Following some unfortunate accidents in recent months and resulting negative publicity, passenger ships and their crews will now adhere to a new, stricter set of rules. According to USA Today, the list, called the Passengers Bill of Rights, was recently created and adopted into practice by the Cruise Lines International Association.

The action isn’t quite as important as when George Washington presided over the adoption of the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights in 1791. However, it is a significant attempt to make cruising safer and more enjoyable for cruising passengers.

Among the rules are standards requiring all on-board crew members to be thoroughly trained in emergency and evacuation procedures. Cruise lines’ intentions to adhere to this practice have always been in effect. However, the many recent incidents of fire and injuries indicate there were crew failures in both training and response when emergencies required swift actions.

Other items included in the Passengers Bill of Rights refer to cruise lines’ financial responsibilities, adequate maintenance, accident prevention and quality communications between passengers, on-board crews and cruise line administrations. 

For complete listing and information, go to http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2013/05/23/cruise-passenger-bill-of-rights/2353979