Bill McGee, special for USA TODAY

Most American travelers have multiple options when it comes to securing their rights if something goes wrong with a trip. You can file complaints with consumer organizations and trade associations. Contact regulatory agencies and attorneys general. And even litigate through the court system (though the airline industry's "federal preemption" limits your rights via state and local judiciaries).

But when it comes to a cruise industry that does not fly American flags on its ships, addressing problems can be more daunting—and often unsatisfying.

Foreign flags, domestic problems

As I reported last year, only one major cruise ship—NCL America's Pride of America—is registered in the United States, according to data from CyberCruises.com. Most of the big boats fly Bahamian flags, but other popular registries include Panama, Bermuda, Italy, Malta and the Netherlands. In fact, according to Cruise Lines International Association, 90% of commercial vessels calling on U.S. ports fly foreign flags.

CLIA maintains there are reasons for such policies: "There are many factors that determine where a cruise ship—or for that matter, any maritime vessel—is flagged. Those determinations are made by individual cruise lines and other ship operators based on varying factors including the capabilities of the flag to deliver the services needed; representation and reputation of the flag in the international shipping community; the performance of the flag state, which dictates how a ship is prioritized by port states; the pool of seafarers able to meet the needs of the flag; and the flag's fees/charges and taxes," the association said by e-mail.

This can be viewed as a robust free-market debate. Some maintain burdensome U.S. regulations have forced cruise operators to plant their flags elsewhere, while others say these corporations are seeking to attract American dollars while skirting American safety and consumer protection laws.

You can read a detailed analysis of this debate from Caitlin E. Burke of the University of Florida, in her paper "A Qualitative Study of Victimization and Legal Issues Relevant to Cruise Ships." She notes the "flags of convenience" trend dates back to Prohibition: "Cruise lines have been circumventing U.S. statutes and regulations since as early as the 1920s." She also cites a legal journal report on ship registry practices: "By opting to re-flag in a new nation, a vessel owner becomes subject to the safety, labor and environmental codes of that nation. Thus, those nations whose open registries have become the most popular also tend to be those who possess the most lax labor, safety and environmental codes." Burke's summation is that "the legal rights and remedies of U.S. passengers are greatly inhibited."

This is a fact that even the Federal Maritime Commission acknowledges: "It is important to know that the Commission has no authority over: passenger line vessel operations, safety issues, amenities onboard vessels or fare levels."

Asserting your rights

That said, you still retain some basic consumer rights if you book through U.S.-based travel agencies or tour operators and/or use a U.S.-issued charge card. But be warned that you may not be completely satisfied with dispute resolution, particularly if it involves vouchers for a future sailing.

Linda Burbank, who writes this section's Traveler's Aide column, has often addressed readers' concerns about cruising. She warns travelers seeking redress that "with cruise lines, refunds are rare; a credit is more likely."

CLIA asserts that, "U.S. consumers have extensive legal remedies in the event they need to file a claim," but it notes that "for claims against cruise lines based in foreign nations and that offer cruises that do not stop at U.S. ports, foreign laws may apply and claims may be resolved abroad."

If you need more information before making a booking decision, or guidance on a consumer problem, here's a list of key resources that can provide assistance:

Let us know

Have you had difficulty in resolving a complaint against a cruise line? We'd like to hear about it at travel@usatoday.com.

Bill McGee, a contributing editor to Consumer Reports and the former editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, is an FAA-licensed aircraft dispatcher who worked in airline operations and management for several years. Tell him what you think of his latest column by sending him an e-mail at USATODAY.com at travel@usatoday.com. Include your name, hometown and daytime phone number, and he may use your feedback in a future column.