Cruise Injury Blog

Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, and—since that’s also prime vacation season for many people—major cruise lines continue offering vacations along the East Coast, Caribbean, and the Mediterranean during this time. But just because ocean liners are headed out to sea during hurricane season, does that mean you and your family should do the same?

 

There are actually some great advantages to cruising during hurricane season. For a lot of people, especially families with kids, late summer is the time when it’s most convenient to schedule a vacation. Regarding pricing, many cruise lines offer some great discounts that can make your vacation much more affordable than at any other time of year. And considering that the chances of being caught in the middle of a hurricane are relatively slim (since cruise ships can travel faster than these storms), there’s absolutely

It might appear unbelievable that fires are a problem for vessels surrounded by water from all sides, yet several incidences of boiler room fires on cruise ships in recent years have raised questions about just how common ocean liner fires really are.

 

Just last month, the Holland America ship Westerdam was forced to cut short her voyage from Seattle to Alaska when a fire broke out in one of the boiler rooms. The ship, which was carrying 2,086 passengers and 798 crew members, returned to port in Seattle for a safety inspection after the fire was extinguished. Fortunately, no one was injured, and representatives from Holland America said the ship would depart again as soon as assessments were complete.

 

More famously, an engine room fire on the Carnival Cruise ship Triumph disabled the ship’s propulsion, air conditioning, and sewage systems, leaving passengers

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.

 

Failing to pay attention to safety talks or drills

 

In the wake of the tragic Costa Concordia accident in 2012, many cruise

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, and they often take advantage of this by significantly marking up their beverage prices or even offering an all-you-can-drink package. (Carnival defends their all-you-can-drink

Booking and setting sail on a cruise vacation should always be fun and exciting. While the cruise injury attorneys at Lawlor Winston will always be there to defend you if you suffer injuries aboard a cruise ship, we would much prefer that you experience the most relaxing vacation possible and that you come back to Miami rejuvenated, excited, and most of all, safe.

 

To lessen your chance of sustaining an injury aboard the ship and ensure that you have the best trip possible, it’s important that you thoroughly research different cruise lines before you book your getaway. Here’s how to do it:

 

Read Reviews

 

From personal blogs to Fodor’s Travel, cruise reviews are available all over the Internet. Reviews from both travel authorities, as well as past passengers, can be some of the most valuable resources when it comes to finding

 

Has recent news about a cruise ship catching fire in the middle of the ocean or having to limp back to shore after a mechanical failure shocked you and completely changed your idea of a cruise? Good. It was about time vacationers knew the truth about the cruise industry, which is far from the idyllic image of families sipping cocktail drinks and having a blast on board. Although they remain one of the most popular vacation choices, cruises have their dirty secrets – and knowing the truth may help you greatly in deciding if a one-week voyage on a 100,000-ton steel behemoth stranded in the middle of the ocean is a responsible choice for your next family reunion.

 

For vacationers on a budget looking to visit multiple destinations at once, pamper themselves at luxurious spas, or serve some of the finest chef-crafted

If you’re injured on a cruise, it may seem pretty obvious to you that the cruise line should be held responsible. Maybe you fell from a balcony because of a loose railing, slipped because of a wet floor on a main walkway, or broke your arm on a shore excursion that was supposed to be “perfectly safe.” In fact, you might think that the connection is so obvious, that you won’t need legal assistance and can just represent yourself in court.

 

You might save some money by opting for self-representation, but you’re essentially sabotaging yourself as far as winning your case goes. Here’s why you need to work with an experienced maritime lawyer.

 

5 Reasons to Retain a Maritime Attorney

 

Maritime law is complex. Unless you yourself are licensed to practice maritime law in Florida, you are not qualified to represent