Several of the world’s leading international cruise lines rely on GrayRobinson not only for strong litigation defense but also for proactive day-to-day legal counsel. Armed with a deep understanding of the industry, we provide counsel on nuanced issues that only those lawyers with tried and tested experience working with cruise lines can provide. Our team is well-versed in advising general counsel or executive management in situations requiring immediate intervention or in everyday decision-making. Our comprehensive knowledge of the law allows us to deliver solutions that not only mitigate risk but also help prevent future litigation, reduce liability, and increase revenues.
Cruise Line
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Alcohol Beverage Licensure and Regulatory Compliance
The GrayRobinson national Alcohol Law Team handles alcohol beverage licensing on behalf of global cruise lines in the contiguous United States as well as in Alaska and Hawaii. The team handles initial liquor license applications, renewals, and change of officer applications for cruise ships on a seasonal basis, as well as on a daily port-of-call basis in jurisdictions that require licensing for every visit. Our depth of experience and positive working relationships with state government regulators allow us to secure licensing for our cruise line clients in a prompt and efficient manner, even as we pivot with them through frequent route and itinerary changes.
The national Alcohol Law Team also provides regulatory compliance guidance to our cruise line clients in complex tied house analyses, drink pricing and package sales, and marketing and promotions.
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Appellate and Trial Support
Our appellate and trial support attorneys handle appeals and original proceedings before state and federal appellate courts in and outside Florida. The team works with trial lawyers from other law firms and at GrayRobinson to strategically manage litigation. Our cruise line industry appellate experience includes representing international cruise lines in significant cases before the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, addressing key issues of maritime law. In one landmark case, we clarified the scope of a cruise ship’s duty of care to passengers, setting a precedent with industry-wide implications. We have also handled appeals involving procedural matters crucial to preserving arguments for review and led appellate efforts analyzing the standard of care owed to passengers. These cases demonstrate our experience navigating complex maritime appellate issues to protect our clients’ interests.
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Bankruptcy
Cruise lines can encounter bankruptcy, insolvency, or other distressed issues involving vendors, tour operators, concessioners, business partners, and service providers. Our team provides strategic counsel to help cruise lines protect their interests in these complex situations. We have represented cruise lines in troubled financial situations, including bankruptcy cases stemming from litigation, vendor agreements, business associations, and charterers in multiple jurisdictions. We also assist when key partners, such as travel companies, tour operators, and charter operators, face financial distress by renegotiating agreements, pursuing and drafting default remedies, and providing advice and counsel on strategies to mitigate potential losses. We have represented the cruise industry, leveraging interdisciplinary skills within the firm, in matters involving onboard art auctions and wine distributors, which sometimes require us to navigate cross-border challenges to reclaim goods and preserve business continuity. Our proactive approach allows us to intervene early when financial instability arises, often resolving matters before they escalate to formal bankruptcy cases.
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Construction Contracts
We have extensive experience drafting contracts for the cruise industry, including construction contracts for projects ranging from $1 million to $100 million and other critical agreements, including passenger tickets, visitor passes, concessionaire contracts, crew employment agreements, and real estate and build-out contracts for guest facilities. Our construction work spans ports, terminals, island destinations, office buildings, training centers, and piers, addressing the unique complexities and regulatory requirements of international construction while ensuring compliance with local laws and safeguarding our client’s interests. Drawing on significant litigation experience, we draft contracts designed to protect our clients and minimize future losses and litigation expenses, seamlessly integrating our maritime legal acumen with the specific construction needs of the cruise industry.
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Medical Malpractice Defense Litigation
Practicing at the epicenter of the U.S. cruise industry, our team has helped cruise lines and shipboard medical providers navigate sensitive claims for more than two decades. We provide real-time guidance and solutions for onboard medical emergencies, from consulting and even participating in at-sea medical evacuations to conducting post-incident investigations and legal counseling. With client representations spanning every corner of the globe, our team has been instrumental in developing jurisdictional defenses for foreign doctors and nurses facing claims in the United States, including those involving catastrophic injury and wrongful death.
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Personal Injury Litigation
As the cruise industry continues to grow, so does the volume of personal injury claims brought against its members. Our maritime team has significant experience in the defense of cruise lines and protection and indemnity associations in medical malpractice and personal injury lawsuits filed by crew members, passengers, longshoremen, and harbor workers. In conjunction with the defense of personal injury litigation, and often before litigation commences, we assist our cruise line clients in investigating marine casualties and handle communication with maritime investigative and law enforcement authorities. Because of our extensive experience in this area, we bring a unique perspective that aids in minimizing losses and expedites claim evaluations so appropriate and immediate action can occur.
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Technology Transactions
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling technology transactions for the cruise line industry. We advise clients on and document and negotiate a wide range of technology and intellectual property transactions, addressing a multitude of complex legal issues to support cutting-edge initiatives. Our work includes high-profile projects such as providing strategic legal counsel for a global cruise line’s experience and innovation team, casino software agreements, technology services, and licensing counsel for a multinational cruise line’s cutting-edge customer experience initiative, which required coordinating with hundreds of IT vendors. We also advise clients in the cruise industry on other innovative technology solutions, ensuring our clients can leverage advanced technologies while safeguarding their intellectual property and business interests.