Safeguarding American Tourism Act

The Safeguarding American Tourism Act exempts large cruise ships with 800 or more passenger berths from U.S. maritime laws requiring vessels operating between U.S. ports to be built, owned, and crewed by Americans. It also adjusts rules for foreign crew members, allowing them to remain temporarily in the U.S. for the duration of their visa without additional permits. This change directly affects major cruise lines operating domestic U.S. routes, such as those traveling between U.S. ports via foreign ports. The bill does not alter other legal requirements for these vessels beyond the specific exemptions listed.