Are American cruise ships governed by American laws no matter where it is?

Question

Are American cruise ships governed by American laws no matter where it is?

Answer 1

Not necessarily, I believe most ships dock where the U.S. has ports, however, you are governed by maritime laws or the laws that govern a particular body of water and it's borders (this is usually applicable in International waters). And yes, pirates do exist.

Answer 2

Most ships are registered in foreign countries, generally Caribbean countries, and are subject to the laws in those countries.  Many American laws still apply, however, even after leaving American waters.

Answer 3

ok the rules really do change in internatinal waters ecpect for carival they follow US rules stricktly for ex these guys are the only crusie ship that you have to be 21 to drink wtf when every other line is 18

Answer 4

There basically are no American ships.  Only NCL's Pride of America, Majestic America Line's ships, and a few small ones are American flagged.

RCI, Carnival, Princess, etc. are all foreign-flagged.  But since they come to the US, they are subject to CERTAIN laws, particularly public health inspections and Coast Guard safety regulations.  Here's an article on government regulation of foreign vessels:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/in...

That said, in general they uphold US laws like requiring people to be 21 to drink, absolutely no drugs, etc.

Answer 5

They go by where the ships home port is...so basically Yes, even though the ships cruise in international waters the laws are that of its home port...