The Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2025 establishes comprehensive new consumer protections and safety requirements for cruise ship passengers traveling from U.S. ports. The bill creates a new Office of Maritime Consumer Protection within the Department of Transportation, eliminates pre-dispute arbitration clauses and class-action waivers in cruise contracts to allow passengers to sue in court, and requires cruise lines to provide clear contract summaries before purchase and maintain public databases of consumer complaints. The legislation also strengthens crime reporting by mandating that cruise ships notify the FBI within four hours of alleged crimes, expand video surveillance with longer footage retention, and establish a Director of Victim Support Services position with a 24-hour hotline to assist crime victims aboard vessels. Additionally, the bill sets vessel safety standards including improved railings and medical staffing, requires crew training in crime prevention and CPR certification, and grants the Department of Homeland Security authority to deny entry to U.S. ports for non-compliant cruise lines. An advisory committee will issue recommendations on additional passenger protections within one year, with implementation timelines varying across different provisions.
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