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Going on a cruise vacation is on many Americans’ bucket lists. Multiple destinations and diverse onboard activities make a cruise an immensely popular vacation choice. But the massive cruise industry has its share of problems. From sneaky cruise scams that threaten to spoil vacations to popular destinations that increase taxes to curb overtourism, planning a cruise vacation isn’t all peaches and cream.

However, some of the industry’s more serious challenges go far beyond scams or overtourism. Unfortunately, reported crime on board cruise ships has been on the rise for the last few years. The trend reached an all-time high by the end of 2025, driven by an alarming multi-year surge in sexual offenses.

While the first quarter of 2026 (January to March) showed a slight decline in the total number of reported crimes on board cruise ships compared to the same period last year, the combined number of sexual assaults and rapes increased. Several factors contribute to this unfortunate trend, and cruisers must take precautions when on their cruise vacation.

The Rise In Reported Cases Of Sexual Assault And Rape On Cruise Ships

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) regularly publish data showing alleged crimes on cruise ships. In the first quarter of 2026, the FBI received reports of 43 crimes on board cruise ships, five fewer than in 2025 during the same period. Despite this slight total drop, the combined number of reported cases of sexual assaults and rapes increased from 33 to 37.

FBI Data On Reported Sexual Crimes On Cruise Ships

The above data reveals that in 2025, 33 out of 48 (68%) crimes were sexual in nature, while in 2026, the figure rose to 37 out of 43 (86%). This means the share of reported crimes involving sexual offenses increased by more than 17 percentage points, from 68% in 2025 to 86% in 2026, an alarming statistic.

This data is from FBI investigations and therefore only represents U.S.-based cruise ships and companies, while also excluding non-U.S. victims. However, the nature of this crime is not a uniquely American problem and exists across the world. With a lack of comprehensive global data, the FBI data provides an insight into the scale of the problem.

Some Cruise Lines Struggle With Sexual Crimes More Than Others

While the nature of sexual crimes isn’t discriminatory based on cruise companies, some cruise lines seem to be struggling with more reported cases than others. Q1 of 2026 has seen a surge in three cruise lines, while there has been a reduction of these cases in some others.

FBI Data On Reported Sexual Crimes Per Cruise Line

While Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises were able to reduce sexual crimes aboard their cruise ships significantly, Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line unfortunately saw huge surges.

The Alcohol Factor

Spencer Aronfeld, a personal injury lawyer based in Miami, Florida, says these numbers may be underreported, as cruise lines themselves decide what gets reported. He analyzed the Department of Transportation’s quarterly crime statistics, specifically comparing Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises. Aronfeld attributes the high numbers of quarterly sexual offenses to prepaid drink packages and a lack of independent law enforcement on board.

Aronfeld says, “My professional insights on contributing factors [for the increase in reported crime] like larger ship sizes, understaffed security, and prepaid drink packages that may lead to overconsumption and increased crime.“

Large cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, may log the highest numbers of cases because they carry millions more passengers than other, smaller or premium lines. Law experts also point out that cruise lines that focus marketing communication on prepaid, all-inclusive alcohol packages experience higher fluctuations in violence and sexual crimes due to pockets of extreme overconsumption.

Why Sexual Crimes Are Increasing On Cruise Ships

Data released by the DOT reveals that reported sex crimes aboard cruise ships in 2026 are up from 2025, which was higher than in 2023. Sexual assault and rape remain the most frequently reported serious crimes at sea. Besides heavy alcohol consumption, other factors contribute to these disturbing statistics. A surge in overall passenger volume, lack of legal authority on board, jurisdiction gaps, and other systemic issues all play a part in leading to the increased numbers.

Record-Breaking Passenger Volume

An unprecedented post-pandemic boom of travelers on cruise ships has sent global passenger volumes sky-high. The increase in absolute numbers of criminal incidents is directly proportional to the increase in the number of travelers.

No Law Enforcement Or Legal Authority

There is no independent police department patrolling the premises of a cruise ship, even though many of the large vessels carry enough passengers that could fill a small town. Security is usually privately employed by the cruise line, and the FBI steps in only after the ship docks and only when a U.S. citizen is involved.

Jurisdiction And Accountability

Many commercial cruise ships are registered in foreign countries such as the Bahamas, Panama, etc., to bypass strict U.S. regulations and labor laws. Crime in international waters complicates legal jurisdiction, and prosecution faces difficulty across international lines.

False Sense Of Security

Statistically, one-third of all cruise sexual assault victims are minors, and the vast majority of incidents occur inside private guest cabins rather than in public areas. Passengers are known to fall prey to a false sense of security and leave their cabin doors unlocked, allow strangers into their private quarters, or permit underage children to wander the ship completely unattended.

While none of these behaviors justify an assault, the fact remains that these are statistically true. The responsibility of prevention must lie within, even as the accountability of assault lies with perpetrators.

Travelers planning to go on cruises must develop and follow a strict personal security plan focused on awareness of alcohol, cabin boundaries, and emergency reporting.

How Does One Stay Safe On A Cruise Ship?

With this alarming trend in sexual crimes on board cruise ships, how does one stay safe? There is a whole range of tips and suggestions online, particularly for cruise ships, with some being more extreme than others.

However, some of the tips shared should be considered.

• Lock your cabin door.
• Always stay in charge of your drink.
• Check corridors before entering.
• Avoid poorly lit or isolated decks.
• Avoid anyone else’s cabin.
• Always stay alert of your surroundings.
• Check peephole before opening your door.

If any unfortunate incident does happen on board, most ships have security guards to whom you can report crimes. If it’s a sexual assault or rape, it’s best to go to the on-board doctor to request a rape kit before you get a shower and document any physical injuries or discrepancies.

You should also report it to the onboard security with as much detail as possible. You can insist that the scene of the crime be secured until law enforcement officials arrive from the shore, and you can report it to both the FBI and the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is not advisable to depend solely on the cruise line to report their version to the FBI.