Tips for Staying Safe on Your Next Shore Excursion
Shore excursions are a big part of most cruises. These excursions, which are offered at various ports, can be a lot of fun, so long as cruise passengers are safe. An incident at Carnival’s private island, Half Moon Cay, has raised important questions regarding the safety of water-based activities offered to cruise passengers.
A female cruise passenger was involved in a fatal jet ski accident on Half Moon Cay. The passenger had stopped off at the private island in the Bahamas during a Holland America Line cruise around the Caribbean when the incident occurred. Police on the scene reported a woman riding a jet ski “when she allegedly lost control and collided with a rock.” Cruise company Holland America confirmed that the tourist was a passenger on its cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam, which was currently on a 14-day itinerary around the Caribbean after it departed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Half Moon Cay is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc, a large business that operates several cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and Holland America Line. As such, the island is a popular destination for passengers on multiple lines.
It is important that cruise ship passengers spend as much time planning their time off the ship, as planning their time on the ship. Here are some important tips to help ensure your safety while on shore excursions.
Book Excursions through the Cruise Line.
It is best to only book excursions through the cruise line and not through someone who is not licensed or regulated by the visiting port. If any questions arise as to whether the person with whom the passenger is booking the excursion is licensed, always ask. If the person is licensed, he or she will be able to provide the proper documentation.
Do Some Independent Research.
Each port will have its own tourism bureau and website. Do not solely rely on the ship’s website or onboard salespeople.
Read Online Reviews from Past Participants.
Online reviews and message boards can provide insight into all aspects of the excursion, including questions of safety.
Know Your Limitations.
Before planning your next shore excursion, whether it be a ziplining adventure, parasailing, or snorkeling in the coral reefs- know that these activities are not for everyone. You are in a foreign country about to do an activity you may have never tried before. Know what you’re capable of and be honest about it with yourself and with your travel companions.
The last thing anyone wants is to have an accident, or any type of medical emergency far away from home, especially in another country. Research shore excursion activities thoroughly and know what’s involved before booking the activity. To be on the safe side, purchase travel insurance.
INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP OR CRUISE SHIP EXCURSION? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY: 1-888-742-0372.
Cruise lines are responsible for the injuries that passengers sustain on and off the ship. Florida law is clear that cruise lines have a non-delegable responsibility to make sure that passengers are safe when being transported between the ship and shore.
If you have been injured on a cruise ship, tender or in port, it is important that you seek immediate medical care and report the incident. Cruise lines often defend cases based upon a “lack of reported incident.” Also, immediately consult with an experienced passenger injury lawyer who is admitted to practice in Federal Court.
Aronfeld Trial Lawyers has obtained millions of dollars in compensation for injured cruise ship passengers and crew members onboard the major cruise lines. We are constantly filing lawsuits against Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC, Disney and other cruise lines around the world in Federal Court. Since 1991, our law firm has helped injured passengers hold the cruise lines accountable. We work hard to get our clients compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. The cruise lines are part of multi-billion-dollar industry and employ the most aggressive and experienced lawyers–which is why you need experienced legal counsel on your side, too.