Serious safety incidents on cruise ships go beyond just sexual assaults. Incidents such as thefts, murders, and “man overboard” cases have been a reality for many cruise passengers. The case of George Smith IV, who disappeared from a cruise in 2005, remains unsolved and highlights the need for further reform in the cruise industry. In response to this, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 was passed, but more action is still required.
Senator Richard Blumenthal has been leading the effort to reform cruise lines in the Senate since 2013 with the Cruise Passenger Protection Act, in collaboration with Rep. Doris Matsui. This bill aims to implement additional passenger safety standards and cruise line reporting requirements. It would ensure that consumers have adequate information about their rights before embarking on a cruise and provide them with a means of recourse if something goes wrong.
One key provision of the bill is the requirement for cruise lines to retain video footage from alleged crimes for one year. This would give investigators and victims more time to access crucial footage that may be necessary for pursuing justice. The bill also calls for cruise lines to specify whether crimes, including sexual assaults, were committed against minors. To strengthen enforcement, the penalties for cruise lines violating the law would be increased.
The Cruise Passenger Protection Act also aims to bolster victim support. It would require cruise lines to clearly inform passengers of the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit and establish a director of victim support services within the US Department of Transportation. This director would work with cruise ship victims and develop procedures for handling incidents.
While some safety and health provisions of the Cruise Passenger Protection Act have already been passed by Congress, such as installing video cameras in common areas and retaining surveillance records for 20 days, more needs to be done. The full act must be passed to address the ongoing problems aboard cruise ships and protect all passengers on board.
The cruise line industry has strongly opposed this legislation, claiming that the requirements are unnecessary. However, experts, lawyers, victims, and their families have contested this viewpoint. It is the courage of those speaking out that will help in passing the Cruise Passenger Protection Act. Senator Blumenthal hopes that the cruise industry will support these important reforms, as they will ultimately improve the overall experience for consumers. Strong safety standards and enforcement will not only protect passengers but also hold the cruise industry accountable for their actions.
