Crime aboard cruise ships has reached a two-year high, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. From January 1 to March 30, 2025, 48 crimes were reported, including 23 rapes, 10 sexual assaults, and 7 assaults. Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer, highlighted that cruise lines often downplay such incidents to avoid negative publicity, which can harm the industry’s reputation and deter tourists. He noted the high density of passengers and the influence of alcohol contribute to increased crime rates. Recent incidents, such as the arrest of two illegal immigrants for molesting a minor on a Royal Caribbean cruise and a violent brawl on Carnival Cruise Line, have further raised concerns. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the crimes, vowing to deport the perpetrators, while Carnival Cruise Line banned 24 passengers from sailing after the altercation.
Crime aboard cruise ships has reached a two-year high, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation. From January 1 to March 30, 2025, 48 crimes were reported, including 23 rapes, 10 sexual assaults, and 7 assaults. Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer, highlighted that cruise lines often downplay such incidents to avoid negative publicity, which can harm the industry’s reputation and deter tourists. He noted the high density of passengers and the influence of alcohol contribute to increased crime rates.
Recent incidents, such as the arrest of two illegal immigrants for molesting a minor on a Royal Caribbean cruise and a violent brawl on Carnival Cruise Line, have further raised concerns. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem condemned the crimes, vowing to deport the perpetrators, while Carnival Cruise Line banned 24 passengers from sailing after the altercation. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office reported that the two accused individuals forced the minor to touch them, with one also compelling the victim to perform a sex act. The victim, a 14-year-old boy, claimed he witnessed the incident in the ship’s sauna. Noem’s statement on X emphasized the department’s commitment to removing such individuals from the country.
The recent brawl on Carnival Cruise Line, captured on social media, showed passengers pushing through crowds in the Port of Galveston, Texas, with visible punches and kicks. Carnival Cruise Line placed 24 passengers on a ‘do not sail list,’ prohibiting them from future voyages. The spokesperson for Carnival denied tolerating violence, stating the matter was handed to law enforcement. While Fox News Digital sought comments from both Carnival and Royal Caribbean, they have not responded as of now. McDonald’s insights suggest that the cruise industry must address these issues to regain traveler confidence and maintain its economic standing.