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

Cruise ships theoretically follow guidelines set forth by the International Maritime Organization and the recommendations in the Safety of Life at Sea.

CNN: What cruise lines don't want you to know

But the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations organization, does not have the authority to enforce its own guidelines, nor can it impose fines or criminal sanctions against cruise lines that flout Safety of Life at Sea recommendations.

CNN: What cruise lines don't want you to know

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)