Crime Victims

Cruise Ship Theft Crimes: What Passengers Need to Know About Their Legal Rights

July 31, 2026 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Crime can happen anywhere, so it is comforting to know that federal maritime law allows US officials to intervene when crimes occur on cruise ships sailing out of our nation’s ports. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act allows the FBI to pursue criminal charges for theft and other offenses, giving victims of crime closure when the perpetrator is justly convicted.

However, US maritime laws also allow you to pursue a civil case if you were injured in a theft crime on a cruise. A Miami cruise ship accident attorney can advise you on the legal process to recover medical costs, pain and suffering, and other compensation. An overview will help you understand your legal rights as a victim.

What Counts as Theft on a Cruise Ship?

Can You Sue Over a Cruise Ship Accident in Miami?

July 15, 2025 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Cruises continue to be popular as a vacation option, and Miami is a top destination for cruise enthusiasts. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 31.7 million passengers enjoyed cruise trips in 2023. These figures are expected to increase by 10 percent from 2024 to 2028.

Unfortunately, accidents are also on the rise as volume increases. It’s important to know your legal remedies if you were injured, including the option of going to court to enforce your rights. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can explain details, but you can read on for a summary on whether you can sue.

Grounds for a Cruise Ship Accident Lawsuit in Florida

Most Dangerous Excursions on Miami Cruise Vacations

April 15, 2025 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Exploring thrilling shore excursions can be a highlight of any Miami cruise vacation, and they are popular among passengers of all ages and backgrounds. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), 68 percent of passengers book shore excursions ranging from culinary experiences and walking tours to activities high in the sky and deep in the water. There is a good chance you or a member of your group will consider such an adventure during your cruise.

Unfortunately, not all shore excursions are as safe as they seem. Negligence by cruise lines and tour operators can lead to serious accidents. Even if you did sign a waiver, you may still have legal remedies due to misconduct of other parties. A Miami cruise ship accident lawyer can help you seek compensation if you are injured in various scenarios.

Sight-Seeing – Violence

Bayesian Disaster and Liability Issues

January 15, 2025 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

In a recent tragic incident off the coast of Italy, the mega-yacht Bayesian was involved in a catastrophic accident during a luxury charter excursion. Initial reports indicate that the yacht, renowned for its opulence and cutting-edge technology, capsized in a severe storm. Several passengers were injured during the rescue, and search and rescue operations were dispatched for many others listed as missing. After completing rescue operations, seven victims – six charter passengers and one crewmember – were pronounced dead.

Preliminary investigations suggest that multiple failures may have contributed to the disaster, which were compounded because of the heavy weather. As authorities continue to piece together the events leading up to the incident, questions about liability and the safety protocols of charter operations are coming to the forefront, especially for those who suffered injuries in the mishap. A Miami personal injury lawyer can clarify some of the cloudy issues, but an overview is also useful.

Liability for Charters in Miami, FL

Who is Liable for Fights and Violence on Miami Cruise Ships?

December 15, 2024 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Cruise ship vacations are meant to be relaxing escapes, but unfortunately, incidents of violence and assault can occur. The US Department of Transportation (US DOT) has started to require cruise operators to report instances of crime on board, including sexual assault and other assaults. The data reveals that there has been a substantial rise in these crimes in recent years, though details are sketchy in the early stages of the reporting program.

If you were injured due to a fight or assault on a Miami cruise ship, you might wonder if you can hold any potential parties accountable. After all, you suffer considerable losses because of being hurt. Depending on the circumstances, you might have multiple options in terms of who to pursue for compensation. The complexities of cruise line liability are daunting, so trust a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer to assist with the legal process. Some background is also informative.

Cruise Line Liability for Violence, Assault, and Brawls

Carnival Cruise Brawl: Cruise Line Liability for Violence

September 23, 2022 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

It does not take long for news to travel via social media, so videos of a recent brawl on a Carnival Cruise vacation started appearing on Twitter and TikTok even before the ship docked. An article in the Miami Herald covered the melee, which occurred on the Carnival Sunrise on September 9, 2022. According to witnesses, the altercation started with an argument over a chair at one of the ship’s many bars and quickly became violent. Various videos show individuals in bathing suits punching, beating, and kicking each other while others scream and attempt to break up the brawl.

Witnesses report that there seemed to be around 30 people involved in the fight. However, videos reveal that many onlookers may have suffered injuries from the brawlers or in attempts to get away. The story raises important questions about liability and the duty of cruise lines to keep passengers safe. You should discuss specific remedies with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer, but a few legal points are helpful.

Cruise Ship Notice of Hazards

Tips for Miami Singles Cruises – and Singles Going on Cruises

June 17, 2022 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Yes, there is a difference, and it can be a significant one. Singles cruises are geared toward younger individuals, with activities, excursions, and events planned around the themes of meeting new people and breaking the ice. Being a single ON a cruise means you are a passenger enjoying amenities alongside families, couples, and often other solo travelers. There are numerous attractions with both scenarios, but they do share a common element: You are surrounded by strangers, at least initially. Though you may meet new friends and rely on cruise ship crew to do their job in terms of security, you are on your own in terms of protecting yourself.

As such, it is important to take into account a few safety tips for singles cruises and singles going on cruises. Plus, since you do have rights if you are injured, you can use some additional recommendations on what to do if you suffer harm in a Miami cruise ship accident.

Safety Tips for Singles on Cruise Vacations

How Miami Cruise Operators Handle Onboard Crime

January 28, 2022 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

When you board one of the enormous cruise ships that sail out of Miami and South Florida ports, you are essentially stepping onto a floating city. Unfortunately, this means the potential for criminal activity exists just as it does on land. The US Department of Transportation maintains a list of cruise line incident reports, and the good news is that most are related to public intoxication and crew swiftly diffuses conflict. However, sexual assault, violent attacks, theft, and related offenses are still a threat.

Cruise vessels have a wide array of amenities for passengers, but they are also equipped with much of the same infrastructure and personnel that you expect in a typical municipality. Despite efforts to establish safety initiatives and maintain skilled security staff, criminal activity is still a problem. You should consult with a Miami cruise ship accident lawyer if you suffered harm, though it is also useful to know how cruise operators handle onboard crime.

Investigations of Criminal Activity

Authorities Investigate Death of Almarosa Tenorio, 52, on Royal Princess Cruise Ship as Murder

November 30, 2018 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Authorities Investigate Death on Princess Cruise Ship as Murder

On Tuesday, November 13, Almarosa Tenorio, 52, died on the Princess Cruises vessel, the Royal Princess. The cruise ship was in the middle of an eight-day trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to the Caribbean. Initial reports indicate that the woman struggled with a man on an upper deck. The man appeared to choke her before pushing her overboard. She fell from the upper deck, falling 14 stories onto a lifeboat. The death was reported to local authorities in Aruba, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations is involved. It is being investigated as a suspected murder.

While authorities will investigate and determine whether criminal charges may be brought, Tenorio’s surviving children may consider whether there is an appropriate civil claim. There may be evidence regarding a lack of appropriate security aboard the cruise ship. Also, if a suspect is identified, the family may have a wrongful death claim against the responsible individual.

Teenagers are victims in shipboard assaults

July 31, 2017 | by Gerson & Schwartz, P.A.

Teenagers are victims in shipboard assaults

Our Miami cruise ship injury attorneys see the peril of shipboard crimes such as sexual assault and the law’s inability to address these tragedies. These consequences are alarming for victims under 18 as these media reports show.

Cruise line offers apology and trip to assault victim