Can a cruise that departs from New York be sued in NY courts?

What the Law Says

New York’s long-arm statute allows its courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over out-of-state defendants who transact business in the state — including cruise lines that market, sell, and depart voyages from New York.

Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules (CPLR) § 302(a)(1), a court may exercise jurisdiction over a non-domiciliary who 'transacts any business within the state' — and courts have consistently held that selling cruise packages and departing from a New York port satisfies this requirement.

Federal maritime law also supports jurisdiction: because cruise contracts are maritime contracts and departure from a New York port establishes a substantial connection to the forum, federal courts sitting in New York routinely accept jurisdiction — especially when the cruise line has continuous and systematic contacts with the state (e.g., offices, agents, advertising).

However, even if jurisdiction is proper, a defendant may ask the court to dismiss under the doctrine of forum non conveniens — arguing another forum (e.g., Florida or the cruise line’s home country) is more appropriate. But New York courts weigh factors like plaintiff’s residence, location of evidence, and convenience — and often deny dismissal when the voyage originates in New York.

Statutory Text

A court may exercise personal jurisdiction over any non-domiciliary … who in person or through an agent … transacts any business within the state …

— N.Y. C.P.L.R. § 302(a)(1) — Long-arm jurisdiction

What Courts Have Said

New York and federal courts have repeatedly upheld jurisdiction over cruise lines based on New York departures, marketing, and ticket sales.

What to Do

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