The popularity of cruise ship vacations has soared since the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry expects a record level of activity in 2025, and locally, the Port of New Orleans anticipates its own record high of 1.3 million cruise passengers in 2024, up from 1.2 million in 2023.
Many people look forward to relaxing in the sun, shore excursions, and endless food, drinks, and entertainment. However, along with the increased industry trends, the prevalence of rape and sexual assault on cruise ships has gone up as well.
Sexual Assault Is the Most Reported Crime on Cruise Ships
Sexual assault tops the list of reported crimes on cruise ships, and the numbers continue to rise. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, allegations of sexual assault on cruise ships rose to 131 in 2023, up from 87 the year before and 101 in 2019, before the industry shut down due to COVID-19.
In 2023, Carnival Cruise Line reported the most instances of sexual assault and rape with 45, followed by Royal Caribbean with 26 incidents, and Disney Cruises with 19 incidents. Alarmingly, one-third of victims are minors; together with young adults, they comprise the majority of sexual assault victims on cruise voyages. As alarming, incidents of sexual assault and rape aboard cruise ships are believed to be significantly underreported.
What Contributes to High Rates of Sexual Assault on Cruise Ships?
A few factors contribute to the high rates of cruise ship rape and sexual assault. One factor is the lack of security and independent law enforcement on cruise ships; most sexual assaults take place in private passenger cabins where there is little to no security or surveillance, letting predators commit their crimes with a low risk of being caught.
Another contributing factor is the excessive alcohol people consume while sailing. On cruise ships, bartenders primarily rely on tips from selling alcoholic drinks rather than a fixed salary, a compensation structure that incentivizes them to push alcoholic drinks over non-alcoholic beverages, further exacerbating an already dangerous culture of heavy drinking. This excessive alcoholic consumption aboard cruise ships fuels the heightened risk of sexual assault incidents.
When crew members sexually assault passengers or other employees, improper vetting during the hiring process may also be a cause of high rates of cruise ship sexual assault. Cruise employers can have inadequate background checks and vetting procedures, resulting in heightened safety threats. Also, cruise lines often employ individuals from countries with differing levels of legal and regulatory oversight, allowing individuals with histories of sexual misconduct or violence to be hired without sufficient scrutiny.
What Should You Do if You Are Sexually Assaulted on a Cruise Ship?
Victims of sexual assault on cruise ships should first preserve evidence of their attacks (such as all clothing and bedding), immediately report the assault to cruise security personnel, and seek medical attention for any injuries. It is critical to avoid showering, changing clothes, or cleaning the area where the sexual assault occurred to ensure the preservation of evidence.
DNA evidence can be the most important evidence collected after a sexual assault. Victims should ask for a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam to collect DNA evidence that may help prosecute the perpetrator and hold them liable in a civil suit. Under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010), passengers have the right to a sexual assault forensic exam while onboard.
Next, victims should contact the FBI and U.S. Coast Guard to report the crime and seek advice on how to proceed. The FBI and local law enforcement should meet the ship upon its arrival at port. Survivors can also report sexual assault to the Department of Transportation by filing an incident report of criminal activity.
Victims should also collect the names of all individuals involved, including the perpetrator, cruise ship security staff, crew members, medical providers, investigating officers, passengers in neighboring cabins, and other key witnesses.
Although the criminal act is over, victims of sexual assault should continue to seek medical care for physical injuries and psychological trauma. There are several organizations like Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), Sexual Trauma Awareness and Response (STAR), and Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault (LaFASA) with confidential 24/7 hotlines and other sexual trauma response resources.
Lastly, victims or someone on their behalf should contact a law firm specializing in admiralty and maritime law(which governs incidents that occur on navigable waters, including acts on cruise ships) and attorneys experienced in handling cruise ship rape and sexual assault claims.
Seeking Justice for Survivors of Cruise Ship Sexual Assault
The lawyers at Lamothe Law Firm vigorously pursue justice for survivors of cruise ship sexual assault. Our combination of courtroom experience, success in representing sexual assault survivors, and a deep understanding of trauma-informed legal representation makes us the go-to firm for those harmed in cruise ship crimes.
If you or someone you love was sexually assaulted on a cruise ship, contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We will help protect your rights and treat you with the compassion and sensitivity you deserve.