Rochester, N.Y.- It has been rough sailing for cruise liners.
Over the past few years, cruise ships have made headlines while stranded at sea due to equipment failure, leaving passengers without water, power and vulnerable to sickness.
On Sunday, New York Senator Chuck Schumer revealed the cruise ship “Bill of Rights.”
The proposal models the 2008 Airline Passenger Bill of Rights.
The bill would ensure passengers of cruise ships have sanitary conditions, backup power and medical staff.
“I think some of the things he's asking for are already in place,” Pam Wheatley with Pam’s Travel Magic said.
Wheatley believes rights protecting passengers are good, but she says this bill could be tough to enforce.
“Can you guarantee that a ship won't breakdown? No. Can you guarantee a car won't break down? No.” Wheatley said.
Our 13WHAM Facebook fan page lit up with responses.
Brian Richard wrote, "This is not something the government needs to be involved in. Spend the resources elsewhere.”
Lori Laine added, "People need to be aware that things can and will go wrong. The cruise line will try to make it up to you."
While some passengers say the bad press may never get them aboard a cruise ship, they believe the legislation could be a good thing.
“For people that spend an exorbitant amount of money and they expect to have a pleasurable time, I think those cruise lines should have that kind of protection or emergency policies for them,” traveler Stephon Donaldson said. “If they don't do it, somebody else has to do it.”
Until then, Wheatley said travel insurance is your best bet.
“Mechanical issues, let's say they cancel your cruise halfway through because something is wrong; with insurance, you are covered,” Wheatley said.
Wheatley said having travelers insurance may provide some comfort knowing you can get compensation if disaster strikes.
The proposal would apply for ships registered in foreign countries that serve Americans.
Senator Schumer is urging the state department to begin negotiations with those countries.
