Cruise claims follow their own rules. Getting advice early matters more than usual

Cruise ship claims are covered by international maritime conventions that set specific, often shorter, time limits than standard personal injury claims. Getting advice promptly genuinely matters here.

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Cruise claims, whether for an injury on board or illness linked to the ship's food or water systems, are typically governed by the Athens Convention, which applies specifically to sea travel and imposes its own rules, including a time limit that's shorter than the usual three years for most personal injury claims.

Cruise lines also have their own terms and conditions, often requiring notification of a claim within a set period after the cruise ends, which makes early advice more valuable here than in most other types of claim.

What kinds of cruise ship claim do we handle?

  • Slips, trips and falls on board

    Including wet decks and poorly maintained areas.

  • Illness linked to food, water or hygiene standards on the ship

    Including outbreaks affecting multiple passengers.

  • Injuries during organised excursions and shore activities

    Where the excursion was sold or arranged by the cruise line.

  • Injuries from onboard facilities

    Including pools, gyms and entertainment areas.

  • Injuries during embarkation or disembarkation

    Including gangways, tenders and terminal areas.

What if I was partly at fault?

Partial responsibility reduces compensation proportionally rather than removing the claim.

What you could receive

Cruise ship claims cover general damages for the injury or illness and its effect on your holiday and afterwards, and special damages for financial losses, including medical treatment costs.

We'll talk you through what's realistic for your situation once we've reviewed the details. We won't overpromise, and we won't quote a figure before we've properly understood your case.

How does a claim actually work?

Four stages, and you always know which one you're in.

  1. 01

    Initial consultation, promptly

    You tell us what happened. Given the shorter time limits involved, we move quickly to assess your position, free and with no obligation.

  2. 02

    Establishing the right process

    We identify which convention and which cruise line's terms apply, since this affects both the time limit and how the claim is brought.

  3. 03

    Investigation

    We gather evidence, including the ship's own incident report, which cruise lines are generally required to complete.

  4. 04

    Negotiation and resolution

    We'll explain exactly how our fee is calculated before you agree to anything.

Don't leave it late

How long do I have to claim?

Cruise claims are commonly subject to a two year time limit under the Athens Convention, shorter than the standard three years, and cruise lines often require notification within a set period after the cruise ends. Get in touch promptly rather than waiting.

If you're not sure whether you're still within the time limit, contact us. We'll tell you quickly.

The money side

What will it cost me?

Nothing upfront. Where a no win, no fee agreement applies, our fee comes from your compensation only if the claim succeeds, and it's set out in full, in writing, before you agree to anything.

  • We'll explain the funding options available for your claim, which may include a conditional fee (no win, no fee) arrangement, clearly and in full before you decide whether to proceed.
  • Where a conditional fee agreement applies and your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation. The law limits that fee in personal injury claims, and it is never taken from any damages awarded for future care or future loss of earnings. We explain exactly how it is worked out, in writing, before you agree to anything.
  • A cancellation fee may apply if you withdraw outside the 14 day cooling off period. Full details will be provided before you sign anything.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Why is the time limit different for cruise claims?

International maritime law, specifically the Athens Convention, sets its own rules for claims relating to sea travel, which commonly means a shorter time limit than standard personal injury claims.

Does it matter which country the cruise line is registered in?

It can affect some aspects of the process, but this is something we'll establish and manage as part of your claim, not something you need to work out yourself.

What if the injury happened during a shore excursion?

This can involve an additional party, the excursion operator, alongside the cruise line, and we'll establish where responsibility actually sits.

Did the ship record my incident?

Cruise lines generally complete an incident report when something happens on board, and this is valuable evidence we'll request as part of your claim.

Ready to find out where you stand

Tell us what happened. We'll give you a straight answer, and we won't pressure you either way.

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