The U.S. Department of Justice is asking a federal judge to approve its resolution of a lawsuit filed against Norwegian Cruise Line for violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Under the consent decree, Norwegian agreed to ensure that passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing get the auxiliary aids and services they need, such as a sign language interpreter or a written transcript of the emergency drill, to fully participate in the activities on the ship and while on shore excursions.
NCL also agreed to make sure that wheelchair-bound passengers get accessible bus transportation between the airport, cruise ship and hotels, and on shore excursions.
The lawsuit involved five deaf and four wheelchair-bound passengers who took cruises of the Hawaiian Islands.
“The ADA applies to cruise ships, just as it does to hotels and other entities that offer services to the public,” said Wifredo A. Ferrer, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Florida, in a news release.
NCL will pay $100,000 in damages to nine individuals with disabilities, and $40,000 in civil penalties to the U.S.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Norwegian Cruise Line settles ADA lawsuit
From South Florida Business Journal:
