Cruise ship crime has reached a two-year high, according to recent data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, raising alarms within the travel industry. From January 1, 2025, to March 30, 2025, a total of 48 incidents of crime were reported onboard cruise ships, with 23 cases of rape, 10 sexual assaults, and seven assaults. These statistics have sparked concerns about the safety of travelers and the reputation of the cruise industry.
Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, has voiced his concerns over the impact of these crimes on the industry’s image. McDonald, who has previously coordinated security for various high-profile dignitaries, stated that the prevalence of crime aboard cruise ships negatively affects the industry, deterring potential tourists and harming its financial prospects. He noted that the confined nature of cruise ships, combined with the presence of alcohol and the relaxed environment, creates an environment ripe for criminal activity.
The most recent incident involves two illegal immigrants who were arrested after allegedly molesting a minor while onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship departing from Miami. Jose Prudencio Diaz, 36, and Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, 37, were charged with child molestation and exhibition following the incident on the Independence of the Seas ship. The victim, a 14-year-old boy, reported that he was in the ship’s sauna when Diaz and Leal began masturbating in front of him. According to records from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the perpetrators forced the victim to touch them, with Leal also allegedly compelling the minor to perform a sex act.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has condemned these actions, stating in a post on X: ‘We WILL get these sickos out of our country.’ The incident has further heightened concerns about the safety of cruise ship passengers, particularly minors. Additionally, a recent brawl on a Carnival Cruise Line vessel has brought another layer of scrutiny to the industry. The altercation, captured on video and posted to social media, showed dozens of passengers engaged in a violent confrontation at the Port of Galveston, Texas.
Carnival Cruise Line responded by placing 24 passengers on a ‘do not sail list,’ prohibiting them from boarding any of the company’s ships. The company’s spokesperson emphasized their stance against violence, stating that the matter was handed over to law enforcement. These incidents have led to increased calls for improved security measures on cruise ships, as the industry faces mounting pressure to ensure the safety of its passengers. As the situation continues to unfold, the cruise industry must address these concerns to maintain its reputation and financial stability.