Why are cruise ships registered outside the US?

Question

I've noticed that all cruise ship companies register their ships in like the Bahamas or Panama, etc. Why is that? And what does it exactly mean to when it's registered?

Answer 1

The main reason would be tax savings.  Also a US flagged ship would have to follow US labor laws.  The cruise lines employ foreign workers at pay much below US minimum wage and the working hours are longer than allowed by the US.

Answer 2

Tax purposes and safety   laws are more  relaxed.

Answer 3

tax purposes

Answer 4

Cheaper to get a license registry in those countries.

Answer 5

Idk, but maybe they are registerd in both the U.S. and all other countries w/ destinations that ships in their fleet travel 2. That way, they don't have 2 mess w/ all the hassles of foreign customs when entering international waters.