Parasailing from a cruise ship.

Can you parasail whilst on a cruise? Not anymore I'm afraid.Sadly there have been several deaths recently relating to shore excursions where parasailing was offered and as such many cruise lines are choosing to remove it as an option whilst you're in their care.

A 60yr old Celebrity cruises passenger was killed and her 34yr old daughter injured after a parasailing accident whilst on a shore excursion. Following this incident four cruise lines immediately took the decision to remove parasailing from their shore excursion options.

The companies that have banned parasailing are Royal Caribbean, Celebrity cruises, Norwegian Cruise lines and Carnival, pending an investigation by the US coast guard and half a dozen other agencies.

The problem stems from the fact that whilst there are over 1,300 parasailing companies operating worldwide there are almost no regulations or legislation controlling them. Whilst I'm sure there are many reputable companies out there you're just never sure who you're booking with.

Strangely, Holland America Cruises have decided to continue to offer parasailing as a shore excursion option, but only at their own privately owned island, Half Moon Cay and only to be operated 'in house'.

What do you think though? Whilst it's very sad what happened, is this an over reaction from the cruise lines or do you think they're justified in their reaction?
I guess only time will tell.

Happy cruising.