Anti discrimination cruise rules published

The first set of the federal rules prohibiting discriminatory practices against the disabled by any cruise ship operated in the US have been issued. This is the latest action in an ongoing process that stretches back to a Supreme Court ruling in 2005. The rules published last week address discriminatory practices; to come will be design guidelines for ships. Among the practices banned: charging more for accessible accommodations, refusing disabled people because they would make others uncomfortable and requiring advanced notice of a disability for a cruiser, unless they are traveling in a group of 10 or more people with disabilities. I personally like the striking down of the advanced notice requirement. It's a favorite of airlines around the world, and it has always rubbed me the wrong way. Seems to me it is as often used as a way to start throwing up obstacles, maybe in the hope of discouraging a passenger with disabilities, as much as it is used for actually accommodating someone. (Photo by Michelle Schafer vis morguefile.com)