They must report the cases to the FBI and the Coast Guard. In the paper, it should ensure some transparency about the cruise ship crime data. However, many crimes on cruise ships go unnoticed. Most cruise lines only report the most severe offenses.

For context, U.S. Department of Transportation data shows that cruise ship crime rates have recently reached a two-year high. In the first quarter of 2025 alone (January 1–March 30), 48 alleged crimes were reported to the FBI. Among these crimes, 33 were sexual assaults on cruise ships.

Next up, data from April 01 to June 30, 2025, reported 43 alleged incidents of crime. These figures could be low. However, experts claim that the actual number of crimes on cruise ships is much higher and goes unreported.  

Jurisdiction, Security, and Response:

Passengers often ask, “Are there police on cruise ships?” The simple answer is no. Cruise ships have security personnel, but these are not police officers. Instead, cruise liners have private security personnel. So, they can’t apply universal law enforcement jurisdiction. They can only maintain order and conduct internal investigations. Also, they can restrain individuals until a proper law enforcement agency can take over.

However, the complexities double up when cruise ship crime happens in international waters. The jurisdiction of cruise ships comes under the ship’s flag state (the country where the ship is registered).

For example, a high-profile Norwegian cruise incident on a U.S. waterbody becomes complex. Typically, the passenger could seek claims under the Norwegian maritime law. But that’s just the surface. Only an expert maritime attorney can assess your case and prepare the documents to claim the compensation.

Guideline for Reporting Serious Crime:

Did you face a serious cruise ship crime? If so, report it immediately to the ship’s security team. Ensure that the report reaches the highest-ranking officer. If you are an American citizen, you should also contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. From there, you can contact the US police for further investigation.

Immediate Actions and Passenger Safety Tips:

As you see, crimes on cruise ships are on the rise. So, as a cruise ship passenger, you must follow the safety tips.

1. Master the Muster Drill: The muster drill is a mandatory safety briefing. It will brief you on the general safety guidelines. Here, you will learn the location of life vests and the evacuation route from your cabin.
2. Ensure Cabin Security: Always ensure that you lock the door when you are inside your cabin. Also, close and lock the latch of your door when you leave the cabin. Never open your door to strangers.
3. Secure Valuables in the Safe: Keep your passports, cash, expensive jewelry, and personal electronics inside the in-cabin safe. Don’t leave these items visible or unsecured.
4. Use the Buddy System: Travel with a trusted person when you explore the ship at night or go ashore in port. Don’t go to the isolated areas of the ship alone.
5. Practice Responsible Consumption: Alcohol is responsible for most accidents and poor decision-making at sea. So, don’t consume beyond your alcohol limit. Never leave your drinks unattended. If people offer you open or pre-poured drinks, politely refuse them.
6. Maintain Hygiene: Cruise ships are vulnerable to communicable illnesses like Norovirus. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom, before eating, and after touching high-contact public surfaces.
7. Be Aware of Railings and Edges: Never sit, lean, or climb on balcony, deck, or stair railings. It increases the risks of falling from cruise ships.