Cruising Tips: The Small Print Can Make For Huge Waves!

Cruise Lines have a flare for covering their own afts - and leaving yours exposed to the elements!

Here's the drift on how to stay afloat in a sea of legal tsunamis!

The world was sent spinning off course when Carnival Cruise Lines - the parent company of the doomed Costa Concordia - was slow to assume responsibility or extend condolences - but quick to offer surviviors not only a full refund - but also a 30% discount - on their NEXT cruise!

The resounding SLAP was felt globally, taken personally, and deeply troubling!

Yes - safe, warm, and arrogant within the arms of a brilliant legal team and a virtually air-tight contract - Carnival Cruise Lines once again chose to ignore the stormy weather, and instead navigated a course of action that has so enraged the world - it might actually sink the industry!

In the midst of uncomprehendingly watching them swat at responsibility as if it were a troublesome wasp - we wonder why they would risk punching such a huge, gaping hole in their public image - when there was so little of their image left afloat to begin with?

I can think of only three answers to that burning question: Money. Money. And, oh yes - more money!

Not to mention that we gleefully sign away out legal rights - giving them the leeway necessary to leave us broke, angry, and feeling like a chump - if not actual chum!

Here's your life jacket in case of the unexpected - or the unseen. An ounce of prevention will go a nautical mile!

• Almost every cruise ship in the world is chartered out of Panama or Liberia. Why? These countries offer shipping companies 'flags of convenience' - which directly translates into no required safety standards or protection for passengers or cargo.

• While cruising - you waive the expectation of privacy: You do not have the right to get your skivvies in a knot if they choose to search your luggage, your personal effects, or your cabin. They take an especially stern line on any items they feel might cut into their profit margin, and reserve the right to jetison these dangerous items directly into their own staterooms!

• While cruising - you surrender the right to expect the ship to leave port! Any port. The Cruise Lines reserve the right to cancel at any time and without notice. A complete or partial reimbursement will be allocated - but - if they decide to cast you off on some remote island and take their boat and go home? They are not responsible for shipping you home!

• While cruising - you relinquish the right to be reimbursed if your valuables are stolen or your carry-on luggage is lost - including purses and i Thingies! Incredibly, the company bears no liability - even if it's their fault! Cruise smart! Insure it before you leave - or just leave the good stuff at home and fake it!

• While cruising - you abdicate the right to sue where and when you want! Passengers may not take legal action from their home state or native land - that would make it far too cheap and easy! Cruise Lines further muddy the waters by requiring all personal loss claims and personal injury claims to be filed exclusively in Miami, Florida. Not very convenient if you live in, say, Australia - or even Tampa!
  

Here is the link to find a complete and official Carnival Cruise Lines passenger contract. It is ungainly by design, contains over 8000 words, and mentions liability a minimum of 20 times!

Your rights are dangerous tipped in the Cruiseliner's favor! Close as many loopholes as possible beforehand to ensure you are shipshape and seaworthy no matter which way the winds are blowing!