10 Million Cruise Passengers May Change Travel Plans With Fed Proposal

February 10, 2008 10:36 a.m. EST

Miami, FL (AHN) - The Cruise Lines International Association warns that about 10 million cruise travelers and vacationers in the United States stand to have their cruises re-scheduled or canceled unless a federal proposal is lifted.

The federal proposal by the Homeland Security's customs and border protection agency is a new interpretation of an old maritime law that prevents any other line from offering Hawaii cruises. The change intended for the Hawaii market, however, would have a nationwide impact and give cruise lines less options.

An 1886 maritime law requires foreign registered ships to call on at least to one foreign port for 48 hours if they stop at two U.S. ports. For example, Hawaii-bound cruise ships coming from San Diego or Los Angeles have to stop in Ensenada, Mexico, before heading west across the Pacific.

Critics say the change stalls millions of dollars in revenues and port improvements in the U.S., as more time in foreign ports would mean less in the U.S. and fewer tourists to spend money in U.S. cities.

The American Association of Port Authorities said money spent on cruise facilities would be put to waste if the federal government changes the rules.