18 year-old HS Senior Dies Aboard Carnival Miracle

[Jan115]

I just saw this article when browsing the web. There is a question of alcohol poisoning. In any event, I am saddened by this and feel so bad for the young man's family.

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2013/02/articles/maritime-death/new-york-teenager-dies-on-carnival-miracle-cruise-ship/

[Sarge6870]

This was most unfortunate. As was the way the report was posted by the attorney. Here is the response I posted below the story on their site....

"My first question to you Mr. Walker would be if you have ever been on a cruise before? Because, if you have, you would know that it is VERY easy to bring alcohol aboard with you. I have eight out of the last eight times I have cruised. To automatically place the blame on Carnival and it's staff is misplaced and irresponsible prior to completion of the investigation.".

I am aware that bringing alcohol aboard is against the lines regulations, but for most of the passengers that like a "DOD (Drink of the Day)", Cruise line prices are very high for alcohol. Just my opinion!

[Jan115]

If Carnival is serving booze to underage drinkers, they certainly do need to take some responsibility. Most likely, however, the stuff is purchased in the Bahamas legally and then sneaked on board.

Call me a goody two-shoes, Sarge, but I like to follow the rules. Which is why I like Princess because I can bring my 2 bottles of wine (my drink of choice) on board. I wouldn't be setting a very good example for my 18 yo by smuggling in my Smirnoff and Jack Daniels.

Sadly, when given the opportunity, kids will drink - some to excess, no matter where they are - college dorms, houses, in the woods, even on a cruise ship. We can point fingers at the parents, the bartenders, the cruise line, but ultimately it comes down to the kids' responsibility for their own actions. The best we as parents can do is teach and guide - and set a good example - the rest is up to them.

Let's hope young people learn from this tragic experience.

[WeCruiseToo]

This is truly tragic, but the article seems to be written by a lawyer who makes his living entirely by suing cruise lines – so it’s about as far from unbiased as you can get.

From our personal observations on almost every cruise we’ve been on, regardless of cruise line, by far the most common cause of underage drinking is parents providing it to their own kids…

[jacketwatch]

Red light to the presumptions by a lawyer before all the facts are in. It's a terrible event but don't be so quick to blame (and thus potentially sue) the cruise corporation as the culprit. I think an autopsy has to be done and if its due to excessive alcohol consumption then find out how he got it and the legality. Was he in water or ports where 18 is the legal age to drink?

I wonder how quick this lawyer would be to strike if this happened at a private party where there is no mulit million dollar corp. to sue?

[DebbieandJerry]

What a terrible thing to happen