Cruise Ship Crimes Reach Two-Year High in US Waters

Crime rates on U.S. cruise ships have reached a two-year high with 48 alleged incidents reported to the FBI between January and March 2025, including 23 rapes, 10 sexual assaults, seven assaults, and seven thefts over $10,000. Experts like Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service agent and criminal justice lecturer, warn that these crimes cast a "dark cloud" over the cruise industry, which may deter passengers and negatively impact travelers' comfort and spending. McDonald explained that large groups in confined spaces combined with alcohol consumption can increase the likelihood of criminal acts, a phenomenon seen in other crowded events as well. Some incidents, such as a violent brawl aboard a Carnival cruise and the arrest of two individuals for molestation on a Royal Caribbean ship, have drawn social media attention. Despite these concerns, industry experts note the importance of context, emphasizing that millions of passengers cruise annually and that numbers may have been impacted by COVID restrictions in prior years. Still, vigilance is advised for all cruise travelers as the industry experiences record passenger numbers amidst these crime reports.