Most of us take a cruise in the hopes of enjoying days of rest and relaxation, but for passengers on a recent Carnival Cruise, now coined “the cruise from hell,” rest and relaxation took a sudden turn for the worse. It all started with a fight that took place in the early hours of February 16th on the Carnival Legend during its 10-day voyage out of Melbourne, Australia.
The incident was started by a family group of 23 people. More than a dozen fights broke out on the ship. Ship passengers were reportedly concerned for their safety, as well as the safety of others on the ship as these unruly passengers began to threaten others on the ship, including promises to throw guests overboard.
The crew’s response to the fight has received much criticism. The ship’s captain reportedly said, “What do you want me to do about it? Throw them overboard?” The Carnival Corporation plans to investigate the fight from all aspects, including the way security responded to the incident.
Police ended up removing 23 members of a large extended family on Friday afternoon in Eden, New South Wales. The rest of the guests on the ship disembarked in Melbourne, as scheduled, on February 17th. Guests were also given a 25 percent discount on a future Carnival cruise; however, many guests were not pleased with their consolation prize.
While Carnival is investigating what happened, concerns surround the fact that this incident was not an isolated one. Another cruise, just two weeks ago, had to be turned around after a fight broke out amongst another group of passengers. On another trip aboard the Emerald Princess, a man stands accused of killing his wife in the summer of 2017 because she was laughing at him.
The number of reported crimes committed on board cruise ships that have embarked or disembarked in the United States has gone from 28 reported in 2015 to 106 in 2017. While the numbers are still relatively low, the jump in reported crimes is alarming.
In addition, the complexity involving who polices these ships complicates matters. Ships are registered under jurisdictions of various different countries, normally the ones where taxes are low, which means the quality of policing is low, as well. Most cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Costa, Regents Seven Seas and Oceania require that claims against them be pursued in a very specific place under very strict deadlines. Failure to comply with each individual cruise lines deadlines can result in a complete loss of any and all legal rights.
INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY: 1-866-597-4529
If you have been injured on your cruise, on a wet and slippery deck, down a poorly lit staircase or steep gangway, in port on an excursion, or on a tender boat- it is important that you speak as soon as possible with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims against cruise lines.
Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is a personal injury firm located in Miami, Florida since 1991. We have fought hard to hold cruise lines accountable when they put their profits ahead of passenger safety. We are available 24/7 and encourage you to contact us even if you are still on your cruise. The sooner we can begin our investigation and preservation of key evidence, such as the CCTV footage of your trip and fall, slip and fall, assault or other type of injury the more likely we will be able to understand and prove how the incident occurred. Remember, the cruise lines have the most aggressive and well funded defense lawyers in the world- protecting their profits. You need an experienced legal advocate in your corner who will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for lost wages, medical expenses, transportation reimbursement and pain and suffering. Call us today and speak with a cruise ship claims lawyer about your potential claim- toll free 1-866-597-4529, 305-441-0440, or by email. We are ready to help.
