Going on a cruise vacation is meant to be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but traveling by cruise ship comes with its own inherent risks and dangers. It is important to know which spots on a cruise ship are more dangerous than others so you can be prepared and can keep yourself safe while still enjoying your cruise.

Here is a list of some of the most dangerous places for passengers onboard a cruise ship.

Ship Balconies and Railings

While on the actual ship itself, one of the more dangerous areas can be around balconies and railings looking over the ship. People tend to lose their inhibitions while on the ship, especially when consuming alcohol, which makes the risk of falling overboard higher. It can be tempting to want to lean over cabin balconies or railings to look out over the ocean, but if drinking alcohol is involved or inclement weather is a factor, this could result in a person falling overboard.

The Lido Deck

On a cruise ship lido deck, you might find one or more pools, hot tubs, multiple tiers of outer decks, buffets, a water slide or splash park, a jumbo-sized movie screen, and plenty of chaise lounges for sunning. It is typically the top floor of a cruise ship, and exposed to the elements. With that being said, the lido deck is a common place where slip and fall accidents occur.

The reasons slip and fall accidents occur on cruise ship lido decks can include spilled drinks, water from hot tubs, and swimming pools. It can also occur from the breakdown or improper application of the anti-skid/slip properties of the deck coating.  Proper footwear is one of the best ways to avoid slip, trip and falls on the lido deck. Look for options with non-slip soles and adjustable straps for a secure fit so that you do not lose your footing on the (sometimes slippery) lido deck.

Stairwells and Gangways 

Another area of the cruise ship that can be unsafe for passengers is the stairwell, especially if it is crowded. The safety factor becomes particularly important during disembarkation when everyone is attempting to leave the ship at the same time. Falls can occur if passengers are not careful, or patient when using the stairwells. To avoid crowds, it can be helpful to wait until the first few waves of guests leave the vessel instead of fighting the crowds in the stairwell.

Virus Outbreaks

Traveling on cruise ships exposes people to new environments and high volumes of people, including other travelers. This exposure can create the risk for illness from contaminated food, or water or, more commonly, through person-to-person contact.

These conditions can lead to the spread of highly contagious illnesses, such as COVID-19 and the norovirus. Gastrointestinal illnesses, such as the norovirus, have been on the rise since the cruise industry reopened following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The number-one way to avoid getting sick with Norovirus or other illnesses on a cruise is to thoroughly wash your hands — more than you ordinarily would — before and after you eat, after you use the restroom, when returning to the cruise ship after a day in port and every time you touch a stranger or an oft-touched item like a stairway railing or a slot machine. This way, you will kill any germs before they can infect you.

Ports of Call

Ironically, one of the most dangerous places for passengers traveling on a cruise ship is not on the boat, but the port itself. Cruise lines do their part to offer a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers while on the vessel, but once passengers leave the ship at various ports of call, the risk of injury or assault go up.

If the passenger is not familiar with the locality, venturing out of the port area without taking certain safety measures can put them at risk. This danger is especially high when the passenger wanders into areas of town which are more dangerous. This could include the passenger running into criminal activity, scammers, or not being able to find the transportation to get back to the vessel on time before it departs.

It is best to do your research prior to leaving the port and to stay as close as possible to the general port area. Give yourself enough time to travel back from whatever activity you are engaging in off the ship, and always travel in a group. Never isolate yourself.,

The Miami-based cruise ship accident and maritime injury law firm of Delgado Trial Attorneys  possess a skill set that few other maritime attorneys can claim. Raul’s extensive experience representing the cruise lines and developing their defense strategies years before they started representing the passengers and crew members that suffered injuries because of the cruise lines’ negligence. Combined with Raul Delgado, Sr.’s  45 years of personal injury experience fighting on behalf of injured accident victims, Delgado Trial Attorneys offers a combination of experience in all types of cruise ship personal injuries unlike any of their competitors.

Our experience allows us to effectively strategize and advocate for every client we represent. We have handled all types of cruise ship passenger accidents over the years with a focus on slip, trip and falls, medical malpractice, FlowRider accidents, sexual assaults, Death on the High Seas, and more.

Contact our law firm today for a free case evaluation at +1 (877) 372-0817. Virtual sign-ups available. 

Visit www.CruiseLawyerMiami.com to learn more.