Waks and Barnett, P.A. (cruise ship injury law firm)| March 2 2026
Cruise vacations are marketed as safe, carefree escapes, floating resorts where passengers can relax without worry. But a growing body of data suggests that one of the most serious safety concerns at sea is not mechanical failure or rough weather. It is sexual assault committed by the very crew members passengers are taught to trust.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, which tracks crimes reported to the FBI under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA), sexual offenses remain the single most frequently reported category of crime on cruise ships. The numbers are not improving. They are getting worse.
What the Numbers Show About Sexual Assault on Cruise Ships
The Department of Transportation reported a total of 181 crimes across all cruise lines in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 180 set in 2023. Of those 181 reported incidents, 121 were classified as sexual assault or rape — making sexual offenses responsible for roughly two-thirds of all reported cruise ship crime.
In the fourth quarter of 2025 alone, 29 of the 44 total crimes reported were sexual in nature. Overall crime incidents in the second half of 2025 rose approximately 17 percent compared to the first half of the year, with sexual offenses driving the most significant portion of that increase.
These figures only account for crimes involving U.S. nationals. Current federal reporting requirements do not mandate the inclusion of incidents involving international passengers or foreign crew members — meaning the actual scope of the problem is likely far greater than what appears in official data.
Why Crew Member Assaults Are a Systemic Concern
While sexual assault aboard cruise ships can involve passengers against passengers, a distinct and deeply troubling pattern involves crew members assaulting the very guests they are employed to serve. In early 2025, a woman filed suit alleging she was sexually assaulted by a crew member waiter, with the complaint describing stalking behavior that spanned multiple cruises. In a separate case, a crew member was sentenced to prison after being convicted of sexual assault in a teen-designated area of the ship. In yet another 2025 incident, a passenger alleged she was raped by multiple crew members and reported the crime upon returning to PortMiami.
These cases point to a gap between the safety image cruise lines promote and the conditions that exist onboard. Crew members work in close proximity to passengers, often have cabin access information, and operate in an environment where oversight can be inconsistent — particularly during late-night hours and in less-trafficked areas of the ship.
What Cruise Lines Are Required to Do
Under maritime law, cruise lines owe passengers a duty of reasonable care under the circumstances. This includes screening crew members through background checks, training staff on harassment prevention and reporting procedures, supervising crew behavior, acting promptly on allegations, preserving evidence when a crime is reported, and notifying the FBI and U.S. Coast Guard when applicable.
The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 requires cruise lines operating from U.S. ports to report crimes including sexual assault to the FBI on a quarterly basis. Ships must also maintain video surveillance, provide key-card access logs, and carry sexual assault forensic examination kits onboard.
Despite these obligations, survivors frequently describe feeling dismissed, discouraged from filing formal reports, or pressured to resolve matters internally. When a cruise line’s negligence — such as inadequate vetting, insufficient security staffing, or failure to act on prior complaints about a crew member — contributes to an assault, the company may be held legally responsible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cruise line be held liable for a sexual assault committed by a crew member?
Yes. Under maritime law, a cruise line may be held strictly liable for sexual assaults committed by its employees. This means the victim does not need to prove the cruise line was negligent — only that the assault occurred and that the perpetrator was a crew member acting in the course of employment.
How long do I have to file a claim after a sexual assault on a cruise ship?
Deadlines are strict. Most cruise ticket contracts require written notice of a claim within six months and require the lawsuit to be filed within one year of the incident. Missing either deadline can permanently bar your claim.
Where do I have to file a lawsuit against a cruise line?
Most major cruise lines include a forum selection clause in their passenger ticket contracts requiring all lawsuits to be filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, located in Miami — regardless of where the passenger lives or where the incident occurred.
Are these reported numbers accurate?
Legal analysts and victim advocates widely believe that official figures represent an undercount. Federal reporting requirements currently only mandate reporting of crimes involving U.S. nationals, excluding incidents involving international passengers and foreign crew members. Many survivors also choose not to report due to fear, confusion, or pressure from the cruise line.
What should I do if I am assaulted by a crew member on a cruise ship?
Report the incident immediately to ship security. Seek medical attention and request that evidence be preserved. Insist on speaking directly with the FBI — do not allow the cruise line to report on your behalf. Document everything, avoid signing statements or waivers, and contact an experienced maritime attorney as soon as possible.
Why Early Legal Action Is Critical
Cruise ship sexual assault cases move quickly, and the window to protect your rights is narrow. Evidence aboard a cruise ship can disappear rapidly — surveillance footage may be overwritten, crew members rotate between vessels, and ship conditions change from voyage to voyage. The strict deadlines embedded in cruise ticket contracts make it essential to consult with a maritime attorney as soon as possible after an incident.
Cruise lines aggressively defend these claims and rely on restrictive contract terms designed to limit passenger recoveries. An experienced cruise accident attorney can investigate the circumstances, obtain critical evidence before it is lost, and handle all communications with the cruise line on your behalf.
Contact Waks & Barnett, P.A.
The attorneys at Waks & Barnett, P.A. understand the complexities of sexual assault claims against cruise lines. With more than 35 years of experience representing injured passengers and crew members in Miami, we know the difference between well-advertised safety protocols and the reality onboard.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of sexual assault or crew member misconduct on a cruise ship, you have rights under maritime law — and the deadlines to act are short.
For more information from our attorneys, please call us today. There is no obligation with the call — and the call with our attorneys is free.
Our cruise ship accident lawyers have been helping injured passengers and crew members for more than 35 years. We help you understand your rights and will assist you in filing an injury claim against the cruise line. If you believe negligence played a role in your injury — or just have questions about your situation — please contact our office today.
Call today at 1-305-271-8282.
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Los abogados de Waks & Barnett, P.A. comprenden la complejidad de las demandas por agresión sexual contra las líneas de cruceros. Con más de 35 años de experiencia representando a pasajeros y tripulantes lesionados en Miami, conocemos la diferencia entre los protocolos de seguridad bien publicitados y la realidad a bordo.
Si usted o un ser querido ha sido víctima de agresión sexual o de mala conducta de un miembro de la tripulación en un crucero, tiene derechos bajo la ley marítima, y los plazos para actuar son breves.
Para obtener más información sobre nuestros abogados, llámenos hoy mismo. La llamada es gratuita y sin compromiso.
*The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique and should be evaluated by an experienced cruise ship accident or maritime injury attorney.