Master federal maritime negligence law for cruise ship injury claims. Generate professional demand letters for slip-and-fall injuries, pool accidents, illness outbreaks, shore excursion injuries, and assault claims—with proper legal citations and ticket contract deadline awareness.
Cruise passenger claims are not ordinary personal injury cases—they're governed by federal maritime law with unique rules, tight deadlines, and forum restrictions.
A passenger injured on a cruise ship on navigable waters falls under federal maritime tort jurisdiction. The cruise line's duty is "reasonable care under the circumstances"—not strict liability.
Kermarec v. Compagnie Générale Transatlantique, 358 U.S. 625 (1959); Morris v. Princess Cruises, Inc., 236 F.3d 1061 (9th Cir. 2001)
Although maritime law provides a default 3-year statute of limitations under 46 U.S.C. § 30106, cruise ticket contracts almost always shorten this dramatically:
These shortened limits are expressly permitted by 46 U.S.C. § 30508 and are routinely enforced by courts when reasonably communicated to passengers.
46 U.S.C. § 30508; Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc. v. Shute, 499 U.S. 585 (1991)
The Supreme Court upheld cruise ticket forum-selection clauses in Carnival Cruise Lines v. Shute. Most major cruise lines require claims to be filed in the Southern District of Florida (Miami) or Miami-Dade County state court.
Your demand letter should acknowledge you're aware of the contractual forum—it signals sophistication to claims adjusters.
| Aspect | Default Maritime Law | Typical Cruise Ticket Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Statute of Limitations | 3 years (46 U.S.C. § 30106) | 1 year to file suit |
| Notice Requirement | None required by statute | 6 months written notice |
| Forum / Venue | Federal admiralty jurisdiction | S.D. Florida or Miami-Dade (typically) |
| Duty of Care | Reasonable care under circumstances | Same—contractual waivers generally ineffective for negligence |
The Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 30104) applies to crew members injured while working on the vessel—it provides a more plaintiff-friendly negligence standard plus unseaworthiness and maintenance/cure remedies.
Passengers rely on general maritime negligence, not seaman-specific remedies. Don't confuse the two in your demand letter.
Select your injury type to see specific liability theories and what to address in your demand letter.
For slip-and-fall cases, courts often require proof that the cruise line had actual or constructive notice of the hazardous condition. Your demand letter should address:
Cite these cases in your demand letter to demonstrate legal sophistication.
For death cases occurring more than 3 nautical miles from U.S. shores, the Death on the High Seas Act (46 U.S.C. §§ 30301-30308) may apply. DOHSA generally limits damages to pecuniary losses only—no non-economic wrongful death damages in classic DOHSA cases.
These cases are highly specialized. If you're dealing with a death at sea, consult with a maritime attorney.
Document everything thoroughly to strengthen your claim. Maritime cases require specific evidence.
Cruise lines may dispose of evidence if you don't act quickly. Your demand letter should request preservation of:
Cruise ship injury claims follow a specific timeline. Here's what to expect and when.
Unlike most personal injury claims, cruise ticket contracts drastically shorten your deadlines:
Your demand letter may serve as your written notice—but confirm the ticket contract's specific requirements. Missing these deadlines likely bars your claim entirely.
Every case is different, but general ranges based on injury severity:
| Injury Severity | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor (bruises, sprains) | $2,000 - $15,000 | Often settled with cruise credit + medical reimbursement |
| Moderate (fractures, concussion) | $15,000 - $75,000 | Requires clear liability and documentation |
| Serious (surgery, long-term treatment) | $75,000 - $300,000 | Usually requires attorney representation |
| Severe/Catastrophic | $300,000+ | Permanent disability, wrongful death—complex litigation |
Note: DOHSA cases (death on high seas) may limit recoverable damages to pecuniary losses only.
Get professional guidance on your cruise injury case. Maritime claims have unique rules.