Cruises have become one of the most popular vacation choices for New York residents. But while these voyages offer sunshine, entertainment, and easy travel, recent high-profile incidents show that cruise environments can involve serious risks — especially when alcohol, crowds, and unpredictable conditions are involved.
A recent lawsuit involving a Royal Caribbean passenger who died after allegedly being served an extreme number of drinks has brought renewed attention to safety on cruise ships. While the legal case is ongoing, it provides an opportunity to discuss what every traveler should know before boarding: your rights, the cruise line’s responsibilities, and essential steps to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Understanding Cruise Line Responsibilities Under Maritime Law
Many passengers don’t realize that cruise ships must follow maritime law, which can differ from state laws but still clearly outlines what protections travelers have.
Cruise lines owe passengers a “duty of reasonable care.”
This includes:
- Monitoring alcohol service and refusing drinks to visibly intoxicated guests
- Providing properly trained medical staff
- Ensuring security uses non-excessive force
- Maintaining safe walkways, railings, staircases, and cabin areas
- Responding promptly to emergencies
Legal precedent supports holding cruise lines accountable when they fail to meet this duty. For example:
- Hall v. Royal Caribbean Cruises (2004) recognized that cruise operators may be liable when overserving alcohol leads to harm.
- Studies on passenger injuries show that falls, slips, and medical emergencies are common in cruise environments and require proactive safety policies.
Scholarly research also highlights that alcohol consumption significantly increases risk aboard ships:
- A study published in Applied Sciences found that alcohol use on maritime vessels impairs judgment and increases the likelihood of severe harm.
Your Rights as a Cruise Passenger
✔ The Right to Reasonable Safety
You have the right to expect that the cruise operator acts responsibly and takes precautions to protect passengers.
✔ The Right to Refuse Alcohol or Aggressive Onboard Sales
Unlimited drink packages may encourage overconsumption — but crew members must not continue serving guests who show signs of intoxication.
✔ The Right to Appropriate Medical Attention
Cruise ships are required to staff medical professionals and provide adequate care.
✔ The Right to Be Free From Excessive Force
Security may intervene during disturbances, but use of force must be reasonable, controlled, and safe.
✔ The Right to Seek Legal Recourse
If injury or wrongful death occurs due to negligence, families can pursue claims for:
- Medical expenses
- Emotional suffering
- Lost wages or financial support
- Pain and suffering
Note: Cruise tickets often include short deadlines for filing claims, sometimes as little as 6 months to provide notice — a critical detail many passengers overlook.
Evidence-Based Cruise Ship Safety Tips
Below are practical ways passengers can reduce risks based on patterns identified in peer-reviewed cruise safety studies.
- Be Cautious With Alcohol Consumption
A medical study of cruise-ship injuries found that alcohol frequently contributes to harmful events aboard vessels.
Tips:
- Pace yourself — alternating water between drinks
- Avoid “unlimited” drink packages if you know you are sensitive to alcohol
- Travel with someone who can intervene if over-service becomes an issue
- Avoid Walking Alone Late at Night
Large ships can become confusing and disorienting, especially at night or after drinking.
Tips:
- Always move around with a companion
- Keep your cabin number accessible
- Use main, well-lit corridors
- Watch for Slippery Decks and High-Risk Areas
Studies show that the most common causes of shipboard injuries involve slips or ground-level falls, often in bathrooms, around pools, or on wet decks.
Tips:
- Wear non-skid shoes
- Use handrails when available
- Avoid running or quick turns on wet surfaces
- Know Where Medical Services Are Located
If you or a family member feels unwell, time matters.
Tips:
- Visit the medical bay at the beginning of your cruise
- Review what services are available (defibrillators, oxygen, emergency meds)
- Don’t hesitate to ask staff for help — early intervention saves lives
- Speak Up If You Notice Unsafe Behavior or Over-Service
Cruise staff are supposed to stop serving alcohol to visibly intoxicated guests — and this is not just policy, it’s part of their legal obligation.
If you witness:
- Someone receiving too many drinks
- A guest who is clearly disoriented
- An altercation or escalating situation
Notify ship personnel immediately.
- Document Everything During a Safety Incident
If something does go wrong:
- Take photos or videos
- Gather names of witnesses
- Request written statements
- Visit the onboard medical center and request copies of your evaluation
- Keep all cruise documents, tickets, and receipts
This can be essential later if legal action becomes necessary.
When Should You Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney?
You should consult a lawyer if you or a loved one experienced:
- Over-service of alcohol
- Injuries related to unsafe ship conditions
- Excessive force used by security
- Delayed or improper medical treatment
- Serious harm or death involving negligent staff behavior
Cruise companies have significant resources and legal teams — passengers should have strong representation as well.
Safety First, Even at Sea
Cruises can be unforgettable experiences, but recent events highlight how important it is to stay informed and vigilant. Knowing your rights, watching for potential hazards, and understanding how cruise lines must protect you can help ensure your vacation is memorable for the right reasons.
If you or your family has experienced harm aboard a cruise ship, our firm is here to help you understand your options and uphold your rights under maritime law.