How to File a Claim Against a Cruise Line

February 09, 2026

Cruise vacations are designed to be relaxing, enjoyable escapes—but when something goes wrong, passengers quickly discover that filing a claim against a cruise line is far more complex than filing a claim after an incident on land. Cruise lines operate under maritime law, international regulations, contractual fine print, and strict deadlines, making it extremely difficult for injured passengers or wronged consumers to navigate the process alone.


If you were injured, assaulted, became seriously ill, experienced negligence, or suffered a financial loss while on a cruise ship, understanding how to file a claim against a cruise line is the first step toward protecting your rights. At Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A., our experienced attorneys help clients navigate complicated maritime-related cases, negotiate with cruise line legal teams, and pursue compensation through litigation when necessary.

Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand your options.

1. Understand the Type of Claim You Are Filing

Cruise-related claims generally fall into one of the following categories:
Injury or Accident Claims

• Slip and fall accidents.


• Falls due to wet decks or inadequate safety measures.


• Elevator or escalator malfunctions.


• Shore excursion injuries involving cruise-approved vendors.


• Medical malpractice at the ship's medical center.

Illness and Sanitation Claims

• Food poisoning


• Norovirus outbreaks


• Unsanitary conditions


• Mold exposure or ventilation issues

Security and Misconduct Claims

• Physical assault


• Sexual assault or harassment


• Theft or property loss


• Negligent security


• Crew misconduct

Contract, Billing, or Consumer Fraud Claims

• Overcharges or unauthorized billing


• Lost luggage


• Failure to deliver promised services or accommodations


• Canceled trips with inadequate compensation

Identifying the type of claim helps determine which laws apply and how your case should be handled.

2. Review the Passenger Ticket Contract Carefully

Most passengers don't realize that their ticket is actually a binding legal contract that limits how, when, and where you can file a claim.

Cruise ticket contracts often include:

• Short time limits to file a claim (as little as 6 months).


• Forum selection clauses requiring lawsuits to be filed in specific courts (commonly Miami, for major cruise lines).


• Notice requirements that must be met before you can sue.


• Limitations on damages for lost property or injuries.

Missing one of these deadlines can cause your entire claim to be dismissed.

3. Report the Incident Immediately

Whether you were injured, assaulted, or experienced negligence, you must report it to the ship's staff as soon as possible. Request:

• An incident report.


• A copy of the report for your records.


• Names and ID numbers of staff who responded.


• Photographs or video footage (if available).

Documenting the event early is key—especially because cruise lines often try to minimize or dispute claims later.

4. Gather Evidence Before You Leave the Ship

Collect everything you can:

• Photos and videos of the scene.


• Witness names and statements.


• Medical evaluations from the ship doctor.


• Receipts and documentation of expenses.


• Any written communication with crew or staff.

Once the cruise ends, gathering evidence becomes significantly harder, especially if the ship travels internationally.

5. Seek Medical Treatment on Land

Even if the ship's medical center treated you, obtain an independent medical evaluation after disembarking.
This helps:

• Document your injuries


• Establish a timeline


• Demonstrate the severity of the issue

Cruise ship medical records alone are often incomplete or inaccurate.

6. Follow the Cruise Line's Notice Requirements

Cruise lines typically require:

• Written notice of your claim within 180 days


• A fully detailed statement describing the injury, incident, or loss

Failing to send the notice by the required deadline may prevent you from filing a lawsuit later. An attorney can prepare and submit this notice on your behalf to ensure it meets all legal requirements.

7. File Your Lawsuit in the Required Court

Almost every major cruise line requires lawsuits to be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, located in Miami, even if:

• The cruise departed from another state


• You live outside Florida


• The incident occurred outside U.S. waters

This is why hiring a Florida-based law firm experienced in cruise litigation is crucial.

8. Why Filing a Cruise Line Claim Is So Complicated

Cruise cases are uniquely challenging because they involve:

• International maritime law.


• Federal jurisdiction.


• Foreign-flagged vessels.


• Corporate liability limitations.


• Highly aggressive legal teams protecting the cruise line.

Most passengers do not realize how heavily the law favors cruise corporations—and how quickly their rights can be lost without legal representation.

9. How Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. Can Help

When dealing with a cruise line, you are up against:

• Powerful corporations


• Experienced investigators


• Skilled maritime attorneys

At Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A., we assist clients with the full process of pursuing a claim, including:

Legal Review & Case Evaluation
We analyze your ticket contract, determine which laws apply, and identify the best legal path forward.

Evidence Preservation
We help secure medical documentation, security footage, witness statements, and other crucial evidence.

Communication with the Cruise Line
We handle all correspondence, preventing you from being pressured or misled by corporate representatives.


Negotiation & Litigation
If the cruise line refuses to resolve the matter, we are fully prepared to litigate your case in federal court.

Support After Serious Incidents
We also assist individuals who:

• Were victims of assault.


• Were detained or accused of wrongdoing.


• Experienced medical negligence on board.

Cruise line cases demand experienced representation—and our firm has the knowledge and skill to protect you.

If You Need Help Filing a Cruise Line Claim, We're Here for You

Whether you were injured, got sick, or experienced misconduct aboard a cruise ship, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Contact Donet, McMillan & Trontz, P.A. for guidance, case evaluation, and representation focused on protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.