Cruise Ship Accident & Illness Claims

Get started with your compensation claim for an injury or illness you suffered as a result of negligence on a cruise ship.

Close up of a person on a cruise ship.

What is a cruise ship illness or accident compensation claim?

With so many passengers in a confined space, cruise ship operators have a duty to follow clearly laid procedures to both minimise the risk of an illness outbreak and to contain it if one occurs. There are also procedures to limit the risk of accidents that must be followed.

Illnesses like food poisoning are unfortunately quite common on cruise ships and we have helped thousands of passengers make cruise ship illness claims for the following, too:

Accidents we have been able to help people claim for include:

If you have sustained an injury or illness that you think was caused by negligence on the part of the crew or operator of a cruise ship, our lawyers could help you claim compensation. Contact us today to discuss what happened to you in a free initial consultation.

Expert comment

Stay up to date with the latest commentary on cruise ship accident and illness from our expert solicitors.
  • Jennifer Hodgson
    Ambition cruise ship illness: Passenger safety must remain the priority
    Jennifer HodgsonMedia reports have highlighted an outbreak of gastric illness affecting passengers onboard the Ambition cruise ship, docked in Bordeaux. As a lawyer who regularly supports individuals and families affected by cruise ship illness, these accounts are sadly familiar with outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness continuing to occur with worrying regularity.
  • Jatinder Paul Profile
    Cruise ship illness: key advice as number of passengers falling ill hits 10-year high
    Jatinder PaulIllness problems on cruise liners can emerge in all kinds of situations. If issues arise, there are some key points to bear in mind to help protect yourself and deal with an illness while on board the cruise.
  • Hantavirus on board MV Hondius: what the cruise outbreak means for passengers
    Jennifer HodgsonRecent reporting by the BBC has highlighted a deeply concerning outbreak of suspected hantavirus on board the expedition cruise ship MV Hondius, with several passengers and crew seriously unwell and multiple tragic deaths reported.   

Make a claim for cruise ship injuries or illness with Irwin Mitchell

For many people, a cruise is the holiday of a lifetime. Cruise ship operators have a duty of care to their passengers and should protect them from harm. So, if you've become ill or sustained an injury while on a cruise then our lawyers could help you claim compensation.

Illnesses such as food poisoning are unfortunately quite common on cruise ships, and we've helped thousands of passengers make cruise ship illness claims.

Our lawyers are recognised internationally as leaders in the field of personal injury and are well-supported by an in-house team of Support and Rehabilitation Coordinators, who are trained specialists to help you to access the care and support you need most.

Meet a specialist from our team

Our market leading team will help you understand your rights, secure the compensation you’re owed, and access vital support – from rehabilitation to long-term care.

Demetrius Danas
Demetrius Danas
National Head of International Serious Injury

Get the help you need

Contact us today for a free initial consultation to talk through your compensation claim for an injury or illness sustained on a cruise ship

Call us free on 08001216558

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Making an enquiry

We have several ways you can contact us, either by completing our online contact form, by phone, or using our live chat. If you start your journey online, here are the first steps to working together.
  • contact us
    Complete our online form
    We need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
  • Few questions
    We’ll contact you by phone
    On the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
  • Appointment
    We arrange a full appointment
    If we’re able to support you further, the next step is an appointment with one of our specialists so we can discuss everything in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get to know what typical claims for injuries and illnesses that happen at sea look like and contact us to see if you might have a claim.

Cruise ship accidents can come in many different forms. However, some of the most common ways injuries are sustained while on board include:

  • Slips, trips or falls on deck, including when the ship is embarking or disembarking
  • Burns or scalding from meals on board
  • Assault
  • Falling overboard
  • Being injured on excursions organised by the cruise company
  • Being injured due to poor safety measures.

This isn’t an exhaustive list. You could still claim compensation if you had a different type of accident on a cruise ship. Please get in touch to tell us what happened to you and we will advise on whether you may be able to claim.

Press Release

British Dad-Of-Two Dies From Suspected Kidney Failure After Falling Ill With Norovirus Onboard P&O Arcadia Cruise Ship

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Wirral Couple Who Fell Ill During Cruise For 47th Wedding Anniversary Call On Lawyers To Investigate

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Nottingham Couple Among 260-Plus Passengers Struck Down With Serious Gastric Illness Aboard Queen Mary II Cruise Ship Ask Lawyers To Investigate

Our commitment to you

Our experts always start by listening, so we understand what matters most from day one.
  • 01
    Clear legal guidance

    You will always get straightforward, honest advice, with regular updates to keep you clear on the way forward.

  • 02
    Specialist knowledge

    A wide-ranging team of trusted specialists who understand what it takes to protect your future, your family or your business.

  • 03
    Your needs first

    Whether you’re navigating complex personal situations or business decisions, we take the time to understand your world and what’s at stake.

Services to help with your claim

We can help with legal guidance and advice as well as other services you might need to aid your recovery and get your life back on track. 
  • Support and Rehabilitation Co-ordinators

    We’ll make sure you get everything you need throughout the claims process.

  • Accidents abroad

    If you’ve been injured abroad, while on holiday or working, we can help 

  • Personal Injury Claims Guides

    Answers to some frequently asked questions relating to personal injury claims.

  • Probate

    Our solicitors can help you through probate and estate administration with a tailored service offering exactly as much assistance or advice as you need.

Irwin Mitchell Scotland

Scottish cases will be handled by the Scottish law firm with which we are associated, Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP. The law relating to funding is different in Scotland and you will receive separate advice about what that means as well as a separate funding agreement.

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