Passenger Vessel Easing: End of Coastal Shipping Restrictions
This legal act removes existing restrictions for passenger vessels sailing between U.S. ports, even if they call at foreign ports along the way. This means more ships, including foreign-flagged ones, will be able to transport passengers along U.S. coasts, potentially affecting the availability and pricing of cruises. These changes could increase competition in the cruise market.
Key points
Repeal of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), opening the market for foreign passenger vessels on domestic routes.
Relaxation of ownership and crew requirements for passenger vessels operating between U.S. ports, potentially lowering operational costs.
Potential increase in the number of available cruises and lower prices for consumers traveling by passenger vessel in the U.S.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_2537
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Process start date: 2025-07-30