# Summary of H.R. 9312: Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2024
This bill establishes comprehensive consumer protections and safety requirements for cruise ship passengers, primarily focusing on U.S. citizens traveling on cruise vessels carrying at least 250 passengers. The legislation creates a new Office of Maritime Consumer Protection within the Department of Transportation, which will develop clear contract summaries highlighting key terms, establish a consumer complaint hotline and website, and investigate passenger grievances regarding cancellations, baggage, refunds, and deceptive advertising. Cruise lines must provide these summaries to prospective passengers within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
The bill prohibits cruise lines from using pre-dispute arbitration clauses and class action waivers in passenger contracts, allowing arbitration only if parties agree after a dispute arises. It also establishes a director of victim support services who will provide immediate assistance to passengers who are victims of crimes onboard, including mental health services, counseling, and coordination with law enforcement. The legislation requires cruise operators to enhance security measures by maintaining video surveillance for one year (up from 20 days), installing technology to detect overboard passengers, and establishing procedures to limit crew access to passenger staterooms.
Additionally, the bill mandates stronger crime reporting procedures, requiring vessel operators to notify the FBI within four hours of learning about serious crimes, and creates an advisory committee to recommend consumer protection improvements. Penalties for noncompliance include civil fines up to $25,000 per day and criminal penalties up to $250,000 or one year imprisonment. The bill applies to cruise ships embarking or disembarking passengers in U.S. ports but exempts federal and state-operated vessels.
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