Where Are Carnival Ships Registered?

The Norwegian Epic arrives at the Port of Miami in 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line stands alone in registering one ship -- Pride of America -- in the U.S. All other major cruise ships across lines are registered elsewhere.

Most American travelers have multiple options when information technology comes to securing their rights if something goes wrong with a trip. Yous tin can file complaints with consumer organizations and merchandise 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).

Just when it comes to a prowl industry that does non fly American flags on its ships, addressing problems can exist more than daunting—and frequently unsatisfying.

Foreign flags, domestic problems

As I reported last year, only 1 major cruise ship—NCL America's Pride of America—is registered in the U.s.a., according to data from CyberCruises.com. Near of the big boats fly Bahamian flags, but other pop registries include Panama, Bermuda, Italian republic, Republic of malta and the Netherlands. In fact, co-ordinate to Prowl Lines International Clan, 90% of commercial vessels calling on U.S. ports wing foreign flags.

CLIA maintains at that place are reasons for such policies: "There are many factors that decide where a cruise ship—or for that matter, any maritime vessel—is flagged. Those determinations are made by private cruise lines and other send 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 aircraft community; the performance of the flag state, which dictates how a send is prioritized by port states; the puddle of seafarers able to meet the needs of the flag; and the flag's fees/charges and taxes," the clan said by e-mail.

This can exist viewed every bit a robust free-market place debate. Some maintain burdensome U.S. regulations accept forced cruise operators to institute their flags elsewhere, while others say these corporations are seeking to attract American dollars while skirting American rubber and consumer protection laws.

You can read a detailed analysis of this fence from Caitlin Due east. Shush of the University of Florida, in her newspaper "A Qualitative Study of Victimization and Legal Issues Relevant to Prowl Ships." She notes the "flags of convenience" trend dates back to Prohibition: "Prowl lines accept been circumventing U.S. statutes and regulations since every bit early every bit the 1920s." She also cites a legal journal report on ship registry practices: "By opting to re-flag in a new nation, a vessel owner becomes discipline to the prophylactic, labor and environmental codes of that nation. Thus, those nations whose open registries have become the most popular also tend to be those who possess the near lax labor, condom 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 Commission acknowledges: "It is important to know that the Commission has no authority over: passenger line vessel operations, prophylactic issues, civilities onboard vessels or fare levels."

Asserting your rights

That said, you nonetheless retain some bones consumer rights if you volume through U.Due south.-based travel agencies or bout operators and/or apply a U.Due south.-issued charge card. Merely be warned that y'all may not be completely satisfied with dispute resolution, peculiarly if it involves vouchers for a futurity sailing.

Linda Burbank, who writes this department's Traveler's Aide column, has often addressed readers' concerns about cruising. She warns travelers seeking redress that "with cruise lines, refunds are rare; a credit is more than likely."

CLIA asserts that, "U.S. consumers have extensive legal remedies in the outcome they need to file a merits," only it notes that "for claims confronting cruise lines based in strange nations and that offering cruises that do not finish at U.S. ports, foreign laws may utilise and claims may be resolved abroad."

If you need more than data earlier making a booking decision, or guidance on a consumer trouble, here'southward a list of fundamental resources that can provide aid:

The Better Business Bureau 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 later your trip. ASTA too offers specific tips on cruising with "How to Book and Lath."
The Federal Maritime Commission has issued a Discover to Cruise Passengers that details the function of the FMC.
The Centers for Affliction Control and Prevention'southward Vessel Sanitation Program provides advice for travelers and inspection scores of prowl ships.
The U.S. Coast Baby-sit's Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise details all the relevant federal regulations. In addition, the USCG's Marine Safety Center provides oversight on send safety "subject to U.South. laws."
The Federal Merchandise Commission provides information on its investigations into cruise lines' merchandise practices.
You also may desire to consult the National Association of Cruise Oriented Agencies.
The leading travel insurance companies can offer aid also. It'southward important to note if a cruise line yous are considering booking is included on an insurance "blackness listing," since this could point serious concerns about fiscal stability or fifty-fifty safety.
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 Prowl Victims Association provides a wealth of resource.
British citizens have the added advantage of working through the U.Yard.-based Rider Aircraft Association, which provides dispute conciliation service, provided the cruise line in question is a PSA fellow member, though many major lines are covered.
Finally, ever remember to purchase travel with a charge bill of fare, for protection nether the Fair Credit Billing Human activity, since it states "federal constabulary limits your responsibleness for unauthorized charges to $l."

Permit united states of america know

Take y'all had difficulty in resolving a complaint confronting a cruise line? We'd like to hear about it at travel@usatoday.com.

Beak McGee, a contributing editor to Consumer Reports and the onetime 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 think of his latest column by sending him an e-post at USATODAY.com at travel@usatoday.com. Include your name, hometown and daytime phone number, and he may use your feedback in a future column.