The latest cruise ship crime data for the second quarter of 2024 shows a decline in reported incidents compared to the previous quarter.
Under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act, cruise lines must report criminal incidents aboard ships sailing from the United States. These reports are compiled quarterly to ensure transparency and keep passengers informed.
The Department of Transportation reported 36 alleged criminal incidents aboard cruise ships on US itineraries between April and June 2024. This marks a decrease from the 47 incidents reported in the year’s first quarter.
Breakdown of Alleged Crimes per Cruise Line
Once again, Carnival Cruise Line recorded the highest number of alleged incidents at sea. Carnival’s fleet was responsible for one-third of the incidents, with 12 reported cases.
These included nine sexual assaults, one assault leading to serious bodily injury, one suspicious death, and one missing U.S. citizen.
Royal Caribbean saw a significant reduction in reported crimes, dropping from 11 in the first quarter to just 5 in Q2. However, all of these incidents were related to sexual assaults.
Norwegian Cruise Line reported eight incidents in Q2, which included four assaults leading to serious bodily injury. This represents an increase of three incidents compared to the previous quarter.
Disney Cruise Line reported three sexual assaults, while Princess Cruises had two. Celebrity Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, and MSC Cruises each recorded one incident in the last quarter.
Although the number of sexual assaults decreased from the first quarter, they still represent a significant portion of the total alleged cruise ship crimes reported.
In 2023, a total of 131 sex crime allegations aboard cruise ships were reported to the FBI. However, many violence advocacy groups believe the actual number is likely much higher, as it is commonly estimated that only about one-third of assaults are reported in the U.S.
Cruise Ship Crime Reported 2024 YTD
| Cruise Line | Crimes Reported YTD | Ships (as of June 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | 29 | 27 |
| Royal Caribbean | 16 | 26 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | 11 | 18 |
| Disney Cruise Line | 10 | 5 |
| MSC Cruises | 5 | 4 (US based) |
(Note: The DOT report does not include passenger counts. Cruise lines generally do not break down quarterly passenger numbers by individual brands in their earnings reports.)
As the popularity of cruising continues to grow, with 31.5 million passengers setting sail in 2023 and projections indicating 35.7 million passengers in 2024, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings and prioritize safety while on a cruise.
