I just booked a cruise on Celebrity’s Century. Nice itinerary, seems a nice ship, reasonable fare. Usually, I do not read contracts, because in Europe, we have comprehensive legal provisions protecting passengers. But because I have read quite a few negative reviews about Celebrity treating passengers bad, I carefully read the Cruise Ticket Contract (see http://tinyurl.com/3ydp2m) and I was aghast.

The contract can simply be summarized as follows:

The cruise line’s liabilities: none. The passenger’s rights: none.

Examples:
< Unless negligent, Carrier is neither responsible nor liable for any loss of or damage to Passenger's property. Liability for loss of or damage to Passenger's property in connection with any air or ground transportation shall be the sole responsibility of the provider of the service and in accordance with applicable limitations.>

Imagine the following situation: At the pier, you check your baggage. Once in the cabin, your baggage does not appear. Who is responsible? Carrier can say, it was the port baggage handling service who lost the bags, we are not liable. However, they chose the handling firm, and probably chose a cheap one.
This is not theoretical. It already happened. See
http://www.epinions.com/content_246141521540

< No undertaking or warranty shall be given or shall be implied as to the seaworthiness, fitness or condition of the Vessel or any food or drink supplied on board.>

Wonderful. Carrier can neglect the ship’s maintenance and provide us with rotten food.

< All arrangements made for or by Passenger for air transportation, shore excursions, ground tours, ground transportation, hotels, restaurants and other similar activities or services are made solely for Passenger's convenience and are at Passenger's risk. The providers of such services are independent contractors and are not acting as agents or representatives of Carrier. In no event shall Carrier be liable for any accident or harm to Passenger which occurs off the Vessel or the Transport as a result of any acts, omissions or negligence of any independent contractors.>

Most convenient arrangement. Carrier gets huge profits from overpriced tours and denies any responsibilities for quality and safety of the tours.

< Carrier may for any reason, at any time and without prior notice, cancel, advance, postpone or deviate from any scheduled sailing or port of call>
From this, Carrier may derive a right to deny you disembarkation at a certain time. I have read many posts saying that Carrier tries to hinder passengers leaving the ship for private tours in Sankt Petersburg.

Is it really wise to sign such an adhesion contract? Better select another cruise line? Maybe a European cruise line?

The cruise line’s liabilities: none. The passenger’s rights: none.

This is very much so, and not only for Celebrity but all US based cruise lines. May be European are more lenient. But cruise lines don't want to lose customers so they would maintain ships condition and food quality. Just keep your fingers crossed and hope nothing drastic happens. Usually, it doesn't.

Moat all lines I know of read similar...airlines too...just no one ever reads the fine print.

Travel insurance is inexpensive peace-of-mind, just in case something goes wrong. I would suggest buying it from a separate travel insurance provider instead of the cruise line or tour operator.

Best Regards,
Julia

Just returned from a Celebrity Millennium Med Cruise.
Could not have been happier.
CC 9084 Barcelona 3 May
M

You have a choice... do it or not and it's at your own risk. Done 20+ cruises and have adapted to whatever changes or diversions made.