Take a Cruise Day

Modern cruise ships must comply with international safety rules such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and are subject to inspection by flag and port states, which has led to generally low rates of serious casualties compared with the very large number of passenger voyages each year. However, investigations of past incidents show that fires, groundings, and loss of power can still occur, and authorities emphasize the importance of crew training, emergency drills, and enforcement of safety standards to protect passengers. Travelers can review official marine accident reports and safety recommendations published by organizations such as the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board to better understand the types of risks that have been identified.  [1]

Cruise ships visiting U.S. ports participate in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program, which inspects potable water systems, food preparation areas, recreational water facilities, housekeeping, and medical facilities and assigns each ship a numerical score; inspection reports and scores are published for public review. Internationally, ships must also comply with requirements under the International Health Regulations and various maritime conventions that affect waste, water, and sanitation management. These frameworks are intended to reduce gastrointestinal illness and other health risks on board by enforcing standards for cleanliness, food safety, and outbreak response. 

Cruise ships can generate large volumes of sewage, graywater, hazardous wastes, solid waste, and air emissions, which may harm marine life and coastal water quality if not properly treated and discharged. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that federal and international rules, including MARPOL Annexes on sewage, garbage, and air pollution and U.S. Vessel Incidental Discharge Act standards, restrict how and where cruise ships may release wastes and require certain pollution‑control technologies. Some regions, such as Alaska, have additional permit programs that set even stricter limits on pollutants in cruise ship discharges to protect sensitive environments. 

Cruise ships that embark or disembark passengers in the United States are generally treated as public accommodations under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the U.S. Department of Transportation and Department of Justice share responsibility for enforcing accessibility requirements on passenger vessels. The U.S. Access Board has developed guidelines addressing features such as accessible routes, doors, cabins, and communication elements, which are intended to ensure that passengers with disabilities have reasonable access consistent with maritime safety. Passengers who believe they have experienced discrimination can file complaints with the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Department of Justice for investigation.  [2]

The U.S. Access Board’s passenger vessel accessibility guidelines cover a range of features, including accessible routes, boarding systems, doorways and maneuvering clearances, toilet and bathing facilities, and guest rooms with mobility and communication access. The guidelines also address elements such as signage, assistive listening systems in assembly areas, and visual and tactile alarms, with technical criteria intended to make these spaces usable by people with various disabilities while accommodating vessel safety and design constraints. These provisions inform accessibility standards that apply to many ferries, cruise ships, and other passenger vessels in U.S. service. 

Ocean cruises that embark or disembark passengers at U.S. ports are typically sold as “ocean transportation” subject to federal maritime law, and many such vessels must file evidence of financial responsibility with the Federal Maritime Commission to cover passenger claims for nonperformance, such as a canceled cruise. The Commission licenses and regulates passenger vessel operators that sell U.S. ocean cruises, provides information to help travelers understand their rights, and accepts complaints about issues such as refunds and deceptive advertising. Passengers can check the Federal Maritime Commission’s resources to verify a company’s status and learn what types of losses may be eligible for compensation. 

Government consumer advice suggests that travelers consider not only the base cruise fare but also additional expenses such as port taxes and fees, gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining, beverages, and transportation to and from the port when comparing offers. The Federal Trade Commission and other consumer agencies recommend reading contracts and price disclosures carefully, watching for mandatory service charges, and using written confirmations to verify what is included in the advertised price. Comparing total trip costs across several options and understanding cancellation and refund policies can help travelers avoid unexpected financial surprises.