These treaties are known as SOLAS. SOLAS stands for the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

FORBES: Read This Before Your Next Cruise

Separate from CLIA are government bodies in the U.S. like the CDC, which operates the Vessel Sanitation Program, and the U.S. Coast Guard, which oversees safety inspections and ensures compliance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.

CNN: Cruise safety one year after Concordia

Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, known as SOLAS, there are many mandated standards for ship operators, but critics -- including U.S. lawmakers -- point to the fact that there are also many codes, guidelines and recommendations that are voluntary.

CNN: July 8, 2012 -- Updated 1911 GMT (0311 HKT)