Should cruise passengers have a Bill of Rights? New York Senator Charles Schumer thinks so. He's pushing for certain rules for cruise ships for when things go bad as in the recent Carnival Triumph disaster.
Schumer made a pitch on Sunday for a Bill of Rights that would require cruise lines to follow certain rules to ensure that passengers have an enjoyable and safe trip.
The senator believes there are six things that should be guaranteed on cruise ships. They include backup power generators, medical staff onboard, crew trained for emergencies, access to real-time information about delays and changes, the ability to leave a ship docked at a port if food or sanitation onboard are not adequate and a full refund for a trip canceled mid-cruise by mechanical or other major problems
"To be out at sea without access to a doctor, or electricity, toilet facilities, that's unconscionable," Schumer said, according to News 10.
"Most of these ships are regulated by foreign countries who virtually have no regulation at all," said Schumer, according to the NY Daily News. "They've become the Wild West of the travel industry."
Last month, an engine fire caused the power and water to go down on the Carnival Triumph, leaving the ship stranded in the Gulf of Mexico. Passengers were subject to horrendous conditions including limited working toilets, limited food, no air conditioning and having to sleep on the decks as the ship was towed back to port in a four day ordeal.
The Carnival Triumph passengers received refunds and $500 compensation, but those things aren't mandatory.
If the cruise lines don't comply with the Bill of Rights, he'll have the State Department call on foreign governments to better regulate the boats.
Cruise passengers agree with the set of rules.
"You are at sea. You are not any one country. So there needs to be a standard set of regulation," said Marc Bottiglier, 22, who was disembarking a Norwegian ship, told the Daily News.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
