As the world slowly returns to some semblance of normalcy amid the ongoing pandemic, many people are itching to set sail on their next vacation. However, with the recent surge in COVID-19 cases on some cruise ships, it’s more important than ever to ensure the safety and protection of passengers. That’s where the Cruise Passenger Protection Act comes in.
The Cruise Passenger Protection Act, which was introduced in Congress in 2019, seeks to establish minimum safety standards for cruise ships and provide greater transparency for consumers. Some of the key provisions of the bill include requiring cruise ships to have medical facilities and personnel on board to deal with emergencies, implementing stronger sanitation protocols to prevent the spread of illness, and requiring cruise lines to disclose crime statistics to the public.
While the bill has not yet been passed into law, it has garnered support from various consumer advocacy groups and lawmakers who believe that it is crucial to protect the millions of people who set sail on cruise ships each year.
The dangers of cruising are not new. Incidents of onboard illnesses, injuries, and even deaths have been reported for years. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how vulnerable cruise ship passengers can be to infectious diseases. In early 2020, several cruise ships were stranded at sea for weeks as passengers and crew members fell ill with COVID-19. Many of those aboard were left without adequate medical care, and some even died.
The Cruise Passenger Protection Act aims to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future by requiring cruise lines to take steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their passengers. While some may argue that these requirements will be costly for cruise lines, the truth is that they are necessary to protect the health and lives of those who choose to set sail on their ships.
As we look toward the future of cruising, it’s important to remember that safety should always be the top priority. The Cruise Passenger Protection Act is a step in the right direction toward achieving this goal, and it’s up to us as consumers to continue advocating for greater protections for all those who set sail on the high seas.