Cruise ships are meant to be an escape—good food, entertainment, ocean views, and no cell signal. But recent news has cast a darker light on the experience for many. According to new data, reported crimes onboard cruise ships have hit a two-year high. In just the first three months of 2025, 48 crimes were reported—23 of them were rapes, 10 were other sexual assaults, and seven involved physical violence. That’s not something to ignore.

Now, most people step onto a ship thinking they’re entering a worry-free zone. The truth is, you’re boarding a floating city where you’re surrounded by thousands of strangers, where alcohol flows freely, and where the usual layers of law enforcement just aren’t there. That’s not paranoia—it’s just the reality of the environment.

Former Secret Service agent and criminal justice expert Robert McDonald put it plainly: cruise ships have all the ingredients for risky behavior—tight spaces, crowds, and alcohol. It doesn’t take much for things to go sideways. And when they do, you’re not five minutes from a police department—you’re out in the ocean.

A few cases grabbed national attention. One involved two adults arrested on a Royal Caribbean ship for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old boy in a sauna. Another was a wild brawl involving over two dozen passengers on a Carnival Cruise in Galveston, Texas. Those folks landed themselves on a “Do Not Sail” list.

These incidents aren’t about panic—they’re about awareness. Most people cruise without issue. But the ones who do run into trouble often never saw it coming.

So, How Do You Stay Safe on a Cruise?

It’s pretty simple. Keep your guard up the same way you would in any major city or unfamiliar place:

• Pay attention – Know what’s going on around you, especially in less-traveled areas of the ship.

• Ease up on the drinking – Cruises sell the dream of unlimited booze, but that’s often when trouble finds people.

• Watch your drink—don’t leave it unattended. Don’t accept drinks from strangers. This basic rule still applies at sea.

• Lock your door – Even when you’re inside. Don’t prop it open or leave valuables out.

• Don’t go it alone – Especially at night. Stick with someone you trust.

• If something’s off, speak up – There’s ship security for a reason. Don’t wait to report something.

What Are the Cruise Lines Doing?

To be fair, the cruise industry has made some improvements. There are more cameras, more staff trained in security, and better reporting to the feds. But let’s be honest—it’s still a patchwork system. Laws get murky once you leave U.S. waters, and jurisdiction becomes a game of what country the ship is flagged under. That means consequences aren’t always swift or strong.

That’s why your best defense is still your own awareness.

Final Thoughts

I’m not telling anyone not to cruise. I’m telling you to cruise smart. You can still enjoy the shows, the pool decks, the excursions—but do it with your eyes open. Safety isn’t about fear—it’s about being a step ahead of what most people never expect.

If you’re planning a trip and want a real-world safety rundown before you go, I’m always glad to offer insight. Because once you’re out there, it’s not about who has the fanciest cabin—it’s about who’s prepared.

Stay safe, enjoy the view, and remember—common sense never takes a vacation.

Original Article: Fox News