CRUISE holidays are certainly not for everyone, but a lawyer has very specific reasons not to sail.
Carrie Jernigan, who received her JD from the University of Arkansas Law School, according to her law firm’s website, has revealed three reasons why she will never board a cruise ship.
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The lawyer shared her concerns and reasoning in two viral TikTok videos.
Carrie first lists being the victim of a crime on a cruise ship as one of her biggest concerns.
“There is no police force, there is no governing body, there is no investigative agency that can help you,” she says.
But even if you could access those resources, it’s still questionable who would prosecute the case, which is one of her three points.
Oftentimes, cruise ships are governed by maritime law, which Carrie says is “the most outdated, outdated, complex law there is.”
Carrie also mentions that determining the location of the crime in relation to the nearest cruise ship port or country is a complex undertaking.
But sometimes, when a ship is 24 nautical miles off the coast of a country, it falls under international waters.
In that case, the country whose flag is flying on the ship – usually belonging to the Bahamas or Panama – governs.
This was a concern for Carrie, as other countries have different laws than the United States.
Basically, the exact location of a cruise ship at any given time changes how a potential case is handled.
Carrie then reverses the scenario in her second video, recounting the situation from the perspective of someone accused of a crime on a cruise ship.
With reference to many of the same points, including the questions of governance.
“On a cruise, you’ll most likely go through countries that don’t recognize due process — at least to a level that the United States does,” she says.
“You may be in a country where you don’t have a jury trial if you’re charged with a crime.
“Maybe you won’t get a lawyer. You may not have the privilege of a right to remain silent.
“You may not have any of the laws the United States offers you under the Constitution,” she continues.
Carrie further states that she is not willing to put herself at risk for countries that do not have the same kinds of laws as the United States.
Many TikTokers shared her concerns.
“How did I never think of this,” commented a TikToker.
“Lawyers are people with the worst-case scenario because that’s what we usually live every day,” Carrie said.
“This is the kind of thing that people think I’m crazy because I’m worried, but I’m worried. It could happen,” commented another person.
“Strongly agree. The lack of protection is the reason I never wanted to go, but this is good info too,” someone else chimed in.
But others disagree with the lawyer’s position.
“I’ve been on 4 cruises! I loved everyone, a crime can happen anywhere. I will continue cruising 100%,” a TikToker wrote.
“Cruiser here, I’m not going to live in fear of the what if’s,” wrote another.
“I’ve been on 28 and don’t regret it. I respect your opinion very much, but…..if we analyzed everything we did, we would stay at home. With respect,” one commented.