Passenger rights and safety were the main issues covered at the July 24 cruise industry hearing conducted by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, chaired by Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller (D-W.Va.). Rockefeller is introducing a bill that would give the Department of Transportation a role in overseeing cruising, similar to its role with aviation.
Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, and Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines, testified before the committee on recent fires aboard Carnival Triumph and Grandeur of the Seas, and on the steps the industry is taking to address concerns about the safety and comfort of passengers and reporting alleged crimes, including the CLIA Bill of Rights.
In a surprise move, Goldstein announced that the “Big Three” — Royal, Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line — have agreed to voluntarily go beyond the legal requirement and post on their websites all reported alleged crimes aboard their ships, going back to 2010.
