Jun 8, 2025
Complaints of crimes and missing person reports on cruises that dock at U.S. ports have surged in recent years, fueling what one security expert calls a “dark cloud” over an industry eager to protect its reputation.
Department of Transportation figures show 48 alleged incidents between Jan. 1 and March 30 of this year: 23 reports of rape, 10 of other forms of sexual assault, seven of physical assault and seven of theft greater than $10,000. One missing U.S. national was also reported.
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There were also 47 alleged incidents in each of the first and third quarters of 2024, 50 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 55 in the second quarter of 2023.
“All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry,” Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service agent and lecturer on criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Fox News in a story published May 15. Cruise lines “want [passengers] to be comfortable spending their money.”
A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association told Fox News that “crime is extremely rare on cruise ships” thanks to strict security vetting and training that "make cruise[s] one of the safest holiday options.”
Are cruise ships more prone to crime?
A mixture of large groups of people, alcohol and the sense of freedom that comes with being on vacation can create an environment that’s more prone to illicit activity, says McDonald.
“Anytime we get together, those numbers are going to go up, whether that’s at a resort, whether it’s on a cruise ship,” he said.
Among recent reports:
On March 21, two men in their 30s were arrested, accused of raping a 14-year-old boy in a sauna aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, reports the Miami Herald. Both men were charged with sexual battery of a minor, exposing themselves to a minor and molestation of a child aged 12 to 16. One man faced an additional charge of not informing another person in a sexual act of his HIV status.
“We take these allegations very seriously and immediately notified local law enforcement,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told the Herald.
A month later, dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers were banned after video of a brawl at a Galveston, Texas, terminal emerged on social media showing people kicking and punching one another as they disembarked, according to Fox News. Carnival told the news outlet the matter was referred to law enforcement, and stressed that the company “will not tolerate such behavior.”
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How to protect yourself while on a cruise
While reports of alleged crime on the high seas may be elevated, some experts insist cruises remain a safe way to travel. If you choose to cruise, you can be proactive and make sure you understand the laws that can help keep you safe.
Know the laws for your ship
Jurisdiction on cruise ships is a constantly moving target that can change after a vessel moves away from shore. Within 12 nautical miles of the coast, the coastal nation’s criminal code typically applies; beyond 12 miles, the ship falls under the law of the country whose flag it flies. Maritime laws may also apply. Before you sail, make sure you understand which laws and regulations will apply during your trip.
Research cruise line safety records
Statistics for reports of alleged crimes of major cruise operators appear in quarterly Department of Transportation reports, and the CDC publishes sanitation scores for each ship. This can help you decide which cruise line and which ship you're comfortable sailing on.
If you see something, say something
Cruise ships have internal emergency systems, including dedicated phone lines. Report suspicious behaviour immediately.
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Danielle is a personal finance writer based in Ohio. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love.
