What consumer protections exist for cruise passengers departing California?

What the Law Says

California’s Cruise Passenger Protection Act (AB 2460) establishes baseline consumer protections for passengers boarding cruises from California ports.

The law applies to any cruise line that departs from a California port and carries 250 or more passengers. It requires cruise lines to provide written disclosures before booking — including itinerary changes, cancellation policies, medical emergency procedures, and contact information for U.S. Coast Guard and CDC reporting.

AB 2460 bans cruise contracts from containing unconscionable terms — such as waivers of liability for negligence, restrictions on legal venue that unfairly disadvantage California residents, or clauses that deny passengers the right to sue in California courts.

Cruise lines must also maintain an emergency response plan compliant with federal standards and make it available to passengers upon request. If a cruise is canceled by the operator, passengers are entitled to a full 100% refund or rebooking at no extra cost.

Statutory Text

A cruise line shall not include in a contract for passage any provision that waives, limits, or disclaims liability for injury or death caused by the negligence of the cruise line.

— Cruise Passenger Protection Act, AB 2460, s. 3 — Prohibited contract terms

Statutory Text

If a cruise line cancels a scheduled voyage, the cruise line shall provide a full refund of all amounts paid by the passenger for that voyage.

— Cruise Passenger Protection Act, AB 2460, s. 4 — Cancellation and refunds

Statutory Text

A cruise line shall disclose in writing, prior to purchase, all material terms including but not limited to: itinerary change policy, medical emergency response, and contact information for federal reporting agencies.

— Cruise Passenger Protection Act, AB 2460, s. 2 — Disclosure requirements

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