Cruise vacations are supposed to be a time to relax, unwind, and explore. But when a cruise line cuts corners on safety or fails to act responsibly, passengers can get seriously hurt. A slip by the pool deck, an accident during a shore excursion, or an outbreak of illness can turn your getaway into a medical emergency.

If you or a loved one suffered an injury on a cruise ship, you may be entitled to compensation, but cruise injury claims are not like typical accident cases. There are unique rules, short deadlines, and complex legal agreements involved. At Noonan & McMahon, we represent injured passengers from across New Jersey and know how to handle claims involving cruise lines and maritime law.

Many of our clients departed from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, which serves as a hub for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. Whether you were injured onboard or while stepping ashore, we’re here to help. Contact our Freehold office today for a consultation. 

Common Causes of Cruise Ship Injuries

Cruise ships are floating cities, with thousands of passengers and crew onboard. But when safety measures fall short, serious accidents can happen, especially in crowded, fast-paced environments.

Passengers are most frequently injured by:

  • Slip and falls on wet decks, buffet areas, or stairwells
  • Pool and waterslide accidents caused by a lack of supervision or poor design
  • Illness outbreaks (e.g., food poisoning or norovirus) due to unsanitary conditions
  • Assaults or lack of adequate security, often in bars or cabins
  • Tender boat injuries while boarding or disembarking in port
  • Crew negligence, including mishandled equipment or poor emergency response

Most of these injuries are preventable when cruise lines follow proper safety procedures. But when they fail to do so, passengers often pay the price with broken bones, head injuries, infections, or worse.

Who’s Responsible for a Cruise Ship Injury?

Cruise lines are required to exercise reasonable care in protecting passengers from foreseeable harm. That duty doesn’t just apply to what happens onboard — it may also extend to ports of call, transportation, and organized excursions.

The responsible party may include:

  • The cruise line itself (e.g., Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises)
  • A third-party contractor, like a shore excursion company or dock operator
  • An individual crew member or ship security staff

In some cases, multiple parties may share fault. Regardless, passengers should realize a cruise ticket is a contract, often with fine print. These ticket agreements may limit where and how you can file a claim. For example, some cruise lines require claims to be filed in federal court in Florida, and many set deadlines as short as six months to provide written notice of your injury.

This makes it even more important to act quickly and work with a law firm that understands the legal framework surrounding these claims. That’s where our cruise ship injury attorneys come in. We will leverage our skills, experience, and resources to protect your rights, working to obtain the justice and compensation you deserve. 

The Experienced Choice for Cruise Ship Injuries

At Noonan & McMahon, we understand the unique challenges of cruise ship injury cases. These claims involve maritime law, corporate defense teams, and often large international companies. Our team will investigate thoroughly, gather documentation, and identify the proper legal venue for your claim, whether that’s in New Jersey or another state.

We’ve successfully held negligent corporations accountable for injuries that could have been prevented. Our focus is on making sure you and your family aren’t left with the financial and emotional burden of someone else’s failure to protect your safety.

Serving Injured Cruise Ship Passengers Across New Jersey

Thousands of New Jersey residents board cruise ships each year from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne. These ships set sail to destinations like the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Canada & New England — but accidents can happen before you even leave the harbor.

If you were hurt during a cruise, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. Let us review your case and help you understand your options. We offer free consultations and never charge fees unless we recover for you. Contact Noonan & McMahon today to get started.