Cruise ships really are like floating cities, full of entertainment, restaurants, and endless things to do. But just like in any city, it pays to keep your wits about you.
Stories like the disappearance of Amy Bradley, who vanished from a Royal Caribbean ship in 1998 and was never found, are still fresh in people’s minds. While cases like this are rare, they highlight why a little caution can go a long way at sea.
That’s according to Spencer Aronfeld, better known online as the Cruise Ship Lawyer, who’s spent his career representing passengers against the big cruise lines. On his TikTok channel, he recently shared five rules every traveller should know before setting sail (watch the video at the end of the article).
From understanding the laws that apply at sea to knowing what to do if an incident occurs, these tips could make all the difference in keeping you and your family safe onboard.
1. Know the Flag Country of Your Ship
Most people assume their home country’s laws will protect them on a cruise, but that isn’t always the case. The key factor is the ship’s flag country – the nation where the ship is registered.
Many cruise ships sail under “flags of convenience” such as Panama, the Bahamas, or Liberia. That means the laws of those countries often apply once you’re at sea, even if you’re a U.S. or UK citizen.
Why does this matter? The flag state determines things like safety standards, crew working conditions, and, most importantly, what rights you have if you’re injured or involved in a dispute onboard. In practice, this can make it harder to pursue a case compared to if your ship were flagged in your home country.
Understanding this before you sail gives you a clearer picture of how protections actually work once you leave port.
2. Be Sensible with Alcohol
Unlimited drink packages can be tempting, but Aronfeld warns that overdoing it is one of the quickest ways to end up in trouble. Most onboard accidents and altercations involve alcohol in some way.
The advice is simple: pace yourself and stick with friends or family. You’ll enjoy the cruise more, and avoid ending your night in the ship’s medical centre.
3. Don’t Wander Alone at Night
Cruise ships are generally very safe, but Aronfeld says roaming the decks solo at 2 a.m. is “just looking for trouble.”
Think of it like walking alone through a big city you don’t know; it’s usually fine, but it’s better to avoid putting yourself in a risky situation in the first place.
4. Report Incidents Immediately
If something does happen, speed is key. Aronfeld urges passengers to report incidents straight away and ask for a copy of the official report.
Don’t stop there:
- Take photos or videos of what happened
- Collect witness names and contact details (crew and fellow passengers)
- Keep your own notes
This documentation could be crucial if you need to pursue a case later.
5. Know Where Lawsuits Must Be Filed
Here’s the part that surprises a lot of people: if you need to sue a major cruise line, you’ll probably have to do it in Miami, Florida.
Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, Virgin Voyages, and Celebrity Cruises all require lawsuits to be filed in Miami, regardless of where you’re from or where your cruise took place. That’s written into the fine print of your cruise contract.
In some cases, the exact location for filing can vary depending on the cruise line and the specific contract you agreed to when booking. That’s why it’s worth reading the terms and conditions before you sail, they can have a big impact if you ever need to pursue legal action.
Here’s the video if you want to learn more:
Wrap-Up
Going on a cruise is an amazing experience, but it’s worth remembering that ships aren’t immune to the same risks you’d find on land.
If you treat your ship like a city at sea — staying aware, reporting problems quickly, and using common sense — you’ll set yourself up for smooth sailing. Follow these five rules from the Cruise Ship Lawyer, and you can relax knowing you’ve done your part to protect yourself and your family.
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I'm Hannah and I've been cruising for as long as I can remember.
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