The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut reached a settlement agreement with American Cruise Lines, Inc., to resolve complaints alleging the passenger vessels were not accessible for wheelchair users. The six complaints alleged American Cruise Lines, who owns and operates 17 passenger vessels, failed to provide cruise ships that were fully accessible for passengers who use wheelchairs, failed to have safe embarkation and disembarkation procedures for wheelchair users, and failed to provide wheelchair-accessible ground transportation for shore excursions. 

Under the settlement agreement, the company must increase accessibility on all ships and implement accessibility standards and policies to provide greater access during the cruises. The agreement requires the company to submit a comprehensive remediation plan to improve accessibility within 18 months, which the U.S. Attorney’s Office will review and approve before renovations begin. The agreement also requires American Cruise Lines to provide safe and accessible boarding and disembarking procedures, staff training, and implement publicly available accessibility request and reservation procedures.