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5 Shocking Truths Cruise Lines Won't Tell You

BEHIND THE SAILS: 5 Shocking Truths Cruise Lines Won't Tell You Does buying a cruise ticket still conjure images of a fantasy dream-like vacation, basking in the sun all day long, and sipping umbrella drinks? You might want to reconsider that perspective. In the wake of the tragic fires, power failures, and virus outbreaks occurred on world's greatest cruise vessels in recent years, here are 5 surprising truths you should know before embarking on one. 1. Emergency Systems Are Set Up for a Reason After the Carnival Triumph fire occurred in February, 2013, when: 4,200 8 days No power, air conditioning, or sewage system passengers left stranded Carnival Cruise Lines announced the implementation of an enhancement program. $300 million dollars - the cost of the program that includes: Increased emergency generator power $300 Increased fire prevention, detection, and suppression systems Million Enhanced operating redundancies Formation of a safety & reliability review board 2. Itineraries Can Change Mid-Voyage For cruise passengers, purchasing a ticket means agreeing to the unexpected. Itineraries can change for the following reasons: Prior to departure After departure Deviate in any direction and for any purpose from the direct or usual Security Weather course Hostilities Omit or change any or all ports of calls Civil unrest N Port closings Omit or change arrival and departure times Emergency debarkations of guests and crew Typically, cruise lines allow passengers to get a refund if they decide to change the itinerary early enough, but as the departure day arrives, the sum cruisers are entitled to gets smaller and smaller. 3. Feeling Seasick? You Might Be Infected You feel like vomiting and running to the bathroom every five minutes? It might be more than just seasickness. At sea, cruise passengers are exposed to (percentage of dispensary visits): 19% - 29% 9% 12% - 18% Respiratory infections Gastrointestinal infections Other accidents and injuries Norovirus is the most common cause of food poisoning or "stomach flu:" Annually, more than 20 million Americans are diagnosed with Up to 800 deaths annually norovirus infection, Over the past 5 years, 14 cruises/year have had outbreaks of diarrheal illnesses caused by 80% of all cases occur between November and April, also the most popular time for cruising in the U.S. norovirus. 4. Cruise Mishaps, a Common Sight The contract ticket makes no express guarantee for safe passage, a seaworthy vessel, adequate and wholesome food, and sanitary and safe living conditions. U.S. District Judge Donald Graham According to CruiseJunkie.com, cruise mishaps are not an uncommon sight. In the past two decades, there have been several incidents at sea: Evacuation Running Aground 3-4 times/year 98 cruise ships are preparations for evacuation carried have run aground between 1972 and 2011 out, although the ship is rarely (2.5 ships/year). abandoned. Fire Sinking 79 fires Until 2006, 3-4 fires per year After 2006, 7-8 fires per year 16 ships have sunk between 1980 and 2012. 5. Pristine Waters in Front, Waste Behind Clear skies, pure waters, and a delicate breeze are typically present in cruises' advertisements, but environmental agencies have called attention to what they leave behind as well. A typical one-week voyage leaves behind: 210,000 gallons of blackwater One single vessel can fill up gallons of graywater 50 backyard swimming pools 1 million with highly-polluted waste. By 2030, air pollution from ocean-going vessels will increase by 100 to 200%. Although it's incredibly expensive and difficult for a lone plaintiff to bring a lawsuit against a major cruise line, it is not impossible. With specialized legal assistance, wronged passengers can pursue legal action against cruise lines whose negligence put their health and well-being at risk. Sources: http://edition.cnn.com/2013/02/14/travel/cruises-five-things/index.html?iref=allsearch http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20130417-908376.html?mod=googlenews_wsj http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/12/travel/cruise-mishaps-how-normal-are-they.html?pagewanted=2&_r=0 http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/29/4/737.full.pdf?origin=publication_detail http://www.ibtimes.com/what-norovirus-faq-about-common-cruise-ship-illness-1549066 http://libcloud.s3.amazonaws.com/93/ce/4/3280/Cruise_ship_report_card_2013.pdf LAWLOR WINSTON LW) WHITE & MURPHEY Brought to you by: www.cruiseshipaccidentlawyer.com Trial Lawyers

5 Shocking Truths Cruise Lines Won't Tell You

shared by andrewwinston on Sep 17
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A look at 5 of the most common risks when traveling on a cruise ship; including accidents, last minute itinerary changes, illness and fire.

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