Shore excursions have grown well past tours of the local market. Today they include rock-climbing, ziplining, ATV tours, jet ski rentals — high-energy activities with real risk. Cruise lines benefit from the bookings while trying to push all the risk onto the passenger via lengthy waivers. Those documents don't erase the duty of reasonable care the cruise line still owes.
Protecting yourself before and during an excursion
- Read the fine print on every document the cruise line asks you to sign.
- Listen carefully to the activity's safety briefing.
- Know your own limits.
- Monitor weather and water conditions.
- Speak up if anything about the equipment looks unsafe.
If you're injured on a shore excursion
Get help from the appropriate personnel immediately. Document everything: photographs, witness names and contact information, your written recollection, and notes on your symptoms. File a written report and keep a copy. Keep copies of every medical record. Then call a maritime injury attorney before you sign anything else.
Call 305-677-2228 for a free case evaluation.