Cruise Passangers’ Legal Rights
Posted on September 17, 2008
Filed Under US Laws & Codes | Leave a Comment
Cruising the high seas, while often in waters outside US jurisdiction, can leave many vacationers with questions about their legal rights while on board a cruise. Too often, these questions only arise after an event takes place that calls for this information. Before leaving port, cruise passengers should be sure to have the following items and documents in order:
- airline tickets, if necessary
- boarding passes
- boarding form
- bus-transfer vouchers / hotel vouchers
- passport / visa , if necessary
- travel insurance
- Itinerary & emergency contact information for a friend or family member back home
- Emergency cash / Travelers cheques
- List of every item you pack in your luggage or carry on board, and its value, in the event of theft
- Photocopies of passports, visas, and cruise documents, including contract, stored in a safe place
Despite every effort to travel well-prepared, unfortunate events may occur. In the event of theft or injury to your party or your belongings, you should:
- Document any losses of property in the event of theft
- Report an injury or theft to the ship’s captain
- Visit the ships doctor for medical attention for any injuries
- DO NOT SIGN any “Waivers” or “Releases”: Have them faxed to your attorney for review before signing.
- Contact an attorney in the city from which you departed (the United States)
In rare circumstances, the following events can (and do) occur on cruise ships ; should something happen to you, contact a maritime lawyer.
- Passenger Overboard
- Slip & Fall
- Assault / Harassment / Rape
- Negligence
- Misdiagnoses by ship’s doctor
- Any other event that occurs at sea that may require legal representation
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