Are Cruise Ships Liable if Something Goes Wrong During an Excursion?

Passengers of cruise ships injured or killed during shore excursions: Is the cruise ship company liable if something goes wrong during the excursion they promote and sell to the passenger?

One of the major attractions that cruise ship companies offer to their passengers are excursions. They market them, suggest you purchase your tickets directly from them for safety reasons, and sell the excursions both before the cruise begins and on board the ship. Passengers can find these exciting and exotic excursions on the websites of the major cruise ship companies, where it is recommended that they purchase directly from them. A clear message is sent that a passenger is at less risk by purchasing directly from the cruise ship company as the excursion companies have been previously vetted, including its safety.