Are Cruise Ship Crimes Being Concealed From the Public?

On Board Sexual Assaults Continue to Be the Most Commonly Reported Crimes in the Cruise Industry

In 2023, approximately 31.7 million passengers went on cruises worldwide, according to Cruise Lines International Association. This number is expected to grow to around 35 million passengers by the end of 2024. Clearly, the allure of cruise vacations captivates millions, promising adventure and relaxation on the high seas.

However, beneath the surface of this idyllic escape lies a troubling concern: Are cruise ship crimes being concealed from the public? As incidents of attacks, assaults, and other criminal activities aboard these floating cities come to light, questions arise about transparency and accountability within the cruise industry. This blog delves into the murky waters of cruise ship crime reporting, exploring whether passengers are being kept in the dark about the true risks they may face.

As a law firm, we have been successfully handling cruise ship rape and sexual assault civil cases since 1971. We have successfully handled hundreds of rape and sexual assault matters.  With our unique experience and perspective, we often say that, in our opinion, there is a hidden epidemic of rapes and sexual assaults going on aboard cruise ships. Importantly, all of the points made in this article are strictly the opinion of the law firm.

Why Are Cruise Ship Crimes Being Concealed?

To make matters worse, in our opinion, cruise ship crimes are often concealed from the public due to a combination of factors, including the desire to protect the reputation and profitability of the cruise industry, the complex jurisdictional issues that arise when crimes occur in international waters, and the lack of comprehensive regulatory oversight. We far too frequently hear stories of victims who talk about how the cruise line security staff encourage them to NOT report the rape or sexual assault. As such, in our opinion, there is a significant likelihood that cruise ship crimes are being concealed and/or underreported.

Sadly, cruise lines too often prioritize their image and customer confidence, leading to underreporting or inadequate disclosure of incidents. Additionally, the international nature of maritime travel complicates law enforcement and reporting, as different countries may have varying legal standards and procedures.

These factors collectively contribute to the lack of transparency surrounding crimes on cruise ships, leaving passengers and the public with limited, and perhaps inaccurate,information about potential risks.

Understanding the True Prevalence of Cruise Ship Crimes and Sexual Assault

Cruise ships have unfortunately become hotspots for various crimes, including sexual assault. The confined environment, combined with heavy drinking and the transient nature of passengers and crew, creates a uniquely dangerous setting where such crimes can occur. In 2023, the FBI received 52 reports of sexual assault and 79 reports of rape from passengers. Several major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney Cruise Line, were included in the 2023 statistics. Carnival Cruise line ships, in particular, had the highest number of reported sexual assaults among these companies.

Sadly, onboard sexual assaults continue to be the most commonly reported crimes in the cruise industry. Despite these alarming crime statistics, many incidents go unreported by cruise passengers due to fear, stigma, improper pressure from the cruise line, or lack of proper channels for cruise ship assault victims to seek help. Not knowing the true number of sexual assaults that occur on cruise ships further complicates the issue, making it difficult to grasp the full extent of the problem.

Victims of sex crimes often feel isolated and unsure of where to turn for support, especially in the confined and transient environment of cruise ships. Additionally, the cruise lines’ focus on maintaining a positive image can lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, further discouraging victims of sexual violence from coming forward. As a result, the true prevalence of sexual assaults on cruise ships remains hidden, leaving many victims without the justice and support they deserve.

Lack of Proper Disclosure to the U.S. Public

One of the most concerning aspects of cruise ship assaults is the lack of proper disclosure to the public.

Cruise lines are mandated to report certain crimes to U.S. authorities, but as noted above there is still likely significant underreporting. This lack of transparency prevents potential passengers from making informed decisions and undermines the safety of those on board. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) was enacted to address these issues, but compliance remains inconsistent. One of our partners, Michael Winkleman, told USA TODAY that these kinds of crimes are more common than travelers may realize. “I think the general cruising public is just not aware of the prevalence of rapes and sexual assaults on cruise ships,” he said.

This underreporting is exacerbated by the cruise industry’s focus on maintaining a positive image, often at the expense of transparency and passenger safety. As a result, victims may feel isolated and unsupported, further discouraging them from coming forward and seeking justice.

We Offer Comprehensive Legal Support to Victims of Cruise Ship Sexual Assaults

Our team offers comprehensive legal services for victims of cruise ship assaults and cruise ship accidents. We provide aggressive representation for victims of sexual assault, ensuring their rights are protected and they receive the compensation they deserve. Our firm advocates for all victims of cruise ship crimes, including rape, sexual assault, physical assault, and wrongful death. We work tirelessly to hold cruise lines accountable for their negligence and failure to provide a safe environment for passengers and crew.

Compassionate, Experienced Representation for Sexual Assault Victims

Proper legal representation is crucial for victims of cruise ship sexual assault. Our award-winning maritime crime lawyers have the legal knowledge and experience you need to recover maximum compensation for your damages. We are uniquely prepared to help victims of sexual assault on cruise ships navigate these challenging times. Here’s why we stand out:

Experience: With more than 50 years of experience handling maritime cases, our attorneys have the knowledge and skills to handle complex cruise ship crime cases. Our extensive background in maritime law allows us to navigate the intricacies of these cases effectively, ensuring that every legal avenue is explored.

Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully represented literally thousands of clients, securing significant settlements and verdicts. We have a history of holding cruise lines accountable and achieving favorable outcomes for our clients, which speaks to our dedication and expertise.

Dedicated Advocacy: We are committed to advocating for our clients’ rights and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve. Our attorneys are relentless in their pursuit of justice, working tirelessly to build strong cases and fight for maximum compensation.

Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation to the resolution of the case, we provide unwavering support and guidance to our clients. We understand the emotional and physical toll that cruise ship crimes can take, and we are here to offer compassionate and comprehensive legal support every step of the way.

If You’ve Been the Victim of Sexual Assault on a Cruise Ship, Contact Our Team Immediately

Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. first opened its doors in 1971. Since then, we have grown our law firm to include seven office locations across the United States with 16 full-time maritime and cruise ship accident attorneys. Collectively, we have over 200 years of legal experience and have successfully recovered more than $400 million for our clients in the 50-plus years we have been in business.

We have handled more than 3,000 cases and are proud to report that four of our maritime attorneys were named to “Best Lawyers” ®, “Lawyer of the Year” ® in Admiralty and Maritime (Miami), and Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. was named one of the “Best Law Firms” ® in America by US News & World Report every year since 2016. Our high success rates make us uniquely qualified to help victims of cruise ship sexual assaults demand the compensation they are owed.

We have appeared on over 100 respected news programs across the country as experts in maritime injury and cruise ship accident laws. Our founder, Charles Lipcon, is known for his representation in landmark cruise ship accident claims that have changed the way the country litigates maritime cases. Although you may feel overwhelmed at the thought of going up against an international cruise line, we are here to help you navigate the claims process and ensure negligent parties are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

If you or a loved one needs legal help for cruise ship crimes, we are here to offer you the legal guidance and support you deserve. Contact us today or call our office at 877–233–1238 for a confidential and free consultation and connect with a reputable maritime attorney who can help you seek justice.