How many of us could say we have actually read the fine print that’s part of the documentation when we cruise?
Not us. Not once. Not only are they written in legalese, they’re up to 8,000 words long.
Because of the Costa Concordia accident, we are all being deluged with warnings about making sure we read the fine print, so that we will know how biased it is, in favor of the cruise lines. All of them.
While the “contracts” may differ slightly from cruise line to cruise line (even from those in the same family), they are the same in many regards. Here are three — in general terms — that jump out at people who haven’t read the “Passenger Ticket Contract” but by signing it agree…
1. That you cannot participate in a class action suit against the cruise line
2. That you assume responsibility for your own safety on or off the vessel
3. That there are limits to what the cruise line will pay for its liability (personal injury, death, even luggage) and that claims must be processed in the home of the cruise line
Having said all of that, the cruise lines – again generally — go out of their way to keep irate customers happy, even if it’s only good PR.
One more thing. The option to not signing the contract…is not going on the cruise.
DAILY DEAL:
Carnival Spirit
7 nights
May 8, 2012
Seattle (return): Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Victoria
www.carnival.com