Shore excursions provide an extra level of excitement, and it’s often easy for cruisers to get lost in the excitement and throw caution to the wind. While vacations are a time to lay aside your worries, feel relaxed and enjoy the world around you, it is important to know that there are hazards and risks associated with cruise vacations. Many times, cruisers who have taken no caution have encountered accidents that result in serious injuries and even loss of life, either from their carelessness or negligence of the cruise line.
If you sustain an injury due to the negligence of the cruise line, it’s important you consult a Cruise ship accident lawyer to look into the case.
Mistakes That Can Lead To Cruise Accidents
Underestimating Physical Requirements
There are lots of activities that happen on shore excursions, some require more physical energy and effort than others. Although most cruisers love to take an adventure and engage in more challenging activities, it is best to only partake in activities that your physical abilities can accommodate. You’re more likely to sustain injuries if you engage in activities that are beyond your physical abilities.
Intoxication
Excessive drinking is always associated with cruise vacations. However, engaging in activities under the influence of alcohol increases the likelihood of accidents. When you’re intoxicated, you’re more likely to sustain injuries from trips and falls from lack of coordination. Also, intoxication can lead to impulsive behaviors and reckless actions which could be harmful to you or other passengers. According to research, a large number of overboard accident victims in the last 12 years were found to be intoxicated.
Poorly Maintained Equipment
Most shore excursions promise an exciting blend of tours, local culture, and adventures such as scuba diving, rock climbing, and ziplining. Oftentimes, some cruise ships do not pay attention to maintaining the equipment needed for these activities which result in serious injuries for cruisers. Activities such as zip lining are adventurous yet hazardous, it even becomes more dangerous when damaged equipment is used.
Cruising Against Medical Advice
It is not advisable to go on a cruise vacation or shore excursion if you have been certified medically unfit by your doctor. Similarly, you should also avoid shore excursions if you are within the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy. Most cruise ships may not have the necessary facilities to control medical emergencies.
Activities That Can Lead To Injuries In Shore Excursions
Some activities that can lead to injuries include hiking, parasailing, rafting, diving, snorkelling, horseback riding, kayaking, train rides, rock climbing, sailing, zip lining, etc.
Although cruisers may encounter no accidents during shore excursions, it is still important to take extra care when you engage in any of these activities, especially if you have no previous experience in them. They can also be more dangerous for you if you fail to follow safety measures, or if the operators fail to keep to safety regulations.
Also, look out for faulty equipment or vehicles, and refuse to join in on an excursion if the driver or operator seems drunk, fatigued, or inexperienced as it is likely to result in an accident.
What To Do If You Sustain An Injury
Injuries sustained during a shore excursion could either be minor or life-threatening injuries that would require surgery and long-term therapy. Either way, seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the injuries below.
- Head injuries
- Neck and spine injuries
- Broken or fractured bones
- Impairment of vital organs
After you sustain an injury, disembark from further excursions and alert the ship’s medical team or the excursion company. If the injury cannot be handled by the medical team, you may be referred to a proper healthcare facility. Also, if your injury was caused by the negligence of the cruise line, you be able to file a personal injury lawsuit, but first, ensure that the cruise line is notified of your personal injury claim.
Taking caution by following basic safety measures and avoiding reckless mistakes can help you have both a pleasant and injury-free vacation. But sometimes, accidents happen and cruisers are often not to be blamed, especially, when cruise lines fail to take care of their responsibility.
Importantly, never hesitate to consult a cruise ship accident attorney if you sustain an injury aboard. They can help you determine whether you are at fault or not and also guide you on the right steps to take to get justice.
