It is beyond exciting after you book your first cruise vacation and the departure date approaches. When you are cruising out of Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, you will enjoy deluxe accommodations, stunning amenities, and a dizzying array of shore excursions. There are fun activities for guests of all ages, yet plenty of opportunities to relax. First-time cruises traveling with the family, on a romantic trip, or an action-packed vacation with friends will not suffer from a shortage of things to do.
If you have never been on a cruise before, you are probably doing your homework about what to pack, planning for excursions, and other basics. However, you may not focus on another important topic for cruise vacations: Safety. You will be briefed on ship and water safety upon departure, but there are additional factors that could put you at risk. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can explain legal remedies if you were hurt, and a few tips will help you protect your group.
Bars and Nightlife
It is no secret that overconsumption of alcohol is a contributing factor for many cruise ship accidents, so practice some restraint when enjoying the ship’s many bars. A helpful trick is to drink a glass of water for every adult beverage. Plus, never leave your cocktail unattended. There may be predators onboard looking for opportunities to take advantage.
Shore Excursions
A major attraction for cruise vacations is the variety of excursions available for passengers of all ages and interests. When reviewing your options, take into account your physical well-being and possible limitations. Some of these outings require participants to be in top physical shape, so you should not overestimate your abilities. An exhilarating excursion for rock climbing and cliff-diving can easily turn into a trip to the infirmary for medical treatment.
Pool and Water Activities
The most popular onboard amenities on many cruise ships include pools, hot tubs, water chutes, wave pools, splash pads, and other water-based fun. There are always risks associated with water features and slippery decks. Some safety tips around these amenities include:
- Walk, never run around pool areas.
- Know your swimming abilities and do not try to exceed them.
- Pay attention to the location of lifeguards.
- Do not swim when intoxicated.
Children
Those traveling with children must look out for their safety, so establish age-appropriate rules even before coming on board. Carefully monitor young children around water features, and keep them close when going ashore. If you will take advantage of childcare services offered by the cruise line, visit the facility in advance to assess operations. Cruise daycare can be understaffed, putting your child at risk.
Talk to a Miami Cruise Ship Accidents Attorney About Legal Remedies
For information about your options after being hurt on a cruise vacation, please contact Gerson & Schwartz, PA. We can schedule a free consultation at our offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach, FL. After hearing more about your situation, a cruise accident lawyer will advise you on the legal process.