Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj Season 4 Episode 4 The Real Cost of Cruises

The Real Cost of Cruises is the fourth episode of the fourth season of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj. In this episode, Hasan Minhaj takes a deep dive into the cruise industry and exposes some of the hidden costs associated with taking a cruise vacation.

Minhaj begins by acknowledging the popularity of cruises across generations and cultures, citing that millions of people take cruises every year. However, he points out that the industry has a dark side when it comes to the environment, labor practices, and consumer safety.

He highlights the environmental impact of cruise ships, which emit large amounts of pollution into the air and dump waste into the oceans. Minhaj explains that many cruise ships rely on older and dirtier engines, making them some of the most polluting forms of transportation. He also discusses the practice of dumping garbage and waste into the ocean, which can harm marine life and damage ecosystems.

The show also examines labor practices within the cruise industry. Minhaj notes that many cruise ship workers are from developing countries and are often paid low wages for long hours. He showcases interviews with former cruise ship employees who discuss their experiences working on ships, revealing that there are significant concerns about working conditions, pay, and safety.

Additionally, Minhaj delves into issues around consumer safety, discussing the high profile cases of illnesses like norovirus and COVID-19 on cruise ships. He highlights the difficulties of containing outbreaks on ships and the impact they can have on the health of passengers and crew members.

Throughout the episode, Minhaj interviews experts and former cruise industry employees to reveal the true costs of cruises. He also shares personal stories of his own experiences on cruises and the ways that the industry has obscured its practices through marketing campaigns and PR efforts.

In the end, Minhaj argues that consumers must be aware of the hidden costs associated with their cruise vacations, and that the industry must be held accountable for its impact on the environment, labor practices, and consumer safety. The Real Cost of Cruises is a thought-provoking and informative episode that sheds light on an industry that often goes unquestioned.