Cruise Lines fighting proposed change for foreign flagged ships
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has been lobbying the government concerning visas, security, reporting of crimes, onboard healthcare, sanitation practices and environmental issues. The group has expended $661,000 in their lobbying efforts during the first quarter of 2008.
Among the measures that the group is opposing is a proposed federal rule which will mandate that foreign registered ships remain at a foreign port for 48 hours between stops at U.S. ports. This measure is being considered in an effort increase the expenses of foreign flagged ships making them more competitive with U.S registered vessels.
CLIA has joined with other industry groups in fighting this proposal claiming that it will cause economic harm to California, Hawaii and other domestic ports.
CLIA has 24 member cruise lines including Disney, Carnival and Royal Caribbean.
