by Spencer Aronfeld | Sep 27, 2019 | Cruise Ship Accidents, Cruise Ship Injury
Five years after an arbitration award was entered against Carnival Cruise Line, an injured crew member will finally receive payment for what the company owes him for his damages. The case involves 35-year-old Albanian waiter Genti Jankula, who was seriously injured while on board a Carnival ship in 2014. Even though he won an award in arbitration in the amount of $1,357,831.40 in September 2018, Carnival Cruise Line refused to pay. Carnival’s refusal to pay the arbitration award was based on their argument that the arbitrator did not treat them fairly. However, all awards issued in arbitration are binding on both parties involved, which is why the injured employee was forced to pursue enforcement legally. A federal judge in Miami has ordered Carnival to pay Jankula the full amount plus $186 per day in interest. Jankula was working for Carnival Cruise Line in 2014 while on the Carnival Valor. On December 7, 2014, as he was attempting to climb into his bunk bed, the bed’s handle ripped off the wall, and he fell backwards, breaking his back. As an Albanian native, he was sent to Albania to receive treatment, where it was determined that he had suffered multiple spinal injuries from the fall. The company paid for his medical treatment until 2015 when Jankula hired an attorney to represent him. His attorney argued that as a ship worker, he was entitled to housing, food, and medical costs until he was fully recovered from his injuries. However, Carnival refused his legal counsel’s request, forcing Jankula to request that an arbitrator hear the matter in July 2016. Arbitration was a requirement...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Aug 23, 2019 | Uncategorized
A cruise vacation can be an excellent opportunity to rest and relax, but one small mistake can be enough to completely undo those plans. While it helps to plan what to do while on your cruise, it is equally as important to know what not to do on your cruise. Not doing your research. Many people make the mistake of not doing their research before booking a cruise. This research can include finding the best price and the best cabin option for your party. It can be tempting to choose the cheapest option available, but this may limit you in terms of what you want to do when on your cruise. The same goes for choosing the wrong cabin. Cruise ships have so many different options when it comes to cabin selections, and it is important you choose the one that fits your situation. Always do your research first before selecting what you want. Sometimes it helps to talk to friends or family members who have gone on cruises before. Their experiences, both the good and the bad, can help advise you. Failure to plan. Cruise ships have so many different activities available for passengers onboard, and a little extra planning can go a long way to ensure you get to partake in all the amenities offered. Many specials on the ship, including spa treatments and shore excursions, book up quickly so it can be beneficial to sign up for these activities as soon as you book your cruise. Not Arriving Early. When you book a flight, it is always recommended you arrive to the airport at least two...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Aug 15, 2019 | Cruise Ship Accidents, Cruise Ship Injury
A little extra planning can go a long way when preparing to go on a cruise vacation. It can be hard to know where to start, what to pack and even what to expect while at sea. The following tips can help you prepare before going on a cruise. Shop Around When Booking Your Cruise. Many people are tempted to base their decisions on which cruise to take based on price alone. While price may play a factor in selection, it can be a big mistake if you look only at the base cost offered for the cruise. It is also important to look at other factors, such as the time of year when the cruise is planned, what amenities are offered on the ship, whether the cruise vacation is tailored more towards adults or families, among other features. For example, many cruises will lower their fares during their “shoulder season” or times of the year when cruise vacations are not as popular due to choppier waters or lower temperatures. Other cruises may cost more but may also include extras, such as alcohol, shore excursions, or gratuities, into their prices whereas other cruises will charge those on top of the regular fare. Plan Ahead. While a cruise may include several special amenities, it is important to know many of the specials included on a cruise fill up quickly. When booking a cruise, be sure to also see which add-ons the cruise allows passengers to book in advance. Plan out what types of special activities you would like to do on the ship and book them before boarding. That way,...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Aug 14, 2019 | Cruise Ship Accidents, Cruise Ship Injury
Carnival Cruise Line’s Fantasy received a failing grade following its most recent inspection in July. The detailed July 18 report issued by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) gave Fantasy a score of 77 out of 100. This report marks the worst inspection in Fantasy’s history, with a previous low of 78 being issued in 1990. The CDC conducts these inspections as part of its Vessel Sanitation Program. Ships must receive at least an 85 to pass their inspection. Two other Carnival ships, Inspiration and Imagination were also inspected in July, with these ships receiving scores of 97 and 94 respectively. The failing report cited brown shower water, film on pool water, and flies on bagels as reasons why the ship failed its inspection. Although the medical crew reported that the two shower hoses where the brown water was reported are ‘not used often,’ it is no excuse. There was not a reason given as to why the water was brown. Other water issues that were reported included issues with chlorine levels on two of the water slides on the ship, as well as film on the water in the pools. The pools also had excessive visible debris floating on the water. The CDC reported that a crew member was using a net to manually skim the pool, which is not a thorough way to fix the problem. The CDC also reported issues with Fantasy’s food service, including food displays not having adequate sneeze shields, flies around the food, and food temperature being too warm for safe consumption. The inspector also spotted soiled cutlery and reported that staff took...
by Spencer Aronfeld | Aug 12, 2019 | Cruise Ship Accidents, Cruise Ship Injury
Billionaire Richard Branson launched Virgin Voyages, an adults-only cruise line for a specific genre: individuals who never saw themselves ever going on a cruise, which included himself. So he set out to create a cruise experience like no other, he promises passengers the cruise of a lifetime! Virgin Voyages is the ultimate luxury cruise line for adults-only and set to debut in April 2020 with the launch of its first cruise ship, Scarlet Lady. This ship will be the first of four Virgin cruise ships set to sail from Port Miami, offering four to five-night cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas. No Extra Costs and Fees One feature that many passengers may enjoy is the fact that cruise fares will include many of the extras that other cruise lines charge passengers to utilize. Any gratuities or tips will be included into the price of the trip, which means passengers should not expect to see a daily service fee on their bills. Passengers will also receive free unlimited Wi-Fi. Fitness classes are also complimentary. Meal Options The Scarlet Lady and other Virgin ships will not include formal nights, buffets, or main dining areas. Instead, passengers can choose from one of approximately 20 restaurants to eat on the ship. The cost for eating will be included in the cruise fare, which includes basic beverages. The options include steak and seafood, upscale Mexican, a cooking lab and restaurant, food hall, Italian, and Korean BBQ. Some of these locations will be open 24 hours daily. Cabins and Suites The Scarlet Lady will feature one of a kind transformational cabin beds at sea, as...
