Cruise vacations are designed to be relaxing and enjoyable – but terrible accidents resulting in serious injuries can and do happen – with frequency.
While Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) takes measures to promote safety, the unique environment of a cruise ship presents a range of hazards that can lead to serious injuries. Over 3 million passengers cruised with Norwegian in 2024. On most boats, there are 3,000+ passengers moving all around the ship throughout the day with many of them boarding and returning from excursions and shore visits.
These hazards become greater when Norwegian policies and crew actions are negligent or lead directly to passenger injuries. Spilled liquids in dining rooms lead to slip and fall injuries, wrinkled carpeting in hallways lead trip and fall injuries, faulty doors lead to crushed fingers and broken bones. The list goes on. Cruise ships are floating cities and these “cities’ can be dangerous.
Understanding the most common types of severe injuries aboard cruise ships can help passengers recognize potential dangers – and take legal action if necessary.
Slip and Fall Accidents
One of the most common causes of injury on any cruise ship is a slip, trip, or fall. Slippery decks, unmarked wet floors, uneven walking surfaces, or poorly lit stairwells can all lead to dangerous falls.
These accidents can result in:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken hips or other fractures
- Knee, ankle, or wrist injuries
Cruise lines have a legal obligation to maintain safe walking areas. When they fail to do so, and a passenger is seriously injured, they may be held liable.
Elevator and Escalator Malfunctions
Cruise ships often rely on elevators and escalators to transport passengers between decks. When these systems are not properly maintained, passengers can suffer from sudden drops, door malfunctions, or mechanical failures.
These incidents can cause:
- Crush injuries
- Broken bones
- Head trauma
Food Poisoning or Norovirus Outbreaks
While not always dramatic, serious foodborne illnesses or infectious disease outbreaks can lead to hospitalization, dehydration, and long-term health issues. If food safety protocols or sanitation standards are not properly followed, cruise lines may be responsible for these injuries.
Swimming Pool and Water Slide Accidents
Norwegian Cruise Line ships feature elaborate pools, water slides, and hot tubs – amenities that can be dangerous if improperly supervised or maintained.
Common pool-related injuries include:
- Drownings or near-drownings
- Slip-and-fall injuries on wet pool decks
- Neck or spinal injuries from improperly monitored slides
Lack of warning signs, inadequate supervision, or broken equipment can all contribute to these injuries.
Assaults or Sexual Assault
Unfortunately, assaults – including sexual assaults – do occur on cruise ships. Whether the perpetrator is another guest or a crew member, the cruise line may be liable if it failed to provide adequate security, background checks, or responded inappropriately to the incident. Victims of assault may suffer not only physical injuries but severe emotional trauma.
Shore Excursion Injuries
Although excursions may be led by third-party vendors, Norwegian often promotes and sells these packages. When passengers are injured during an excursion due to unsafe conditions, inadequate training, or faulty equipment, they may still have a legal claim against the cruise line depending on how the excursion was arranged.
Contact a Cruise Ship Accident Lawyer
Injured on a Norwegian Cruise Ship? The best approach is to spend a few minutes with an experienced cruise ship injury lawyer who can answer your questions and provide a clear understanding of what your legal rights are as an injured passenger.
For more information from our attorneys, please call us today. There is no obligation with the call – and – the call with our attorneys is free. Call today at 1-305-271-8282.
Our cruise ship accident lawyers have been helping injured passengers and crew members for more than 35 years. We help you understand your rights and will assist you in filing an injury claim against the cruise line. If you believe negligence played a role in your injury – or just have questions about the your accident – please contact our office today.
Call 1-305-271-8282. Serving clients in Florida and across the country.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be evaluated by an experienced cruise ship accident or maritime injury attorney.