Cruising is one of the most popular ways to travel, offering a unique experience that combines the excitement of exploring new destinations with the comfort and luxury of a floating resort. However, with any mode of travel, accidents can happen. In this article, we’ll explore which cruise line has had the most accidents and what you should know before booking your next cruise.
What Qualifies as an “Accident”?
Before we dive into which cruise line has had the most accidents, it’s important to define what we mean by “accident.” For our purposes, an accident is any event that causes injury or damage to passengers, crew members, or the ship itself. This includes incidents such as collisions with other vessels or objects, fires, flooding, mechanical failures, and illnesses or outbreaks on board.
The Cruise Line with the Most Accidents
According to data compiled by CruiseJunkie.com, Carnival Corporation – which owns several cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line – has had the most accidents in recent years. Between 2000 and 2021, Carnival Corporation ships were involved in 99 incidents that met our definition of an accident.
It’s worth noting that this doesn’t necessarily mean that Carnival Corporation is an unsafe choice for cruising. With dozens of ships in its fleet and millions of passengers carried each year, it’s statistically more likely for accidents to occur simply due to the company’s size and scale.
Other Cruise Lines’ Accident Records
While Carnival Corporation may have had the most accidents overall in recent years, other cruise lines have also experienced their fair share of incidents. Here are some examples:
- Royal Caribbean International: Between 2000 and 2021, Royal Caribbean ships were involved in 84 incidents.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Between 2000 and 2021, Norwegian Cruise Line ships were involved in 44 incidents.
- Disney Cruise Line: Between 2000 and 2021, Disney Cruise Line ships were involved in 14 incidents.
What You Should Know Before Booking Your Next Cruise
While accidents can happen on any cruise line, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk. Before booking your next cruise, consider the following:
- Research the cruise line’s safety record and look for any recent incidents or patterns of accidents.
- Check the ship’s safety features and emergency procedures, including lifeboats, fire suppression systems, and evacuation plans.
- Review your travel insurance policy to ensure that you’re covered in the event of an accident or illness.
- Pack a first-aid kit with basic supplies such as bandages, pain relievers, and motion sickness medication.
The Bottom Line
While Carnival Corporation may have had the most accidents in recent years according to our definition of an “accident,” it’s important to remember that cruising remains a safe form of travel overall. By taking basic precautions and researching your options before booking a cruise, you can enjoy all that this unique mode of travel has to offer while minimizing your risk of experiencing an accident.