LEGAL ISSUES

Q - How are disputes settled?
A - Any dispute between a passenger and the cruise lines in connection with a passenger's cruise booking shall be litigated, if at all, in and before a court located in Miami, Florida, U.S.A., to the exclusion of the courts of any other state, territory or country.

Q - What is the cruise line's liability?
A - The cruise line is not responsible for omissions or negligence of any independent contractors not affiliated with the cruise line, such as air carriers, hotels, shore excursion providers, restaurants, transportation providers, medical personnel or other providers of services or facilities. Under no circumstances does the cruise line�s responsibility extend beyond the vessel. All arrangements made for the passengers with independent contractors are made solely for the convenience of the passenger. The cruise lines disclaims all liability for damages for emotional distress, mental suffering or psychological injury of any kind, under any circumstances except to the extent such disclaimer is prohibited by 46U.S.C.183c(b.).

Q - What is the passenger's liability?
A - Each passenger agrees to indemnify the cruise lines for all penalties, losses, or expenses incurred or imposed upon the cruise lines by violation of law by the passenger. In the event of a willful act of neglect, the passenger will be held liable for any damages incurred.

Q - What about my personal property?
A - Property lost or damaged should be reported to either the purser's desk or to a designated cruise line employee prior to leaving the U.S. Customs area. In the event of property loss or damage, report it as soon as you can. Refer to you cruise ticket contract for the time limitations on reporting missing property. Valuable items may be deposited for safekeeping at the purser�s desk.

Whether carried or contained in luggage, the cruise lines will not allow dangerous articles such as controlled substances, firearms, explosives or combustible substances to be brought on board. Additionally, the cruise line has the right to refuse any item they deem inappropriate.

No animals are permitted on board with the exception of service animals for passengers with special needs. In the absence of negligence on its part, the cruise line is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to a passenger's property. The cruise Line's liability is usually limited to $300 per passenger and in accordance with the provisions in the cruise ticket contract.

Q - What are my customs allowances?
A - U.S. citizens are allowed a certain dollar amount worth of merchandise when returning to the United States from abroad. Passengers over the age of 21 may also bring back 1 quart of liquor or wine and 200 cigarettes. The cruise lines will advise you onboard the ship, or you may check with your local US Customs office.