The Uknowns of Cruises

     The idea of a voyage on a cruise ship is pleasant and filled with rays of sun, relaxing pool-side naps, and cool ocean breezes. When booking such a vacation you don't think it is going to end in disaster. Usually when booking any vacation one doesn't think it will end in disaster. The passengers of the Carnival Triumph are back on land now and the worst part of their ordeal is over. There has been much talk and much media coverage on their story, including the CNN article "Five Things We've Learned About Cruising."
     The article brings up good points that many vacationers don't think about. The first, emergency systems aren't designed for a pleasant trip. This point addresses the backup generator and that it is not meant to supply enough power to make everyone comfortable. Instead it is designed to supply enough power to get the ship to shore. Second, itineraries can change without notice. A ship can change its course for a multitude of reasons including an engine fire and a passenger agrees to the unexpected changes when they purchase a ticket. Passenger compensation is often not required, which means if you are on a failed cruise you may not get any money reimbursed despite the fact that your trip was no where near what anyone would classify as a relaxing vacation. Cruise ship inspections vary by ship and country. In addition to the rules of the International Maritime Organization, a ship is subject to the rules and laws of the country whose flag it flies. It may also be subject to the laws of the ports it docks in. Finally, passengers may have a legal case. In terms of the passengers of the Carnival Triumph, the contract laid out the particulars of the cruise line not being held liable unless damages were caused by negligence.
     All that said, would I take a cruise? Sure! Bad things can happen on any vacation you take including if you just stay home. It is a risk we take by being alive. Things happen, and how those problems are dealt with vary in every instance. I would like to take a cruise and even if my cruise ended up shipwrecked, or drifting aimlessly and smelling of poo I would look at it as an experience. Yes, things are not pleasant at the time, but afterward you have one heck of a story to tell and nowadays that story could turn into a lucrative book deal! To me, that is a great silver lining and motivation to hold on to hope.