The Port of Galveston is experiencing record cruise passenger traffic, leading to a surge of suspected criminal activity on cruise ships.
According to local media outlet KPRC 2 News, federal law enforcement is called to board ships at Galveston almost every week.
As the country’s fourth busiest cruise port, the FBI has a dedicated special agent tasked with investigating cruise-related crimes at the Port.
“They’re floating cities. If something happens that’s illegal, you’re going to meet the FBI at your port when you get back,” said Don Gay, Senior Supervisory Resident Agent at the FBI’s Texas City office.
Galveston Seeing Record Passenger Traffic
Cruise passenger traffic has doubled in the past eight years and is projected to reach 3.6 million this year, according to Port of Galveston passenger data.
This spike in numbers has led to enhanced security measures. Gay said alcohol is a factor in about 80% of incidents that require investigation.
“It really comes back to personal responsibility on these cruise ships, and that’s people knowing when to stop,” Gay said.
The FBI says the most common crimes investigated on cruise ships nationwide are sexual assault, assault with serious bodily injury, and high-value thefts. It also investigates any suspicious deaths and reports of missing persons.
Additionally, U.S. Customs and Border Protection also scans passenger manifests for persons with outstanding warrants, which are pretty common.
“Almost every cruise we see somebody,” said CBP Acting Area Port Director John Landry.
The Port of Galveston was in the headlines recently after footage of a mass brawl went viral online. It took place in the luggage collection zone after a cruise. Carnival Cruise Line responded by banning more than 20 people.
“We will not tolerate such behavior. These individuals can seek other cruise lines, but they are not welcome on our ships,” a cruise line spokesperson said.
CBP also intercepted a man smuggling fentanyl into the US from Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas in late April.
Still, the cruise industry is full speed ahead for the Gulf Coast cruise port. In 2025, the Port of Galveston is set to open its fourth cruise terminal at Pier 16, a $156 million project that will serve as the homeport for MSC Cruises’ MSC Seascape and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima and Viva.
