FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CR
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2001
(202) 514-2007
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
TDD (202) 514-1888
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SUES NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES FOR
DISCRIMINATING AGAINST BLIND TRAVELERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. . The Justice Department today sued Norwegian Cruise Lines for allegedly turning away a blind man from one of its cruise ships and causing another newlywed couple, who are blind, to change their honeymoon plans.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Miami, stems from two investigations that the Justice Department launched after receiving complaints about the separate incidents. The suit alleges that the cruise line discriminated against people who are blind, in violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In the first incident, the Justice Department alleges that Norwegian denied passage on one of its cruise ships to Stephen Gomes, who is blind. Mr. Gomes booked a seven-day cruise through the Caribbean with Norwegian and traveled from his home in Denver, Colorado, to Houston, Texas, to board the ship. When he arrived at the port, the ship's doctor informed him that he would not be allowed to board.
The doctor explained that since he was blind and would be traveling alone, he would be at risk of injuring himself. The cruise line later confirmed in writing that Mr. Gomes was refused permission to board because he is blind and he was traveling without an assistant.
In the second incident, the Justice Department alleges that Norwegian discriminated against Robert Stigile and Joy Cardinet, two individuals who are blind, who had planned to spend their honeymoon on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship. After they paid the deposit, the cruise line sent them forms to sign.
The forms would have required the couple to acknowledge that because they were blind they were at special risk of injuring themselves and would have to waive any potential future claims against the cruise line. The forms suggested that they consult with their doctor to determine if they are competent to travel and that they purchase travel insurance. Another document suggested that they travel with a passenger who does not have vision impairments. Robert and Joy objected to the forms. Ultimately, the two made other plans for their honeymoon, and lost their deposit.
"People with vision impairments should not be set adrift in society. These incidents are blatant examples of discrimination against people who are blind, furthered by policies based on outdated stereotypes about people with vision impairments," said Bill Lann Lee, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. "We need to recognize that people who are blind are competent to live independently, to travel independently, and to be effective employees and participants in our communities."
The complaint seeks a federal court order requiring Norwegian Cruise Lines to change its policies and practices, educate its employees about the need to accommodate people with disabilities, compensate Mr. Gomes and Mr. and Mrs. Stigile, and pay a civil penalty. The Justice Department has attempted to negotiate a settlement with Norwegian Cruise Lines, but to date has received no response to a settlement offer.
Title III of the ADA requires places of public accommodation to offer their programs and services in a manner that does not discriminate against people with disabilities. People interested in finding out more about the ADA or today's agreement can call the toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD), or access the ADA home page at: http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm.
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