Accidents can happen on cruise ships, just as they can happen anywhere. While it may be possible to claim compensation if you can show someone (such as the cruise ship operator) was negligent, it is preferable to avoid getting injured in the first place.
It is also worth remembering that if you were found to be negligent in some way, it could harm your chances of compensation. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the chance you get injured or are considered to have contributed to your own injuries:
1. Moderate your alcohol consumption
Getting carried away and consuming too much alcohol can make you less steady on your feet and reduce your ability to make sensible decisions. While enjoying some drinks might be part and parcel of going on vacation for you, don’t let it ruin your trip.
2. Listen to and follow crew instructions
The crew will make or post various safety announcements throughout your cruise. It is your responsibility to listen to and comply with them, just as it is when you fly on an aircraft. If a court discovers you ignored the instructions, they may look less favorably on any claim you make for injuries that could perhaps have been avoided if you had complied.
3. Take care on land excursions too
The cruise company has less control over what happens when you disembark the ship on a land excursion. It becomes harder for them to protect your safety, so you may need to step up your own awareness, which can sometimes be difficult after being in such a contained environment.
Accidents can happen at any time on a cruise, just as they can happen at any time during life at home. If you believe someone else is wholly or partly responsible for your injuries, learning about your legal options may be desirable.