ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that a full restructuring of the legal and regulatory systems that apply to cruise on an international level would be the best solution to bring a level playing field to the industry. The cruise industry's economic influence gives it power that not many other members of the leisure industry hold. The cruise industry faces enormous challenges on land and sea to comply with a growing set of regulations. Nations such as Sweden and the United States are in the vanguard of a process that will need to transpire around the world. Special maritime environmental regulations that respond specifically to cruise line impacts on coastal ecosystems will be required and should be considered for ports and vulnerable seas across the board. The industry offers recreation and entertainment services in a package at prices superior to any other part of the leisure industry. New ships and larger ships are essential to this strategy.
