Cruise ships have long been a popular vacation option for families looking to relax and unwind without having to worry about travel, eating or sleeping arrangements. On a cruise ship, a lot of that is taken care of for you. You’re well taken care of on a cruise ship, or at least that’s what most cruise lines will boast.
So what happens when you contract an illness while aboard the ship? What if you’re not the only one? Could you claim that the cruise line did not take reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of its passengers? If so, could you and your fellow passengers be owed compensation?
This line of questioning often arises after hearing stories about passengers getting sick on a cruise line, such as the 2014 Royal Caribbean case in which 300 passengers and crew fell ill with a gastrointestinal illness. Cases like this and others definitely make us question liability, but do you have a right to compensation?
The answer to this question depends heavily on the circumstances surrounding the illness. Was it brought aboard by a crew member or a passenger? Did someone on the cruise line know about the illness but fail to take appropriate action to reduce the risk of infecting other passengers? Was the illness spread because of the negligence of a crew member on the cruise line? Knowing the answers to these questions will determine whether or not you have a claim for compensation and can file one with the help of a skilled maritime attorney.
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