Blumenthal & Matsui Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Bolster Safety for Cruise Ship Passengers
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and U.S. Representative Doris Matsui (D-CA) introduced the Cruise Passenger Protection Act, legislation to improve the safety and well-being of cruise ship travelers. The legislation ensures that passengers are fully aware of their rights before they board the ship and provides them with a means of seeking recourse should their rights be violated.
“Cruises should be a time of rest and relaxation—but a dream vacation can quickly turn into a nightmare if there are inadequate safety measures for travelers,” said Blumenthal. “This legislation works to bring cruise passengers peace of mind by providing them with information of their rights in advance of their voyage and a path to access justice if their rights are violated. With this critical legislation, we bolster protections for cruise travelers—making safety a top priority and ensuring smooth sailing for all on board.”
“Cruises are billed as safe, family-friendly vacations – but when emergencies happen, passengers still lack the rights and protections they deserve,” said Matsui. “That’s why we are reintroducing the Cruise Passenger Protection Act, which will improve medical care, strengthen safety measures, and ensure proper investigations when violent crimes occur on board. I’ve long worked alongside Senator Blumenthal and our courageous victims and advocates to push for stronger safety standards. This bill builds on that work to better protect cruise passengers now and in the future.”
This legislation is cosponsored in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA).
“Strong consumer protections for cruise passengers will ensure vacations are full of happy memories—not fear or stress,” said Markey. “The Cruise Passenger Protection Act ensures that cruise ship operators meet high safety standards and establishes clear requirements for justice and accountability for anyone victimized or harmed while on board. This legislation sets the course for a future where cruise passengers can have both the adventure of a cruise experience and the peace of mind that comes with robust legal protections.”
In addition to informing passengers of their rights prior to booking a cruise, the Cruise Passenger Protection Act implements a number of measures to strengthen passenger safety, such as those that expand crime reporting and prevention, bolster enforcement measures for violations of the law, and improve medical standards.
The Cruise Passenger Protection Act is endorsed by the International Cruise Victims Association (ICV).
“The International Cruise Victims Association strongly supports the newly reintroduced legislation in both chambers of Congress aimed at protecting the safety, dignity, and fundamental rights of cruise ship passengers. Recent events and media investigations have once again brought to light the cruise industry’s systemic failure to prevent and respond appropriately to crimes, accidents, medical emergencies, and other life-threatening incidents at sea. Survivors and families too often find themselves navigating trauma, uncertainty, and institutional silence—with little or no access to justice. We call on all Members of Congress to support this critical legislation and stand with the victims, survivors, and families who are asking only for protection, justice, and accountability,” said Jamie Barnett, Laurie Dishman, and Georgia Ananias of ICV.
The full text of the bill can be found here.
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