Consumer Group Calls for EU-wide Vessel Sanitation Program & Ships Safety Directive

It is almost 12 months since we called for an EU-wide Vessel Sanitation Program! Since September 2009, we have received 15 distinct reports of alleged holiday illness outbreaks on-board cruise ships; one ship has now featured on 6 separate occasions within our ’Call to Arms’! Holidaymakers are reporting a wide variety of problems on-board different cruise ships, within our full press release, we provide details of holiday illness and personal security complaints.

HolidayTravelWatch notes the sterling work of International Cruise Victims, which has campaigned tirelessly on behalf of those victims of ocean based crimes! We note the excellent article of the ICV representative in the UK, Mike Groves which highlights the principle issues affecting cruise passengers! They have successfully fought for the implementation of a law which will force cruise companies to provide information to cruise passengers on safety issues, crew training on criminal investigation, investigation of criminal offences and making reports to US Federal Authorities where criminal offences are committed on-board, under the pain of sanctions if they fail to do so!

Frank Brehany, the Consumer Director for HolidayTravelWatch states;

“I am deeply concerned that once again we are dealing with returning cruise passengers allegedly suffering from Norovirus! Last year I called for the implementation of an EU-wide Vessel Sanitation Program and nothing happened!”

He continues;

“I am also concerned that as cruising becomes more popular we will continue to see a rise in holiday illness complaints but also no doubt, complaints about harassment, assault or worse still, disappearance!”

He concludes;

“It is inevitable that as the push for sales of cruise holidays increase, so too must the complaints! The EU area must look at this issue as a matter of urgency! The time is now right for the EU Commission & Member States, to review entirely, the whole Consumer experience of cruising! Given the personal safety issues we have raised, I call for the implementation of a Ships Safety Directive which should also include a complete EU-wide Vessel Sanitation Program. The Ships Safety Directive should also mirror the important provisions passed in the US Senate this week, in order to secure personal safety on-board a cruise ship! Given the experiences of holidaymakers, doing nothing is no longer an option!”

Contact Information

Frank Brehany

Consumer Director

HolidayTravelWatch

Contact via E-mail