WWW.USDOJ.GOV

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE AGREES WITH JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

WASHINGTON, D.C. Norwegian Cruise Line Limited, one of the largest cruise line companies operating in the United States, will allow persons with visual impairments to travel on its ships under the same terms and conditions as all other passengers. The agreement is contained in a consent decree reached with the Justice Department and signed by federal judge James Lawrence King in Miami, Florida.

"People who are blind are competent to live and travel independently. Thanks to Norwegian Cruise Line, they will now be able to enjoy cruises on the same terms as everyone else," said Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Ralph F. Boyd, Jr.

The consent decree resolves a suit filed by the Justice Department under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) against the cruise line in January 2001 after the Department received complaints from three blind individuals. The individuals alleged that when they booked cruises on Norwegian ships, Norwegian imposed requirements on them because of their visual impairments that it did not impose on others. The complainants alleged that they were told that they had to have a sighted companion in their cabin, obtain a doctor's note stating that they were "fit for travel," and sign forms assuming financial liability for shipboard injuries.

One complainant, Stephen Gomes, claimed that he flew from Denver to Houston for a cruise he had booked but was left waiting on the pier while Norwegian considered whether to allow him on the ship. He alleged that he then was denied boarding because he was blind and traveling alone. Robert and Joy Stigile, a blind couple who had planned to honeymoon on the "Norwegian Wind," alleged that they were asked to sign a form requesting that they travel with a sighted companion in the same cabin. Norwegian denied these allegations, claiming that Mr. Gomes was denied boarding because of expected heavy weather, and that it ultimately withdrew the restrictions upon the Stigiles' travel.

After the lawsuit was filed, Norwegian changed its policies to allow persons with visual impairments to travel with no special terms and conditions. Under the consent decree, Norwegian Cruise Line will continue its new policies. Specifically, Norwegian Cruise Line will:

• not request or require any person with a visual impairment to travel with, or share a cabin with, a sighted companion;

• not request or require any person with a visual impairment to obtain a medical note prior to traveling;

• not request or require any person with a visual impairment to assume liability for risks associated with traveling on a cruise ship, unless such request or requirement is made to all persons;

• designate an employee to deal with and address all matters related to the ADA;

• implement ADA training for Norwegian employees;

• pay Mr. Gomes and the Stigiles a total of $42,500;

• pay $22,500 to the United States.

"With this agreement, Norwegian Cruise Line has joined other leaders in the travel industry in making access for people who are blind a priority," added Boyd. "We are pleased that Norwegian has taken these steps voluntarily, and we urge others to do the same."

Title III of the ADA prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities by public accommodations and private entities offering specified public transportation. It requires that public accommodations offer their programs and services in a manner that does not discriminate against people with disabilities. The Justice Department may bring lawsuits to enforce Title III seeking as relief injunctive remedies, monetary damages for complainants, and civil penalties.