Addressing the long shadow of assaults, voyeurism, and other safety challenges faced by Florida cruising passengers.
Fla. News Network — The $42.3 billion cruise industry projects carrying over 31.5 million passengers in 2024, but behind the sleek marketing of exotic destinations and luxury amenities lies a concerning pattern of security incidents that raises questions about passenger safety. While major cruise lines conduct background checks on employees, the international nature of staffing creates verification challenges. A 2023 GAO report identified significant gaps in screening processes, particularly for contractors and temporary hires in foreign ports.
Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that major cruise lines reported 137 serious criminal incidents in 2023, including:
- 101 sexual assault cases
- 13 physical assaults
- 11 instances of theft over $10,000
- 12 cases of suspicious deaths or missing persons
As the cruise industry continues to grow in popularity, concerns about safety on board are mounting. Recent incidents of assaults, voyeurism, and other forms of harassment have raised questions about whether cruising is safe for families, kids, and singles.