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Cruise Service Issues
Compensation for Cruise Line Cancellation; Death or Injury During Voyage
Additional Resources
Service Request Form
Notices



Cruise Service Issues


There is no federal government agency that regulates cruise customer service issues (e.g. itinerary changes, passenger cancellations, cabin concerns, etc.). Moreover, the Commission has limited jurisdiction over cruise lines (pursuant to 46 U.S.C. §§ 44102 – 44103) that embark passengers at locations in the U.S.:



The Commission cannot order a cruise line to cancel a voyage or to stop operating due to the outbreak of a disease, such as coronavirus.



The Commission cannot order a cruise line to make a refund to a passenger when a passenger decides not to travel.



Passengers should always carefully read their ticket contract, which states the cruise line’s obligations with respect to cancelled cruises and changes in itinerary.The Commission’s Office of Consumer Affairs & Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) assists passengers that boarded a passenger vessel at a U.S. port and purchased their ticket directly from the cruise line. CADRS assistance in these matters is a voluntary process. The Commission does not have statutory authority to compel cruise lines to take any particular action to address complaints.



Individuals seeking the assistance of CADRS should provide the following information: a brief description of the complaint; the booking confirmation; copy of the ticket contract and insurance policy; any correspondence the complainant has had with the cruise line; and your contact information. When requesting assistance, please complete the appropriate form, add any supporting documentation, and submit it to complaints@fmc.gov.



Dispute Resolution Service Request – Cruise (FMC-32) [PDF, 436 KB]For those seeking assistance for passengers embarking a cruise at an international location, please see the “International Travel” section of the Department of State’s website:



https://travel.state.gov



https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/emergencies.html



Information published by the federal government in response to Coronavirus-19 can be found at:



www.usa.gov/coronavirus



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 in the event of nonperformance or for death or injury on a voyage. 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 nonperformance 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.



Additional Resources


There are multiple government agencies that have jurisdiction over cruise safety and security concerns:



Guidance for Cruise Passengers (Department of Transportation)



Cruise Line Incident Reporting Statistics (Department of Transportation)



Travel Documentation (Department of Homeland Security)



Cruise Ship Passengers (Department of State)



Obtaining a Passport (Department of State)







The **Centers for Disease Control (CDC)** regulates health and sanitary conditions onboard cruise vessels:



Outbreak Updates for International Cruise Ships



Cruise Vessel Inspection Scores







The **U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)** maintains information on safety regulations.



Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise



Service Request Form


When requesting assistance, please complete the appropriate form, add any supporting documentation, and submit it to complaints@fmc.gov.



Dispute Resolution Service Request – Cruise (FMC-32) [PDF, 436 KB]



Notices


February 22, 2024

Notice to Passengers Regarding American Queen Voyages

Posted February 22, 2024 The Federal Maritime Commission has been informed that American Queen Voyages has shut down, cancelled all future voyages, and has filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United...

Categories:Cruise Notices,News Articles,Public NoticesJuly 5, 2023

Notice to Passengers Regarding Vantage Travel Services, Inc.

The Federal Maritime Commission (Commission) is aware that Vantage Travel Services, Inc. (Vantage) has filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. The bankruptcy petition has been assigned...

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