A congressman and congresswoman in California have introduced proposed legislation which will provide rights to cruise passengers.

Congressman John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove CA) has introduced a bill designed to protect cruise consumers following repeated poor treatment of passengers on cruises this year. Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacremento) co-sponsored the bill.

The proposed new law is called the "Cruise Vessel Consumer Confidence Act." If enacted, it will grant authority to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to investigate unfair and deceptive practices by the cruise lines. The FMC can impose a maximum civil penalty of $25,000 per violation. 

The bill also requires the cruise lines to disclose complaints of crimes, incidents of overboard passengers, and gastro-intestinal illness outbreaks prior to the cruise.  

Congressman Garamendi issued a press release stating: “Reviewing the many horror stories from cruise ships in recent years, it is clear that proper oversight of the industry and consumer protections for passengers are desperately lacking. At times, it is the Wild West on the high seas . . . Consumer protection requires tough and fair regulations that hold industries accountable and responsible.”

You can read about the proposed new cruise law here.