Carnival Cruise Lines announced yesterday a $300 million program to enhance operating reliability. This follows a blistering March 14 letter from Sen. John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, that expressed deep concerns about safety. Carnival, at first, gave the impression it would not reimburse the government for certain costs related to the Coast Guard and Navy assistance to Carnival accidents. Carnival announced on 4/16 that it would voluntarily submit payments to reimburse the government. Carnival North America Inc. reported yesterday it spent $409,000 on lobbying during the first quarter of 2013 on emission control, cruise ship safety customs and border protection.

Cruise Lines International Association.
first quarter

There are only about 15 clients, such as the Cruise Lines International Association, that pay outside lobbying firms an amount of $300,000 or greater per quarter. Most companies and organizations do not rely on one lobbying firm, but spread the work among several firms in order to have wider and more diverse connections into Capitol Hill.