American Cruise Lines Commits to Enhanced Wheelchair Accessibility Following ADA Settlement

American Cruise Lines, a prominent provider of domestic river and coastal cruises throughout the United States, has reached a settlement with the United States Attorney’s Office to make its fleet and itineraries more accessible to wheelchair users. This agreement follows six complaints received by the U.S. Department of Justice alleging that the cruise line’s ships were not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities who use wheelchairs.

Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, where American Cruise Lines is based, announced the settlement. As part of the agreement, the cruise line has 18 months to develop and implement a comprehensive remediation plan.

Alexa Paolella, a spokeswoman for American Cruise Lines, stated that the company has worked closely with the government to accommodate all guests onboard and will continue these efforts. The complaints highlighted issues with accessibility on the ships, safety concerns during embarkation and disembarkation processes, and the lack of wheelchair-accessible ground transportation during shore excursions. These issues were identified as violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which aims to protect people with disabilities from discrimination.

Under the terms of the settlement, American Cruise Lines will enhance the wheelchair accessibility of all 17 of its vessels. The company will also implement new standards and policies to improve access during cruises. Key measures include establishing an accessible website, appointing an ADA compliance officer, adopting ADA-compliant staff trainings, creating accessible reservation procedures, and offering portable communication devices for deaf passengers in emergencies.

This cooperative effort with the U.S. Attorney’s Office allows American Cruise Lines to make these significant changes without litigation. Avery emphasized the importance of businesses under the ADA to serve a diverse customer base, including on cruise ships, and commended American Cruise Lines for its commitment to increasing access for individuals with physical disabilities and mobility challenges.

This settlement marks a significant step towards enhancing accessibility in the cruise industry, ensuring that American Cruise Lines’ services are inclusive and enjoyable for all passengers, regardless of their physical abilities.