The Alarming Rise in Sexual Assault Reports on Cruise Ships

Sexual safety on cruise ships is a topic every traveler deserves to know about. Here’s what the latest federal data shows — and what it means for you.

Reported Sex Crimes on Cruise Ships Are Rising

New data from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that reported sexual crimes on cruise ships went up in 2025. There were 131 total sex crimes reported on ships leaving or arriving at U.S. ports. That number includes 51 sexual assaults and 80 rapes.

This is an increase from 120 reported cases in 2024. It matches 2023 levels, which also saw 131 reported incidents. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 101 reported cases in 2019 and 87 in 2022.

The Real Numbers May Be Much Higher

Experts warn that these figures likely don’t show the full picture. According to RAINN, only 1 in 3 sexual assault victims ever reports the crime to law enforcement. That means the actual number of incidents on cruise ships could be far greater than what gets recorded.

Maritime attorney Michael Winkleman shared this concern back in 2022. “I think the general cruising public is just not aware of the prevalence of rapes and sexual assaults on cruise ships,” he said. He pointed to alcohol and the absence of independent police on board as factors that can make ships more vulnerable to these crimes.

What the Cruise Industry Says

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) pushes back on the idea that cruising is unsafe. The trade group told USA TODAY: “Cruise lines have maintained an exceptional safety record, making cruising one of the safest ways to travel.”

CLIA also noted that “crime is extremely rare on cruise ships… as a result of comprehensive security measures, hiring protocols, and training.” The group pointed out that cruise lines are required to publicly report crime statistics — something that most other travel industries don’t do. That transparency can make cruise numbers seem high compared to other vacation types that don’t report at all.

Cruise Travel Is More Popular Than Ever

These numbers come at a time when cruising is booming. In 2024, about 34.6 million people took ocean cruises worldwide. That’s up from 31.7 million in 2023 and just 20.4 million in 2022. CLIA projected that 37.7 million passengers would sail in 2025.

More passengers on the water means more opportunities for both positive and negative experiences. It’s worth keeping that growth in mind when looking at crime numbers year over year.

It’s Never the Victim’s Fault

One point that experts agree on: victims are never to blame. Erinn Robinson, former media relations director at RAINN, made this clear. “Regardless of the circumstance of an instance of sexual violence, only the perpetrator is responsible,” she said.

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, help is available. You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org/online for free, confidential support.

How to Stay Safer on a Cruise

Knowing the risks helps you make smarter choices while traveling. Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night or in less-crowded areas of the ship.
• Watch your alcohol intake. Alcohol is a factor in many on-board incidents.
• Travel with trusted companions and check in with each other regularly.
• Know how to report an incident. Cruise ships have their own security teams. You can also contact the FBI, which has jurisdiction over crimes on ships in international waters.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, remove yourself from the situation and find help.

Cruising remains a popular and largely enjoyable way to see the world. But being informed and prepared makes any trip safer — and that’s always worth talking about.