How Cruise Ships Keep Passengers Safe Without Police

Cruising is one of the most popular vacation choices for Americans — but like any trip, it helps to know what to do if something goes wrong at sea.

Do Cruise Ships Have Security?

Yes, cruise ships have security teams that work around the clock. These teams handle everything from minor incidents to serious crimes. The industry’s top trade group, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), confirms that safety is a top concern.

“Crime is extremely rare on cruise ships, and the safety and security of guests and crew is always the top priority,” CLIA told USA TODAY. “Cruise lines take allegations of crime seriously, support guests and crew, and work closely with law enforcement to report, investigate, and support prosecution where appropriate.”

Many cruise security guards come from law enforcement or military backgrounds. Maritime attorney Michael Winkleman of Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. says, “In my experience, these are qualified individuals.” That said, they are not the same as calling the police back home.

Winkleman puts it plainly. Security guards “are basically employees of the cruise line that are hired to live and work on those ships for months at a time. So, the fact that there is no independent law enforcement is actually a really big deal, because you can’t go to the cops, you can’t go to the firefighters. You are at the mercy of employees of the cruise ship to keep you safe.”

Who’s in Charge on a Cruise Ship?

The ship’s captain holds the highest authority on board. Winkleman describes the captain as the “single highest authority on the ship, and that applies anywhere and everywhere” on the vessel. Even if outside law enforcement boards the ship after a crime, the captain still leads the ship itself.

Who Should You Contact If a Crime Happens on Board?

If you witness or experience a crime, contact onboard security or another crew member right away. Most cruise lines provide contact info for key crew members and safety resources. Your stateroom phone is a quick and easy way to reach help — much like a hotel room phone.

Winkleman suggests that guest services is often your best starting point. “Contacting guest services is likely your best avenue,” he says. You can call them or walk up to their desk in person.

However, Winkleman has found that many ships are understaffed when it comes to security. “I think there are situations where people need help and they either have trouble finding it or have to wait a long darn while to find it, and that’s a problem,” he said. CLIA notes that cruise lines do not share staffing numbers publicly, but they adjust security levels based on ship size, itinerary, and other factors.

Can Troublemakers Be Locked Up on a Cruise Ship?

Yes. Security guards can detain passengers who cause problems, like fighting. Ships have brigs — basically onboard jails — where someone may be held. They could also be confined to their cabin until the ship reaches port. Once the ship docks, Winkleman says, “they are turned over to shoreside authorities.”

What Happens When a Crime Occurs on a Cruise?

A federal law called the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act sets safety rules for ships that depart from or arrive in U.S. ports. These rules include video surveillance and evidence preservation training. Cruise lines must also report serious crimes — like homicide, sexual assault, and kidnapping — to law enforcement.

If something serious happens to you, Winkleman strongly advises contacting the FBI yourself. “I do think it’s important to get in touch on your own with the FBI to make sure that the FBI is involved as quickly and as early as possible,” he said. “Cruise lines are actually required to facilitate you making that call to the FBI.”

If you are no longer on the ship, you can contact local police and the FBI by phone or through the FBI’s website. The FBI’s ability to investigate depends on a few key factors.

• Where the ship was located when the crime happened
• What country the ship is registered (flagged) in
• Whether a U.S. citizen was involved

The FBI explains it this way on its website: “Generally, the U.S. has jurisdiction over crimes committed on a ship if the crime occurs within the maritime jurisdiction of the United States and the vessel is owned, in whole or in part, by a U.S. person or company.” The agency adds that it also has jurisdiction “over crimes committed by or against a U.S. national on board a foreign vessel if the [crime] occurs during a voyage having a scheduled departure from or arrival in the U.S.”

If the crime happens near another country’s waters, that nation’s authorities may also get involved. Ships also have cameras nearly everywhere on board. Winkleman notes that cruise ships “have CCTV cameras all over the place, so they are really able to do a pretty incredible job of piecing together what’s happened.”

How Common Is Sexual Assault on Cruise Ships?

This is a topic worth knowing about before you sail. Reports of sexual assault on cruise ships increased in 2025. According to U.S. Department of Transportation data, there were 131 reported sex crimes on ships sailing to or from U.S. ports last year. That’s up from 120 in 2024. The 2025 total included 51 sexual assaults and 80 rapes.

For comparison, 2023 saw the same total — 131 sex crime reports — with 52 sexual assaults and 79 rapes. In 2022, there were 87 reported cases, and 101 were reported in 2019 before the pandemic shut down cruising.

Keep in mind that the real numbers could be higher. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), only 1 in 3 sexual assault victims ever reports the crime to law enforcement.

It’s also worth noting that cruise ship travel is growing fast. In 2025, 37.2 million passengers took ocean cruises worldwide, up from 34.6 million the year before. CLIA expects that number to climb to 38.3 million in 2026. More passengers naturally means more incidents are possible — context that matters when looking at the numbers.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence, RAINN makes one thing very clear. As former RAINN media director Erinn Robinson told USA TODAY: “Regardless of the circumstance of an instance of sexual violence, only the perpetrator is responsible.”

Key Takeaways for Cruise Passengers

Here’s a quick summary of what every cruise traveler should keep in mind:

• Cruise ships have 24/7 security teams, but they work for the cruise line — not an independent agency.
• If something goes wrong, contact onboard security or guest services right away.
• For serious crimes, you have the right to contact the FBI directly — and the cruise line must help you do so.
• U.S. law may apply to crimes on cruises, depending on location and ship registration.
• Sexual assault remains underreported everywhere, including at sea.

Knowing your rights and your options before you board is one of the best ways to stay safe and feel prepared on your next cruise vacation.