New ADA Rules Proposed for Cruise Ships

In a move that could result in a change in the way physically challenged people travel, the Department of Transportation has submitted a formal proposal to address "policies and conditions relating to transportation of passengers with disabilities." This proposal does not deal at all with physical structures, architectural barriers or the operation of cruise vessels; those issues are being handled elsewhere. Instead, it addresses how those with physical challenges are treated as individuals by the cruise lines and how, by implementing ADA rules, that treatment must change.

The DOT's proposal is broad, with the goal of eliminating any discrimination in the handling of special-needs guests. Some of the issues it addresses are:

• A guest with special needs would no longer have to identify himself or herself by registering with a "Special Care" desk at a cruise line prior to traveling.
• A cruise line could not demand that a guest travel with a companion or attendant if he or she felt that one was not needed; if the cruise line determined that one was needed, it would have to provide one or allow free passage for an attendant chosen by the guest.
• Assistive devices -- such as electric wheelchairs and scooters -- as well as service animals are to be allowed without question.
• Guests with disabilities are not be forced to sign a waiver of liability as a condition of passage.
• The reservation process and all information will be fully available to deaf and blind passengers.
• No accommodation or assistance will carry a charge higher than that which an able-bodied person would pay.

Again, the physical structures, barriers and architecture will be addressed by the U.S. Access Board at a later time; the current proposal simply deals with matters relating to discrimination.

At this point, these proposals are under review and subject to comments from the cruise lines, the ICCL and individuals until April 23, 2007. You can read the entire filing by going to dms.dot.gov, entering docket number 26829, and then clicking on the .pdf file on the right-hand side.