Keeping Your Little Ones Safe On Board a Cruise
What is not to love about a cruise? These floating paradises offer a one stop shop that appeals to many American families. For a single price that is often cheaper than flying abroad, cruise vacationers are afforded accommodation, meals, live entertainment, swimming pools and other recreational activities, age-appropriate activities for the kids and the opportunity to see a range of places within a quick period of time. For this reason, it is unsurprising that over 12 million North Americans cruised in 2016 according to the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. With all the sunshine and fun activities, it is easy to overlook the possibility of anything going wrong. But unfortunately, accidents and injuries happen everywhere, and cruise ships are no exception.
Therefore, while taking your children with you on a cruise is a guaranteed way to spend quality family time together and build memories, you should also undertake careful planning to ensure the safety of your children.
What Example of a Cruise Ship Tragedy Involving a Young Child Was Recently in the News?
Local 10 News recently reported that an American toddler has died after falling from a cruise ship in Puerto Rico. Authorities assert that the grandfather of the 1-year-old girl from South Bend, Indiana, was holding her outside a window on the 11th story of a Royal Caribbean ship when he lost his grip. The little girl hit an awning before landing on pavement at the dock. In an even more tragic irony, her father is a police officer in their hometown.
What Can Parents Do to Help Keep Little Ones Safe?
Set Curfews. When you are traveling with children or teenagers that are old enough to be unsupervised for hours at a time, make sure that you set a time and meeting location in advance where you will reconnect with your children. If they are not there at the time you stipulated, obtain the help of crew members to help locate them.
Invest in Walkie Talkies and Consider Tracking Options. Investing in a set of reliable, long-range walkie talkies is a good idea for cruises, especially because cell phone reception is often unreliable or very expensive. Additionally, while the idea of tracking your child may seem weird, you should look into options offered by the cruise ship as well as your cell phone provider.
Don’t Over-schedule. Cruise ships offer so many options for activities both on board and while in port that it can be tempting to want to do everything available. However, when you have children, it is better to include built-in rest and relaxation time for the family. And don’t forget that even though you’re on vacation – your child’s nap schedule isn’t.
Have You Experienced a Cruise Ship Tragedy?
If you or your loved one have been injured on a cruise ship or suffered an assault by a crew member on a cruise ship, you have rights that you deserve to exercise under the law. Cruise liners are responsible for the safety of their passengers and it is imperative that they maintain a safe environment for passengers. When a cruise line is negligent, it should be held responsible for the tragic results. We have successfully litigated numerous cases against corporate giants and we have the skill and the knowledge needed to evaluate your case and help you be successful in the pursuit of your claim. As the Miami boat accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm, we offer the legal experience that you need. Contact us for help today.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Orlando and Daytona Beach areas.
Resources:
local10.com/news/international/american-toddler-dies-after-fall-from-cruise-ship-in-puerto-rico
f-cca.com/downloads/2017-Cruise-Industry-Overview-Cruise-Line-Statistics.pdf
https://www.pendaslaw.com/the-potential-danger-of-boating-accidents/
