NY Senator Pushes for Cruise Ship Bill of Rights

Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is urging for the passage of a bill of rights for cruise ship passengers. This action comes amid recent incidents that left passengers sick and stranded among other things.

The senator believes that technical failures are not understandable; adding that weather conditions is the only acceptable excuse for a passenger ship to be delayed. In his argument, Schumer states it is intolerable to leave people without access to doctors, toilets, or electricity.

In Schumer’s proposal, he outlines that cruise ship passengers should have the same rights as airline passengers. He also includes:

• Cruise ships are required to have medical officials who are both on board and be prepared for emergencies

• Ships must carry backup generators

• Ship operators are responsible for maintaining a sanitary environment, even during delays

Any liners that violate these requirements will have to give passengers a full refund.