Cruise Ship Accidents

Types of Cruise Ship Accidents

Cruise accidents are caused by different factors. There are four types of accidents that can occur while on a cruise vacation, and in many cases, simple precautions every passenger can take will help minimize any negative effects.

Passenger-Caused Accidents

Human error causes the majority of accidents on board cruise ships. Passengers who are unwise about their actions and behavior put themselves into dangerous situations where accidents are more likely to happen, but by following common sense precautions many minor accidents can be avoided.

• Try not to overindulge on alcoholic beverages that can impair judgment, balance, and motor skills.
• Use sporting equipment, lounge chairs, etc. only for intended purposes.
• Follow all crew recommendations and instructions, including posted warning labels.
• Enter and exit carefully through all doors: cruise ships often have water guards in doorways that could cause tripping.
• Use handrails on stairways, gangways, and while near the edge of the deck in case of a sudden list or turn.

Weather-Related Accidents

Poor weather creates rough seas that can lead to accidents. While crew members and officers make every attempt to avoid bad weather, high winds, choppy waves, and rain increase accident risks. To minimize these risks:

• Wear rubber-soled shoes on deck that can grip a wet surface.
• Close doors firmly to prevent a wind gust slamming them open and potentially causing injury.
• Avoid being on upper decks or near the ship’s bow during extreme weather.
• Use handrails for additional balance in rough seas.
• Secure all cabinets and closets in your cabin to prevent items falling or flying about in rough weather.
• If the ship loses power, stay in your cabin or current location until given instructions.

Engineering Accidents

Engineering cruise ship accidents are completely out of passengers’ control. These incidents result from crew errors or performance problems with the ship and include fires, malfunctioning stabilizers, and faulty engines. Because of these factors, ships may run aground, be forced to slow down, or be delayed arriving at or departing from ports of call. While passengers cannot prevent these types of accidents, they can keep disruptions to a minimum by:

• Knowing where their muster station is.
• Following crew directions immediately during a crisis.
• Not asking repetitive questions until the problem is resolved.
• Providing detailed information if asked to make a statement.

Shore Excursion Accidents

While exploring ports of call through various shore excursions, it is possible that passengers will be involved in accidents. Those accidents may be a result of passenger negligence or the hazards of the tour, but problems can be minimized by:

• Following directions of tour operators carefully and asking for clarification if necessary.
• Being honest about abilities and prior experience on tours such as horseback riding, diving, or other physical activities.
• Behaving properly and responsibly to avoid causing potential problems.
• Wearing proper restraints on tour buses and taxis, including using car seats for young children.

Recent Cruise Ship Accidents

Each month, there are several reported cruise ship accidents, but most are minor and never make the nightly news. Recent sensational stories have included…

• In March 2006, the Star Princess of Princess Cruises caught fire while bound for Jamaica and the resulting blaze damaged 100 cabins on four decks. One passenger died of a heart attack while several others had minor injuries including bruises, abrasions, and smoke inhalation problems. The fire was reportedly caused by an untended cigarette in a passenger cabin.
• In July 2005, a honeymooning groom was believed to be overboard on a Royal Caribbean Mediterranean cruise. The man’s death may have been the result of foul play.
• In April 2005, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn was struck by a 70-foot rogue wave caused by bad weather. Windows were broken in several forward cabins and approximately 60 cabins were flooded. Several passengers sustained minor injuries during the event.

While most cruise accidents do not rate top story status, other types of incidents include:

• Fires in contained areas that do not affect passenger cabins or public areas. Usually these are in the galley or engineering areas of the ship.
• Running aground in shallow waters, a particularly prominent hazard for river cruises or ships sailing along the Amazon.
• Collisions with piers in different ports of call that cause minor damage to hulls or stabilizer fins. These incidents may cause delays or missed destinations.

How Passengers are Compensated

When cruise ship accidents occur, cruise lines make every effort to help passengers continue to enjoy their vacation through various compensations, such as:

• Relocating passengers to unaffected cabins.
• Offering full or prorated refunds.
• Offering credits and discounts on future cruises.
• Providing vouchers for free drinks, photographs, or souvenirs.
• Providing alternative transportation if relocation is unavailable.

The type and amount of compensation is entirely up the cruise line’s discretion, and judgments are often made based on the type of incident, the magnitude of the passengers’ disruption, and the ability to make immediate restitution.

What if an Accident Happens on my Cruise?

The first thing to remember if an accident happens on your cruise vacation is not to panic. Seek help from crew members if necessary, and follow instructions carefully. Report to your assigned muster station if required, and try to avoid causing additional problems or delays with excessive questions or noncompliance.

No one anticipates an accident disrupting their vacation, and the truth is cruise ship accidents are exceedingly rare when compared to the hundreds of sailings that offer fabulous getaways to thousands of passengers each month. With common sense precautions, most accidents can be avoided and disruptions kept to a minimum so that everyone can enjoy their vacation.

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