How Many Cruise Ships Are Registered In The Us

Most American travelers have multiple options when it comes to securing their rights if something goes wrong with a trip. You tin file complaints with consumer organizations and trade associations. Contact regulatory agencies and attorneys general. And even litigate through the court system (though the airline industry's "federal preemption" limits your rights via country and local judiciaries).

But when information technology comes to a cruise industry that does not fly American flags on its ships, addressing issues can exist more than daunting—and ofttimes unsatisfying.

Foreign flags, domestic issues

As I reported last year, only 1 major cruise ship—NCL America's Pride of America—is registered in the U.s., co-ordinate to data from CyberCruises.com. Most of the big boats wing Bahamian flags, only other popular registries include Panama, Bermuda, Italy, Malta and holland. In fact, co-ordinate to Cruise Lines International Association, 90% of commercial vessels calling on U.S. ports fly strange flags.

CLIA maintains there are reasons for such policies: "There are many factors that determine where a cruise ship—or for that affair, any maritime vessel—is flagged. Those determinations are fabricated by individual cruise lines and other ship operators based on varying factors including the capabilities of the flag to deliver the services needed; representation and reputation of the flag in the international shipping community; the performance of the flag state, which dictates how a transport is prioritized by port states; the pool of seafarers able to run across the needs of the flag; and the flag's fees/charges and taxes," the association said by email.

This tin be viewed equally a robust gratis-market debate. Some maintain burdensome U.S. regulations accept forced cruise operators to plant their flags elsewhere, while others say these corporations are seeking to attract American dollars while skirting American safety and consumer protection laws.

You can read a detailed assay of this debate from Caitlin Due east. Burke of the University of Florida, in her paper "A Qualitative Study of Victimization and Legal Bug Relevant to Cruise Ships." She notes the "flags of convenience" trend dates back to Prohibition: "Prowl lines take been circumventing U.S. statutes and regulations since as early every bit the 1920s." She also cites a legal journal report on ship registry practices: "Past opting to re-flag in a new nation, a vessel possessor becomes subject to the safety, labor and ecology codes of that nation. Thus, those nations whose open registries take become the most popular likewise tend to be those who possess the most lax labor, safety and environmental codes." Burke's summation is that "the legal rights and remedies of U.South. passengers are greatly inhibited."

This is a fact that even the Federal Maritime Committee acknowledges: "It is of import to know that the Commission has no authority over: passenger line vessel operations, safety issues, amenities onboard vessels or fare levels."

Asserting your rights

That said, y'all yet retain some basic consumer rights if you lot book through U.Southward.-based travel agencies or tour operators and/or use a U.Due south.-issued charge carte. But be warned that you may not be completely satisfied with dispute resolution, particularly if it involves vouchers for a hereafter sailing.

Linda Burbank, who writes this section's Traveler's Aide cavalcade, has frequently addressed readers' concerns almost cruising. She warns travelers seeking redress that "with cruise lines, refunds are rare; a credit is more likely."

CLIA asserts that, "U.S. consumers take all-encompassing legal remedies in the result they need to file a claim," but it notes that "for claims confronting cruise lines based in foreign nations and that offer cruises that do not stop at U.South. ports, foreign laws may apply and claims may exist resolved abroad."

If you need more information earlier making a booking decision, or guidance on a consumer problem, here'south a list of key resource that tin can provide assist:

• The Improve Business Agency has reviewed many cruise lines and cruise travel agencies, and those records tin be viewed online.
• The American Society of Travel Agents offers advice on filing and pursuing travel complaints, both during and after your trip. ASTA also offers specific tips on cruising with "How to Book and Board."
• The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a Notice to Cruise Passengers that details the part of the FMC.
• The Centers for Illness Control and Prevention's Vessel Sanitation Program provides advice for travelers and inspection scores of cruise ships.
• The U.S. Coast Guard's Cruise Ship National Middle of Expertise details all the relevant federal regulations. In addition, the USCG'south Marine Safety Centre provides oversight on ship safety "subject to U.Southward. laws."
• The Federal Merchandise Commission provides data on its investigations into cruise lines' trade practices.
• You too may want to consult the National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies.
• The leading travel insurance companies can offering assistance likewise. It's important to note if a cruise line y'all are considering booking is included on an insurance "blackness listing," since this could indicate serious concerns about fiscal stability or even rubber.
• Cruise Lines International Association provides historical perspective on the international maritime industry.
• For those pursuing justice for victims of crime onboard cruise ships, the International Cruise Victims Association provides a wealth of resource.
• British citizens take the added advantage of working through the U.K.-based Passenger Aircraft Association, which provides dispute conciliation service, provided the prowl line in question is a PSA member, though many major lines are covered.
• Finally, always remember to purchase travel with a accuse carte, for protection nether the Off-white Credit Billing Act, since it states "federal constabulary limits your responsibility for unauthorized charges to $50."

Let us know

Have you had difficulty in resolving a complaint confronting a cruise line? We'd similar to hear about information technology at travel@usatoday.com.

Neb McGee, a contributing editor to Consumer Reports and the sometime editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, is an FAA-licensed aircraft dispatcher who worked in airline operations and management for several years. Tell him what you lot recollect of his latest column past sending him an e-mail at USATODAY.com at travel@usatoday.com. Include your name, hometown and daytime telephone number, and he may utilize your feedback in a hereafter column.

How Many Cruise Ships Are Registered In The Us,

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2012/12/11/why-are-cruise-ships-registered-in-foreign-countries/1760759/#:~:text=As%20I%20reported%20last%20year,Italy%2C%20Malta%20and%20the%20Netherlands.

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