Avoiding The Pitfalls It is estimated that more than 9 million passengers travel on cruises departing North American ports each year. Cruise ships are not merely common carriers, they are virtual floating cities, and like any city, injuries and deaths occur due to negligence. The litigation of cases involving the cruise lines is replete with procedural and substantive pitfalls that can trap all but the most seasoned cruise ship litigators. Special consideration must be given to a shortened statute of limitations and forum selection clauses. For injuries or deaths stemming from negligence associated with cruise ships, the contract, which...