politics
U.S. Cruise Ships Record 131 Sex Crimes in 2025
Department of Transportation data showed an increase from 120 reports the prior year. Passenger volumes also rose during the same period.
Jul 15, 5:01 AM·1m read1 source
Audio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
U.S. cruise ships recorded 131 sex crimes in 2025, an increase from 120 reports in 2024, according to Department of Transportation data reported by Usa Today. The 2025 total matched the figure from 2023 and included 51 sexual assaults and 80 rapes.
Cruise Lines International Association stated that crime remains extremely rare on cruise ships and that guest and crew safety is the top priority. The group said lines maintain 24-hour security teams, surveillance systems, and reporting procedures, with staffing levels set by ship size and itinerary.
Security personnel are cruise line employees who may have law enforcement or military backgrounds, maritime attorney Michael Winkleman said.
They can detain passengers for misconduct such as fighting, after which suspects are turned over to shoreside authorities at port. The FBI holds jurisdiction over certain crimes on cruises when the vessel falls under U.S. maritime authority or involves U.S.
Citizens, the agency stated. Cruise lines must report incidents including sexual assault to law enforcement and assist passengers in making contact. Worldwide ocean cruise passengers reached 37.2 million in 2025, up from 34.6 million in 2024, CLIA reported.
The organization projects 38.3 million passengers in 2026.
