Cruise Passenger Assistance
Compensation for Cruise Line Cancellation; Death or Injury during Voyage
FMC requires cruise lines to have a bond or other financial surety available to refund passenger deposits if the cruise line fails to provide a scheduled cruise (performance) or for death or injury on a voyage (casualty). This requirement applies to cruise lines that embark from a U.S. port and have at least 50 berth accommodations.
The company that issues the bond or other financial surety processes claims made for cruise cancellation or death or injury. For more information on the FMC’s financial responsibility requirements or to obtain information on filing a claim please contact the Bureau of Licensing and Certification.
Cruise Service Disputes
There is no federal government agency that regulates cruise customer service issues (e.g. itinerary changes, passenger cancellations, cabin concerns, etc.). The Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs & Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS), however, assists consumers and cruise lines by offering free alternative dispute resolution services. To request assistance, please contact CADRS.
Additional Resources
Cruise Vacations: Know Before You Go Brochure
There are multiple government agencies that have jurisdiction over cruise safety and security concerns:
Guidance for Cruise Passengers (Department of Transportation)
Travel Documentation (Department of Homeland Security)
Obtaining a Passport (Department of State)
Visa Requirements (Department of State)
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regulates health and sanitary conditions onboard cruise vessels:
Sanitary Conditions and Preventing Illness Onboard Cruise Vessels
Outbreak Updates for International Cruise Ships
Cruise Vessel Inspection Scores
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) maintains information on safety regulations and crime statistics.
Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise
Cruise Line Incident Reporting Statistics
Related News
Sep 26, 2013
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Millennium
Celebrity Cruises has notified the Commission that its vessel, Celebrity Millennium experienced issues with its propulsion engine that interrupted two sailings in August and required the cancelation of its August 23, 30 and September 6 and 13, 2013 sailings. The ship is expected to return to service with the September 22, 2013 sailing.
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May 30, 2013
Royal Caribbean International’s GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS
Royal Caribbean International has notified the Commission that due to the fire that it experienced this weekend, the company has cancelled the next six sailings. of the Royal Caribbean International’s GRANDEUR OF THE SEAS. The ship is expected to return to service with the July 12 sailing.
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Feb 20, 2013
Carnival Cruise Line Alert - Carnival Triumph Cancellations
The Federal Maritime Commission has been in regular contact with Carnival Cruise Lines (Carnival) over the past several days. Carnival has notified the Commission that it will cancel several cruises in light of an engine room fire that occurred aboard the passenger vessel CARNIVAL TRIUMPH earlier this month.
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