about your legal rights. To arrange a free consultation with a Miami cruise ship accident attorney at Brais Law Firm, call 800-499-0551 or tell us how we can reach you online now.
