US legislators have introduced the Cruise Passenger Protection Act 2025, a bill that covers measures to improve security, onboard safety, crime reporting and guests’ rights.
Those backing the bill say it is aimed at the well-being of all passengers “and provides peace of mind that their rights are preserved, even at sea”.
Provisions that are part of the proposed bill include:
Defining which types of complaints guests may register against a cruise line
Establishing a victim support services office to help impacted travellers
Directing that crime data, including overboard incidents, is more readily available
Guidelines for when and how crimes must be reported, including crime scene preservation
The bill will apply to any ship that “has overnight accommodation for 250 or more passengers” and “is on a voyage that embarks or disembarks passengers in the United States”.