You’ve decided it’s time to grab your passport and floppy hat and hop on a cruise, but there are steps you should take before you decide on your future cruise itinerary. Some ports around the world carry higher risks for crime, and you should keep that in mind when choosing your destinations. Some examples of places that may be more susceptible to cruise excursion accidents include ports in Nassau, Bahamas, Roatán, Honduras, Kingston, Jamaica, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Cartagena, and Colombia.
To make informed decisions about your trip, you need to know the current travel advisories for each destination and pay attention to cruise safety warnings. Keep reading to learn more about cruise safety warnings that can protect you and your family. Having fun is easier when you know you’re safe.
Sometimes, accidents on a cruise happen when you least expect them, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. That is why it’s important to check for safety updates before and during your trip. Civil unrest and other potentially dangerous factors should play a role in your cruise destination choice. Below, you can find the steps you can follow to find cruise safety warnings before you complete your travel plans:
If you’re in the U.S., visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisories page for the countries your cruise will stop in. Each destination is rated by risk level based on factors like crime, health alerts, and political unrest. Reviewing these advisories helps you prepare better, especially when visiting unfamiliar ports.
Major cruise lines, like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, are required to share safety information with guests. On their websites, you can often find a “Safety & Security” section with important details about protocols and emergency procedures. For cruises in U.S. seas, look for a Security Guide with steps to report safety concerns.
Your health and sanitation are just as important as your personal security. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operates a Vessel Sanitation Program, where you can see inspection scores for cruise ships. This information helps you ensure your ship meets safety standards before setting sail.
News outlets and travel blogs often advise cruise passengers about safety issues as they happen. Before you’re fully committed to your cruise, read recent news about your ship and the destinations you plan to visit.
Before you board your cruise vacation, common sense says there are things you can do to avoid accidents, but you might not know about the safety warnings in place for some destinations. Staying informed about safety warnings is one of the best ways to protect yourself at sea. But even with the right information, accidents and unexpected risks can still happen. When they do, knowing your rights as a passenger becomes necessary.
At Louis A. Vucci P.A., we focus on passenger claims and other cruise ship injury cases. Whether you were hurt onboard or suffered an illness at sea, our cruise injury lawyer has the experience to handle the complexities of maritime law. Contact us today to discuss your cruise ship injury case and learn how we can help protect your rights.
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There are many things for which a passenger may make a claim, some of which include: