The 'Cruisetacular' Legal Eagle

Jim Walker (right) is the guy you want fighting for you when it comes to cruise mistreatment cases.
Photo Credit: Cruise Law News

He hails from cruise capital of the world: Miami, Florida, is the author of Cruise Law News (CLN), and has 30/30 cruise vision--practicing law for nearly thirty years, but has not having cruised for thirty as well. Frankly, he doesn't need to cruise for leisure considering the immense responsibility and labor of love that rest upon his shoulders. His name? Jim Walker. His game? Law... maritime law that is. He's big. He's bad. And we all know it!

You don't know Jim Walker? Oh, well there are many who wouldn't want you knowing who he is either (especially the cruise lines). Cruising is not always the pretty picture millions have come to fall in love with; the industry has its sins and flaws, and Jim exposes many of them. For the past fourteen years, Jim has been suing the crap out of cruise lines--representing crew members and passengers alike in some very high-profile cases. He encounters cruise mishaps such as: accidents, bad medical care, crimes, and disappearances of individuals.

His goal is not to be the party-pooper people paint him to be. In an interview I had with Jim a couple weeks ago he said, "My goal is to raise awareness of shortcomings in the cruise lines--regarding safety and security of guests and cruise employees." He further stated, "I want to help make cruising safer for the public." Despite having published controversial articles like, "Top 10 Reasons NOT to Cruise; " Jim also shares favorable stories on CLN like, "Three Happy Cruise Stories - Salvation, Generosity & Rebirth!". CLN, or Cruise Law News, is Jim's blog highlighting an array of cruise industry news--with an insightful and in-depth approach.

"Despite my criticisms, I know that some 14 million people will cruise this year and the cruise industry will continue to grow. Cruising is a great vacation value. 98% of the public will have a great time." Jim said during the close of our interview. Having read his blog and updates heavily, I don't find his coverage "scary." Instead, I look at it as insight and knowledge that helps enhance my cruise-smart-sense (you should use it for the same purpose). Jim and I both agree, a cruise ship is like a floating major city. Don't be naive or simple-minded when it comes to your safety. Keep a close eye on your loved ones, and pay a little extra for the cruise insurance--it can come in handy when you least expect it. Keep hitting the high seas, folks! Your ship awaits, Bon Voyage!