Schumer Pushing For Cruise "Bill Of Rights"
By: WROC-TV
Updated: March 18, 2013
Senator Charles Schumer wants the cruise ship industry to adopt a so-called "Bill of Rights" for passengers.
The push comes as Carnival Legend made its way back to Tampa, Florida Sunday. It is the latest cruise ship problem for Carnival, this time trouble with the propulsion system kept the ship from completing its stops. Schumer's plan would guarantee sanitary conditions, backup power and medical staff in case of emergencies. He says this would be much like the passenger Bill of Rights used for the airline industry.
"Any traveler can tell you, it can be scary to watch the shore drift away as you're hundreds of miles out to sea. But to be out at sea without access to a doctor, electricity, toilet facilities, that's unconscionable," Schumer said.
Schumer says the Bill of Rights would include every cruise ship having a backup generator in case of a power failure.
The push comes as Carnival Legend made its way back to Tampa, Florida Sunday. It is the latest cruise ship problem for Carnival, this time trouble with the propulsion system kept the ship from completing its stops. Schumer's plan would guarantee sanitary conditions, backup power and medical staff in case of emergencies. He says this would be much like the passenger Bill of Rights used for the airline industry.
"Any traveler can tell you, it can be scary to watch the shore drift away as you're hundreds of miles out to sea. But to be out at sea without access to a doctor, electricity, toilet facilities, that's unconscionable," Schumer said.
Schumer says the Bill of Rights would include every cruise ship having a backup generator in case of a power failure.
