cruise ship criminal activity

Sexual assaults on cruise ships are rising

Passengers reported 131 alleged sex crimes to the FBI last year

This story has been updated to include statistics from the fourth quarter of 2023.

Sex crimes on cruise ships sailing to and from the United States increased last year, according to numbers released by the Transportation Department.

In 2023, the FBI received 52 reports of sexual assault and 79 reports of rape from passengers. The 131 incidents represent less than 1 percent of the tens of millions of passengers who take cruises each year. However, sexual assaults continue to be the most commonly reported crimes on cruise ships. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network , more than 2 out of 3 sexual assaults are not reported.

In 2022, there were 87 reported incidents of sexual assault on cruise ships. There were 101 in 2019, the year before the pandemic shuttered the industry for more than a year. Federal authorities have jurisdiction over certain cruise cases , depending on such factors as the location of the ship at the time of the offense and the nationalities of perpetrators and victims.

The numbers were part of quarterly cruise line incident reports the Transportation Department published in early January and updated recently. Over the same time, the reports listed 22 assaults involving serious bodily injury and 20 thefts of more than $10,000.

Sexual assault on cruises has led to lawsuits in the past. A bartender on a Margaritaville at Sea cruise in May was charged with entering a passenger’s room and having sex with her when she was not capable of consent. He is awaiting sentencing after agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge of abusive sexual contact. In a civil suit, a second woman in the room at that time accused the man of raping her, leading to a pregnancy she “was forced to terminate.”

A case reported to the FBI in March, according to court documents, accuses a male crew member on the Carnival Sunrise of raping a 17-year-old girl after approaching her in the fitness center and insisting that she needed his help to stretch.

Among the reports submitted by cruise lines for 2023, 98 of the alleged sex crimes were committed by passengers, 27 by crew members and six by “unknown” or “other” parties.

On Carnival Cruise Line, which says it transports more guests than its peers, passengers reported 45 incidents of sexual assault or rape in 2023. Royal Caribbean reported 26 incidents, the next-highest number, and Disney Cruise Line reported 19.

Daniel Courtney, a South Florida trial lawyer who has focused on cases against cruise companies in recent years, said the number of sexual assaults on cruises reflects a failure by companies to do more to prevent them.

“Where are we as a society if almost 100 people a year are alleging that they are sexually assaulted or raped on a cruise ship?” Courtney asked.

“Even one assault is too many,” Chris Chiames, chief communications officer for Carnival Cruise Line, wrote in an email responding to questions from The Washington Post.

Chiames went on to describe the scale of the cruise line’s operations: 5.5 million guests sailed last year across a fleet of 26 ships that are based mostly out of U.S. ports. Because the Transportation Department data considers only ships with U.S. home ports, “we are reporting on the operations of a much bigger fleet, more guests and more U.S. operations than any of our competitors,” he wrote.

In cases that Courtney has handled, he said he has seen a pattern of male crew members preying on girls and women between ages 13 and 24. In many of the cases, crew members take guests to an area of the ship where they know they will not be monitored by security cameras.

Courtney said cruise companies could help prevent sexual assaults by increasing surveillance, both by installing more cameras and hiring more security officers. He also takes issue with promotional materials that describe cruises as “ safe ” for teenagers.

Chiames said Carnival continues “to invest millions of dollars each year in enhanced surveillance cameras in public areas,” but these crimes often occur in guests’ rooms.

In a YouTube video posted ahead of spring break season last year, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy warned that unruly behavior would not be tolerated and that the company’s ships had increased security. Chiames also noted that “when guests check in for their safety drill, we also give all parents of teenagers a safety card reminding teens to be aware of their surroundings, not go into a stranger’s stateroom, and use good judgment both on board and offshore.”

The 2023 statistics mark the first time those reports distinguished between sex assault and rape. The Transportation Department began publishing the numbers after Congress passed the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 . That law requires that passengers have access to a written guide to where to report crimes that occur on a ship, the ability to receive a sexual forensic exam onboard and confidentiality while requesting or receiving support.

The law mandates that eligible cruise lines report missing persons and criminal allegations made onboard to the FBI. Incidents listed on the 2023 reports also include assault with serious bodily injury, setting fire to or tampering with a vessel, thefts in excess of $10,000 and one “suspicious” death.

In a statement sent to The Post, the Cruise Lines International Association industry group said its members face “more robust civil liability” in court under maritime law than do businesses on land, where “the victim must prove the employer negligently hired or retained a known predator.” The association also said that “the transparent public reporting of criminal statistics for cruise ships is unprecedented in other sectors of travel and tourism.”

According to CLIA’s 2023 state-of-the-industry report , an estimated 31.5 million passengers took cruises last year. That represents a 54 percent increase from the previous year’s estimate and is almost 2 million people more than passenger numbers in 2019.

The industry group commissioned a report from criminologist James Alan Fox that presents commercial cruise ships as “exceptionally safe in terms of the risks associated with violent criminal activity.” The report shows rates of violent crimes at sea are much lower than on land.

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Passengers beware: It’s not all buffets and dance contests. Crime data reported by cruise lines show that the number of sex crimes has increased compared to previous years. And though man-overboard cases are rare, they are usually deadly .

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The US government is required to publish reports of criminal activity on cruise ships every quarter. They haven't all year.

• The US is required to update data surrounding  criminal activity on cruise ships once a quarter.
• The data, organized by cruise line, includes alleged sexual assaults, theft, and homicides.
• The data hasn't been updated on the Department of Transportation website all year. 

The likelihood of becoming a victim of a crime is probably the last thing on your mind when booking a cruise vacation — but it happens more often than you may think.

In 2010, Congress determined cruise passengers had an inadequate understanding of the potential for crime on ocean voyages.

To help remedy this, it passed the Cruise Vessel Safety and Security Act . Among other mandates, the law requires cruise ships that embark and disembark in the US to report certain crimes alleged onboard the ship to the FBI.

Alleged crimes — including sexual assault , theft, homicide, kidnapping, suspicious death, and missing person cases — are then put into a database published on the Department of Transportation website.

The CVSSA requires the data to be updated at least once a quarter, identify the cruise line involved, and specify if the alleged crime was committed by a cruise passenger or employee.

Cruise lines "continue to provide relevant data as part of the CVSSA," a spokesperson for the industry trade group, Cruise Lines International Association, told Insider.

Related stories

The Department of Transportation website currently lists cruise line incident reports from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2022. As of the time of publication, no 2023 reports have been published — meaning nine months of reported criminal activity are missing from the site.

"The result is the public is now being kept in the dark again," Jim Walker, a maritime lawyer who represents passengers and crew members injured or assaulted on cruise ships, wrote on his website Cruise Law News .

Why hasn't the Departure of Transportation updated its database regarding @FBI data on crime on cruise ships for the last nine (9) months? The last quarterly reports were October 1 through December 31, 2022. Where are the last nine months of reports? https://t.co/s9UGgDgRHp … — James (Jim) Walker (@CruiseLaw) September 6, 2023

Asked why three quarters of data appear to be missing from the website and when it would be updated, a DOT spokesperson said "the FBI compiles the data on cruise line incident reports that we publish on DOT's website."

An FBI spokesperson said the agency is "unable to comment on behalf of another agency or why another agency's website has not been updated."

Have a tip or story to share about crimes on cruise ships? Email this reporter at [email protected] to share your story.

Watch: The rise and fall of the cruise industry

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Report: 2023 Experienced Surge in Crimes on Cruise Ships

• January 15, 2024

A recent update by the Transportation Department shows that cruise ship assaults are increasing.

From January to September 2023, the FBI received 39 case reports of sexual assault and 58 reports of rape.

Data Released for January to September 2023

It’s a rise from 87 incidents a year earlier and 79 allegations during the first three months of 2019 before the cruise industry shutdown.

Breaking the data down, 76 of the cases were allegedly committed by passengers, while crew members perpetrated 17. A further four were committed by “unknown” parties.

Break Down by Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line, with 26 ships carrying 5.5 million guests, reported 36 incidents, while 20 incidents were reported on Royal Caribbean ships. Disney Cruise Line said 15.

The data also listed 16 assaults involving severe bodily injury and 14 thefts of over $10,000. While the number of alleged sex crimes increased, it is less than 1% of the millions of cruise guests who board ships each year.

Reporting to the FBI

While even one crime is too many, the cruise lines are the only sector that are required to report numbers. The same can not be said for all-inclusive resorts, hotels, theme parks, or airport.

The DOT began publishing these statistics after the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 was passed.

The unique nature of cruise ships, operating in international waters and often docking at various international ports, creates a jurisdictional complexity that necessitates clear legal protocols.

U.S. law, particularly the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA), mandates that cruise lines report certain crimes, such as sexual assault and theft, to the FBI.

Reporting to the FBI allows for a consistent and reliable legal framework, aiding in investigating and prosecuting crimes committed at sea and ensuring that victims receive appropriate support and justice, regardless of where the crime occurred.

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Passenger Cruise Ship Information

To assist cruise ship passengers, the U.S. Department of Transportation is sharing information and resources provided by other Federal agencies

Consumer Assistance

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) requires operators of passenger vessels carrying 50 or more passengers from a U.S. port to be financially capable of reimbursing their customers if a cruise is cancelled. The FMC also requires proof of ability to pay claims arising out of passenger injuries or death for which the ship operator may be liable. If a cruise is cancelled or if there is an injury during the cruise, the consumer will have to initiate action on his or her own behalf against the cruise line.

The FMC reviews any problems or inquiries that passengers bring to its attention. The FMC's Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services (CADRS) will contact a cruise line on a passenger's behalf. However, the final resolution of such complaints or inquiries is a matter between the cruise line and the individual. The role of OCC essentially is to help ensure a quick and fair consideration of the issues involved.  Consumer complaints can be reported to the FMC by telephone at 202-523-5807. See FMC’s website for additional information .

Vessel Safety

The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for cruise ship safety . Although each cruise ship is subject to the vessel inspection laws of the country in which it is registered, as a condition of permitting the vessels to take on passengers at U.S. ports, the Coast Guard requires the ships to meet the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and other international regulations. Among other things, these regulations concern structural fire protection, firefighting and lifesaving equipment, watercraft integrity and stability, vessel control, navigation safety, crewing and crew competency, safety management and environmental protection. The Coast Guard conducts routine onboard inspections of cruise ships to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Cruise Line Incident Reports

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 prescribes security and safety requirements for most cruise ships that embark and disembark in the United States. The Act mandates that reports of criminal activity be reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).   See the cruise line reports .

Criminal Activity Prevention and Response Guide (Security Guide)

Cruise ships are required by 46 USC 3507(c)(1) to have a security guide available for passengers. The security guides provide important information, such as a description of medical and security personnel designated on board to prevent and respond to criminal and medical situations; and law enforcement processes available with respect to criminal activity.

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New Report Highlights Spike in Sexual Assault Cases Aboard Cruise Ships

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Crime on Cruise Ships: What to Know Before You Sail

When you book a cruise, you no doubt picture yourself on a beach, or maybe laying out by the pool, drink in hand. You picture food, shows, entertainment, and a fun vacation.

It’s unlikely that you think about being the victim of a crime. And to be sure, the odds of something happening to you on a cruise are unbelievably small. The vast majority of trips go off without a hitch.

Even so, it’s important for every cruise passenger to know that while we’d consider a cruise a safe vacation, it doesn’t mean that things can’t happen on the ship.

For instance, in the last year there have been a total of 137 major crimes reported on cruise ships. That number comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Cruise Line Incident Reports .

This quarterly report discloses eight different types of major crimes that have allegedly happened on cruise ships sailing from the United States.

In comparison to the millions of cruise passengers that set sail, 137 incidents is not many. Even so, there are some specific statistics that we think readers should know about.

Recent Rise in Sexual Assaults on Cruises

Most disturbingly, statistics for July 1 through September 30, 2019 reveal a 67% increase in sexual assaults compared to the previous year (35 vs. 21), and a 35% increase since the previous quarter (35 vs. 26).

In total, thirty-five sexual assaults allegedly occurred on cruise ships last quarter. Carnival Cruise Line had the most reported, with a total of 20 such crimes.

In total, twelve cruise lines submit data about crimes allegedly committed shipboard in accordance with a federal law — the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) — which stipulates security requirements for ships embarking and disembarking from U.S. ports.

The law requires cruise lines to report serious crimes to the FBI. The statistics in the report include homicides, suspicious deaths, missing U.S. nationals, kidnappings, assaults with bodily injury, thefts of more than $10,000, vessel tampering, and sexual assaults.

While those other crimes are extremely rare, sexual assault accounted for about 75% of the reported incidents in the most recent quarterly report.

Crime on Cruises Over the Past Year

When looking at the entire year, you can get a bigger picture of the trends in crimes reported aboard cruise lines.

• The most recent quarterly statistics (July 1 through September 30, 2019) show a total of 46 alleged shipboard crimes. Six of the 12 reporting cruise lines (Bahamas Paradise, Crystal Cruises, Holland America, Oceania Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn) reported zero crimes in any of the listed categories.
• For the preceding quarter (April 1 through June 30, 2019), the total number of cruise ship crimes reported came to 32. The cruise lines reporting zero crimes for that period were Bahamas Paradise, Crystal, Disney, Oceania, Princess, and Seabourn.
• During the period of January 1 through March 31, 2019, there were 25 cruise ship crimes reported. Seven cruise lines reported zero crimes in any category (Bahamas Paradise, Crystal, Disney, Holland America, MSC, Oceania, and Seabourn).
• The total number of crimes for October 1 through December 31, 2018 was 34. Bahamas Paradise, Crystal, MSC, Oceania, and Seabourn reported zero crimes during that quarter.

Below you can see the total number of crimes alleged, broken down by cruise line over the past four quarters, according to the Cruise Line Incident Reports.

Putting These Numbers in Perspective

Cruise ship safety is an area where the cruise lines should always strive for improvement. However, it’s always wise to maintain a sense of perspective when statistics are in the news.

Consider that about 12-14 million people cruise from the United States in a given year. With 137 total crimes reported in the past four quarters, that means the chances of being a victim on the ship are about 1 in 88,000 . (Note that there is always the concern that some crimes go unreported so the actual rate could be higher.)

In fact, following the release of the latest CVSSA statistics, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) commented that the report “shows that allegations of serious crime on board cruise ships remain extremely rare, especially compared to crimes that occur on land.”

A report commissioned by CLIA and prepared by James Alan Fox, a professor of criminology at Northeastern University, stated that cruising is “exceptionally safe in terms of the risks associated with violent criminal activity… While no vacation destination is completely free of risk, cruising is clearly a relatively safe option.”

Furthermore, it’s not surprising that Carnival and Royal Caribbean see more incidents given that they also carry more passengers than any other cruise line. After all, you’d expect more total crimes in New York City than in Albany, based on population size alone.

The cruise lines which reported the fewest crimes throughout the most recent four quarters also carry fewer passengers each year than their larger rivals.

Carnival attributed their higher crime numbers to the fact that a larger percentage of their business involves U.S. ports. “Nearly 90% of our capacity and operations are from U.S. ports which are covered under the reporting requirements of the CVSSA,” a spokesman told the Miami New Times . “Many of our U.S. competitors sail from Europe and other non-U.S. ports, so they are not mandated to submit CVSSA data as part of the reporting process.”

New Legislation Could Enhance Shipboard Safety

For those concerned about crime on cruise ships, there is some good news on the horizon.

In November, a bill, the Cruise Passenger Protection Act (CPPA), was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives . The new law is designed to build on CVSSA by strengthening “crime reporting and video surveillance requirements, improving medical standards, and holding cruise lines responsible for deaths, sexual assaults, and violent crimes at sea.”

The Washington Post reports that the new bill “would make sure cruise lines notified the FBI within four hours of an alleged incident; report to authorities before a ship leaves a U.S. port if an incident happened in port; report allegations to the U.S. Consulate in the next port of call; have video surveillance equipment in all passenger common areas; and indicate whether crimes were committed against children, among other requirements.”

The new legislation is supported by International Cruise Victims, an organization of family members and victims affected by cruise ship crime.

How to Stay Safe on Your Cruise

Cruise ship crime is not the norm — but since it does occur sometimes, it’s wise to know how to avoid being a victim.

First, it’s important to understand that while a cruise is a vacation, that doesn’t mean crime doesn’t happen. It’s important that you use common sense, doing things like storing valuables in the cabin safe when you leave the room and not joining strangers in their cabin.

Avoiding those who drink too much alcohol is also important. Jim Walker, a Florida-based lawyer who runs a blog called Cruise Law News and serves as a cruise industry watchdog mentions that “We see a direct correlation between excessive alcohol served on cruises and violence, in general, and sexual violence against women, in particular.”

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Crime on Cruise Ships: Unpacking the Hidden Dangers at Sea

By: Author Family Cruise Companion

Posted on Last updated: April 18, 2024

Categories CRUISE PLANNING

Wherever large groups of humans gather, the odds are very high that criminal activity will transpire. Sadly, this is also true for crime on cruise ships. The situation can be more complicated due to the isolated environment and international waters adding layers of complexity to jurisdiction and law enforcement issues. Despite these challenges and reports that crimes on cruise ships may have increased in recent years (particularly sexual assaults) , overall incidents are rare, and cruise lines continue to take comprehensive security measures to protect passengers and prevent or reduce crimes.

Cruise operators adhere to strict safety protocols, including surveillance systems and onboard security personnel. They are also regulated by legal standards, notably the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) , which oversees crime reporting and response protocols. Awareness of these security measures, understanding your rights onboard, and knowing how to report crimes promotes a safer journey for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• The overall incidence rate of serious crimes on cruise ships is relatively low.
• Fellow passengers commit the majority of reported crimes.
• Crimes on cruise ships are managed through various security personnel, protocols, and international laws.

An Overview of Crime on Cruise Ships

When you board a cruise ship, you’re stepping into a unique jurisdictional environment where maritime law applies. While the setting might suggest a break from everyday concerns, you must know that crime can occur at sea just as it does on land.

Statistics and Frequency of Crimes

Recognition that serious crimes, including sexual assaults, occur on cruise ships can be alarming. But some context is important. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the risk of violent crimes on cruise ships runs 95% lower than crime rates found in typical American cities .

Types of Crimes Committed on Cruise Ships

Cruise ships witness a wide range of criminal activities. High-profile types often include:

• Sexual Assault : This is a severe crime often reported on board, ranging from harassment to rape.
• Theft : Personal belongings of passengers or crew can be targeted for theft, leading to financial loss and distress.
• Violence : Incidents can encompass everything from simple altercations to serious homicides or suspicious deaths , demanding investigation from authorities.

Each type of crime carries its own implication for the safety and well-being of individuals on cruise ships, underlying the importance of stringent security measures and legal protocols in these international waters.

Legal Framework

Understanding the legal framework governing crimes on cruise ships involves a complex mix of jurisdiction, international agreements, and specific legislation.

Jurisdiction and Laws

Jurisdiction over a crime committed on a cruise ship typically depends on the ship’s location at the time of the incident, the nationality of the victims and perpetrators , and the country of the ship’s registration . Most cruise ships are registered under foreign flags, which complicates jurisdiction.

Under admiralty and maritime law, the laws of the country whose flag the ship flies are generally applicable. If a crime occurs in another country’s territorial waters, that country may also have jurisdiction.

International Agreements

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides a framework for maritime jurisdiction. It describes the rights and responsibilities of nations in using the world’s oceans and establishes guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. However, the enforcement of laws while at sea can often be governed by bilateral or multilateral treaties between nations.

United States Legislation

The U.S. Code, Title 18, section 113 covers penal code offenses applicable to the maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States. This includes crimes on American ships or foreign ships involving U.S. citizens. Additionally, crimes on board cruise ships may fall within the scope of Admiralty and Maritime Jurisdiction, allowing the United States to exercise authority over contractual and tortious actions at sea.

Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act was signed into law in the United States in 2010. This legislation requires cruise lines to comply with certain security and safety measures. It mandates reporting crimes to U.S. authorities, implementing security technology such as surveillance systems, and ensuring vessel design includes features to prevent and respond to crimes at sea.

Safety and Security Measures

When you embark on a cruise, your safety and security are upheld by strict policies, a dedicated security team, and encouraged common sense practices. These layers ensure that the likelihood of incidents is minimized and that you can enjoy your vacation with peace of mind.

Cruise Line Safety Policies

Most cruise lines have comprehensive safety policies to protect you, the passenger. After the passing of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 (CVSSA), cruise ships were mandated to implement safety measures, which include the presence of peepholes on doors, the use of security cameras in public areas, and the availability of shipboard medical staff capable of performing forensic sexual assault examinations.

• Peepholes on cabin doors
• Railings designed to prevent accidental falls
• Security cameras in public areas
• Confidential reporting mechanisms for crimes

Onboard Security Personnel

Major cruise lines typically maintain sophisticated security departments run by former professional law enforcement officials and have a staff of competent, qualified security personnel available 24/7.

Cruise security personnel are trained to handle various incidents and ensure your safety. These teams are prepared to address security issues rapidly and are often comparable to land-based law enforcement officers. The presence of these teams is to deter potential security threats and to provide immediate assistance when needed.

According to CLIA, all major cruise ships have security that meets the following criteria:

• At least one onboard crew member trained in crime prevention and investigation
• Security Patrols conducted 24/7
• The security team collaborates with the port authority and international law enforcement when required.

U.S. federal laws also require cruise lines to maintain a video surveillance system to detect and deter crime. Robust video surveillance plays a key role in cruise ship security . The presence of these systems not only deters crime but also provides forensic documentation of incidents and activities. We are also seeing an increased use of cruise ship security officers routinely sporting body cameras .

Passenger Safety and Common Sense Practices

Your personal safety onboard a cruise also depends on your actions and vigilance. Employing common-sense practices similar to those you would employ at home significantly helps maintain a safe environment. Strategies such as:

• Securing personal belongings in safes
• Maintaining control of your cabin key
• Being mindful of alcohol consumption and potentially predatory environments

Crime Reporting and Response

The FBI has jurisdiction over crimes committed at sea when the cruise ship is bound for or departed from a U.S. port. The U.S. Coast Guard also plays a vital role in this process, assisting with law enforcement duties. They are responsible for supporting the investigations and liaising with local police authorities when needed.

Data and Transparency

One key feature of the CVSSA concerns the data collection and reporting requirements. The Act mandates that cruise lines report allegations of crimes to the FBI and that the Department of Transportation (DOT) makes statistical crime data available to the public. These quarterly reports are readily available on the DOT’s website.

We have reviewed the public reports posted for calendar years 2022 and 2023 and summarized key data points below.

Prevention and Education

Cruise lines implement various preventive measures such as security cameras and regular security patrols. Crew members receive training on these systems to promptly detect and respond to potential threats. This training covers the use of surveillance technology, personal safety drills, and crime response protocols .

Who Commits Crimes on Cruise Ships?

When you encounter media coverage of criminal activity on cruise ships, it often features crimes committed by cruise line employees. While such crimes do occur, they are not the greatest source of danger.

 Most onboard crimes appear to be committed by fellow passengers rather than crew. For example, in the calendar year 2023, more than 70% of the cruise ship crimes reported were identified as passenger-committed crimes. So, for instance, focusing on the statistics from 2023 quarterly reports:

Process Considerations

• Prosecution Challenges : Legal outcomes often hinge on the complexity of international law and jurisdictional challenges. Victims may find themselves in a web of differing legal systems based on where the ship is registered and the waters it is in.
• Outcome of Sexual Assault Cases : Many sexual assaults on cruise ships lead to extensive investigations, with varying results—some lead to convictions, while others remain unresolved due to jurisdictional complications.
• Physical Assaults and Murder : Physical assaults can result in rigorous shipboard investigations and potential involvement by the Coast Guard or FBI when docked in U.S. ports. Cases that reach a verdict often hinge on clear evidence and witness testimonies.
• Thefts and Prosecutions : Cruise lines often handle minor thefts internally, and this may involve focusing on having property returned to its rightful owner rather than punishing would-be wrongdoers. However, if the crime is significant (e.g., more than $10,000), larger theft incidents can trigger law enforcement involvement.
• Preventive Measures : Cruise lines have increasingly implemented advanced security protocols and crew trainings to prevent and respond to crimes. For instance, an increasing number of onboard security personnel wear body cameras.

Safety Tips for Parents

If you’re sailing with children, staying informed about the ship’s safety features and the available children’s programs is essential. Employ these tips to protect your family further:

• Ensure your kids know their cabin number and how to always contact you.
• Educate your children about who the safe staff members are, should they need assistance.
• Familiarize yourself with the children’s activity centers and the qualifications of those in charge.
• For kids who are allowed to roam the ship independently, ensure they know they are not to enter staterooms of passengers not traveling with you — even if invited to do so.
• Never climb or sit on railings. It’s not even if it looks “safe” to do so.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

When embarking on a cruise, your safety is paramount. Here are essential strategies to enhance your security and ensure a more enjoyable journey:

• Be Informed : For peace of mind, familiarize yourself with the safety procedures and the ship’s layout.
• Alcohol Consumption : Be mindful of circumstances where alcohol consumption can place you in a vulnerable position.
• Contact Numbers : In case you need to report a crime, Keep the contact details for the relevant authorities, such as the FBI, at 202.324.3000.
• Personal Belongings : Safeguard your valuables using the safe provided in your room and minimize the cash on hand.
• Vigilance : Stay vigilant about your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the ship’s security.
• Crew Interaction : Limit personal interactions with crew members to professional contexts and avoid accepting invitations to crew quarters.
• Companions : Travel with a trusted friend or group and establish check-in times.

At a minimum, apply at least the same vigilance about your surroundings and activities as you would at home. Your proactive approach contributes significantly to the safety and well-being of everyone onboard.

Closing Thoughts

While the prospect of crime on cruise ships may understandably cause concern, cruise lines have implemented many security measures to protect passengers. While the overall incidence of crimes on cruise ships is generally less than what you see on land, it is not zero. Passengers should remain aware of their surroundings and take personal safety precautions as they would at home.

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Hotel And Cruise Ship Security – How Responsible Are These Companies When It Comes To Protecting Their Customers?

In the latest data for 2023, a year that saw “unprecedented” levels of tourists , nearly 140.6 million visitors were recorded visiting the state, breaking previous years’ records and displaying a 2.3% increase from 2022. 

With that many visitors in Florida to take advantage of its year-round summers, long stretches of sunny days on the beach and the natural beauty of the state, comes an increase in hotel and short-term vacation rental usage.

With more people booking these accommodations than ever before, hotels and rental companies are watching their businesses boom and are likely overcome by the money coming in. Any good businessperson would see this as an opportunity to expand to bring in more revenue. If done incorrectly, however, this expansion and the fallout of a larger space may come to the detriment of the very people these companies aim to please.

A legislative proposal that was passed by the Florida State Senate in 2024 aims to give authorities more power over the short-term rental market including online platforms such as Airbnb. The bill would implement statewide regulations such as limiting the number of guests allowed to stay per bedroom and other rules that would require the rental owner to register with local governmental authorities. Failing to do so could result in a $500 fine. 

What is Negligent Security? 

Negligent security is an area of personal injury practice that refers to a property owner’s and or management company’s duty to prevent foreseeable danger such as assaults, rapes, robberies and other attacks from happening. While it is commonly accepted that these entities cannot prevent or control all criminal acts from taking place, they do have the responsibility to take certain measures to mitigate them from happening and protect their customers. Examples of such preventions could include hiring security and installing security cameras on the property. 

Leesfield & Partners attorneys have made it among one of the top negligent security law firms in the country with creative legal strategy and dogged litigation techniques to achieve the best possible outcome for clients. In its 48 years, the firm has handled a case involving a good Samaritan trying to intervene when a thief stole a woman’s purse and was shot in the chest, incurring significant injuries, and the case of a college student who became a paraplegic after he tried to stop three men from stealing his car in the campus parking lot. 

Attorneys with the firm secured a $125,000 settlement with the landlord and a verdict of  $1,510,000 against the supermarket in the first case and a $3,200,000 settlement on behalf of the young student. 

Leesfield & Partners A History Representing Clients Injured on Cruise Ships

Florida is the home base for three cruise ports including Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, and Port Miami, the last of which has routinely been nicknamed as the “cruise capital of the world.” The cruising industry generates 158,992 jobs in Florida every year, according to numbers from the Cruise Line International Association, the leading authority in the cruise line industry. In addition to thousands of jobs, it also accounts for $8.1 billion for the state’s tourist economy and generated approximately $9 billion for Florida businesses. From the growing cruise population bringing in more money, these cruise ships are continuing to compete with one another for bigger and better experiences on board. Last year, Port Miami attracted 7,299,294 passengers to the area from all over the world, according to reporting from NBC 6 South Florida. This is an almost 7% increase from before the pandemic.

Carnival Cruise Lines recently announced the addition of three new ships to its growing fleet . Before that, the company announced two other ships, one in 2027 and another in 2028, would also be added. This is in addition to five other vessels that it would be taking over from its sister brand. The three new ships that would be added have been announced to have a carrying capacity of about 8,000 passengers, a number that rivals Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas which is currently the largest sailing cruise ship on the water. 

With the expansion of this booming industry comes the possibility of more passengers, meaning more money for the cruise corporations and the local economy. Leesfield & Partners, a law firm with decades of experience litigating slip and fall, medical malpractice and negligent security cases aboard these ships has seen how more passengers can lead to an increase in potential injuries at the hands of crewmembers, and or other passengers who would wish to do them harm. 

In the first quarter of 2024, which ran from January to March 2024, there were eight assaults with serious bodily injury, 16 sexual assaults, 16 rapes and one missing persons case reported. This marks a small decrease from 47 to 36 total reported incidents of criminal activity on board cruise ships . 

Companies with the most incidents overall in 2024 include Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. Though the incidents are down overall, sexual assaults continue to make up a bulk of the types of crimes that take place on board. In data from 2023, there were 131 sex crimes reported to the FBI including 52 sexual assaults and 79 rapes happening on ships embarking and disembarking to and from the United States. In 2022, a year that did not differentiate between sexual assault and rape, there were a total of 87 alleged sex crimes. The data began differentiating between the two crimes in 2023.

Leesfield & Partners attorneys handled the case of a Canadian woman traveling aboard a cruise ship when she was raped by a cruise ship crewmember. The man used his employee keycard to gain access to the woman’s room while she slept. A multi-million settlement was reached for the women in that case.

Recently, the firm was secured in a case involving a crewmember filming passengers in their private bathrooms. Some of the passengers filmed were minors. Criminal charges have been filed in that case by authorities. That case is ongoing. 

Hotel Injury Cases

With locations in popular tourist destinations such as Orlando, Key West and Miami, Leesfield & Partners has seen numerous cases of negligent security to the detriment of guests and employees. 

In one case, a guest staying at a Key West hotel was attacked with a hammer in the hotel’s parking garage. The man, who was under the influence of drugs at the time, was able to get inside the garage and walk around for approximately 20 minutes with his weapon. The woman sustained permanent and severe injuries to her face and head. 

A $40,580,000 verdict was reached for the woman in that case. 

A $2,250,000 consent judgment was reached for a family following the assault and wrongful death at a Miami Beach Food Market. 

One couple retained Leesfield & Partners attorneys to represent them in the wrongful death lawsuit of their son who died after being sucker-punched by another patron at a bar. He was 25 years old. The attack was unprovoked and had the bar employed a security company or off-duty police officers as security, the attack could have been prevented. The person who punched the couple’s son was sentenced to nine years in prison. 

A $1 million settlement was reached by attorneys with the firm in that case. 

Another couple visiting the state from New York were brutally attacked and sexually assaulted at a Miami hotel by a man allowed to walk right onto the property, a place known by its owners and local police to be running rampant with criminal activity. The assailant was able to go up to the couple’s room without being stopped and knocked on the door. When the husband opened the door, he was immediately punched in the face. The man continued to beat and strangle the husband. The wife was not in the room at the time of the initial contact and, when she returned, she was chased into the hallway where she was beaten and strangled. 

Security footage shows hotel employees, including security, seeing the attack after it was reported by housekeeping staff and doing nothing to intervene.

“They are standing over this perpetrator as he is strangling and beating out client,” said Justin B. Shapiro, a Partner and Trial Lawyer with the firm, in an article published in 2021 in the Daily Business Review. “As our client is screaming for help, the hotel representatives and security guard stand there and do absolutely nothing. It is a stunning display of incompetence.” 

The attack continued into the elevator where the wife was further abused. In the five years before this incident occurred, over 1,200 calls to 911 were placed related to this location including over 100 assaults and burglaries. Other crimes such as robberies, shootings, and drug and or gun charge incidents also took place at the hotel during that time. It is because of this location’s propensity for violent crime that the hotel should have been prepared with armed security guards to respond and protect vulnerable guests. 

If you think you have a negligent security claim, don’t wait. Call a Leesfield & Partners attorney at 800-836-6400 for a free consultation today. 

Crime on Cruise Ships

In 2010, Congress passed the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 (CVSSA) to address safety issues on cruise ships, including sexual violence prevention and victim response. RAINN helped to advocate for the Act, which ensures that passengers have access to necessary resources to receive medical attention, have a sexual assault forensic exam on board, and make a report, should sexual violence occur.

Cruise passenger rights

As part of CVSSA , passenger rights were established to increase safety for travelers on cruise ships. Knowing these rights before you board may help you feel more secure, and they can help you speak up if something happens. You can learn more about these rights from information published in the Code of Federal Regulations .

• You have the right to receive a security guide, a written summary which describes where to go and who to talk with if a crime occurs. The security guide must also include criminal law procedures for crimes committed in any waters the vessel might travel through during the voyage, as well as a list of U.S. embassy and consulate locations in foreign countries the cruise ship will be visiting.
• You have the right to have a sexual assault forensic exam on board. Cruise ships must have the equipment and materials for performing this medical exam, should a sexual assault occur.
• You have the right to confidentiality when you request and receive support services. Any information you provide to medical staff, counselors, and other support staff while receiving services after a sexual assault must remain confidential; this includes information disclosed during a sexual assault forensic exam and any other support services available.

Security on board

Cruise ships typically have security personnel on board who are employees of the cruise line, not law enforcement officials. These security officers are usually trained in areas necessary to maintain safety on the ship and protect evidence, such as sealing off a room where a sexual assault took place, but it is not their role to conduct a law enforcement investigation.

Investigating crimes on cruise ships

If the victim or perpetrator of a sexual assault is an American national, and their ship sails from or to a U.S. port, then the FBI will have jurisdiction over the case. In other circumstances, it's more complicated to determine which agency—or even which country—has jurisdiction. The location of the vessel, the nationality of the perpetrator or victim, ownership of the vessel, the points of embarkation and debarkation, and the country in which the vessel is flagged may all have an effect on jurisdiction. You can read more about crimes committed on cruise ships, and other circumstances in which the FBI has jurisdiction to investigate, from the FBI .

If you experience sexual assault on a cruise ship

• You may wish to seek medical attention to treat any possible injuries and to check for injuries you may not be able to see. If you are at sea, you can receive care from the ship’s medical facilities. If you are shore side, visit the nearest emergency room or hospital.
• You have the right to a sexual assault forensic exam to collect DNA evidence that may help prosecute the perpetrator. If you wish to have an exam performed, try to avoid showering, changing your clothes, or cleaning the area where the assault occurred.
• From the U.S. & Canada: 1.888.407.4747
• From overseas: +1 202.501.444
• You can report the crime to the FBI. If you are on board the ship when the crime occurs, contact the FBI and U.S. Coast Guard about the crime to receive advice on how to proceed. You can reach the FBI headquarters in Washington, DC at 202.324.3000.
• You can report the crime to the Department of Transportation. You can file an incident report of criminal activity to the Department of Transportation  and review past cruise line incident reports  online. 
• You can report the crime on board. If the crime occurred on board the ship, you can report the incident to a cruise ship security officer as soon as possible. You have the right to insist that the scene of the crime be secured until law enforcement officials arrive. It may be helpful to write down the names and contact information of any individuals, both crew members and passengers, who witnessed or were involved in the incident.
• You are not alone. To speak with someone who is trained to help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org .

Legal Disclaimer

The rape abuse and incest national network (rainn) website provides general information that is intended, but not guaranteed, to be correct and up-to-date. the information is not presented as a source of legal advice. you should not rely, for legal advice, on statements or representations made within the website or by any externally referenced internet sites. if you need legal advice upon which you intend to rely in the course of your legal affairs, consult a competent, independent attorney. rainn does not assume any responsibility for actions or non-actions taken by people who have visited this site, and no one shall be entitled to a claim for detrimental reliance on any information provided or expressed., related content, safety tips for traveling.

Whether you travel often or you’re getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, it’s important to think about safety as part of your travel preparations. 

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HeinOnline Blog

Dangerous waters: crimes on cruise ships.

• By Stephanie Jacobson
• April 22, 2022
• Criminal Justice

Did you take a vacation for spring break? Perhaps you and your family booked a cruise and sailed to warmer waters, sandy beaches, and exciting shore excursions. Hopefully on that cruise, you enjoyed a great buffet, amazing live entertainment, and swam in a pool with a giant curling water slide. Hopefully nothing happened on your vacation that forced you to swim in the murky legal waters that govern cruising when the vacation goes awry. When an assault, robbery, or even a murder happens aboard a cruise ship, different jurisdictions apply than those passengers may be familiar with while on land. Using HeinOnline, let’s explore some of the legal issues surrounding cruise ship crime.

Cruising into Trouble

Amy lynn bradley.

In March 1998, 23-year-old Amy Lynn Bradley took a Royal Caribbean cruise with her parents and brother, Brad. Their destination was the island of Curaçao in the Dutch Antilles, and they were sailing aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas . The ship sailed out from San Juan on March 21, 1998 to Aruba, its first port of call. On March 23, the Rhapsody of the Seas left Aruba and headed through international waters towards Curaçao. That night, Amy and Brad attended a Mardi Gras party at the ship’s onboard nightclub, where they danced and drank with members of the ship’s band. At the end of the evening’s revelries, the siblings returned to the family’s cabin around 3:30 in the morning and sat together on the suite’s balcony until Brad retired to bed. Sometime around 5:30 am, their father, Ron, awoke and saw Brad asleep in his bed and Amy sleeping on the balcony. Assured his children were safe, Ron went back to sleep. But when he woke again about 30 minutes later, Amy was gone. She was never seen again.

George Smith IV

Regulatory tides sweep in.

Those wishing to see an archive of these reports can do so on the Department of Transportation’s website, with the most recent report covering January—March 2021; unsurprisingly, given the immense disruption to cruising due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only one incident , a sexual assault, appears on the latest report.

Smooth(er) Sailing, but Rough Waters Remain

Sea of Knowledge

Did you know that HeinOnline has a dedicated subcollection on the law of the sea? Within our History of International Law collection, users will find our Law of the Sea subcollection, containing hundreds of titles relating to the policing of international waters, maritime law, and an assortment of issues relating to the oceans, such as salvage, commercial shipping, and maritime disasters.

One of our favorite ways to research is to find Congressional hearings on a topic. The debates of Congress shed light on how lawmakers react to issues, the issues they find worthy of federal attention, and their proposed solutions, often contrasted with the legislation, if any, that is actually passed.

HeinOnline contains thousands of Congressional hearings. Users looking for a place to start can navigate into the Congressional Hearings subcollection in the U.S. Congressional Documents collection. From there, use the one-box search feature to perform a proximity search that looks for the words cruise and ship occurring within five words of each other, along with the word crime .

PathFinder subjects will appear as one of the options to help filter down our search results. Relevant subjects users may want to choose from include Law of the Sea , International Law , and Maritime Law .

Be sure to throw your research a lifebuoy by subscribing to the HeinOnline Blog to receive all our latest research tips, tricks, content news, and more posts just like this one.

HeinOnline Sources [ + ]

Stephanie Jacobson

• Tags: history of international law , law journal library , u.s. congressional documents , u.s. statutes at large , united nations law collection

Heinous Histories: The Arrest and Trial of Lizzie Borden

On August 4, 1892, a horrifying event occurred in the Borden home, chilling Fall River, Massachusetts. Daughter Lizzie Borden discovered her parents’ lifeless bodies. Did she stumble upon the nightmare or craft it herself?

Special Purpose Grand Jury Report Now Available in HeinOnline

On September 8, the report from the special purpose grand jury in Georgia, which suggested charges in the 2020 election interference investigation conducted by the Fulton County district attorney, was made public and is now searchable in HeinOnline.

Heinous Histories: The Murder of Mary Phagan

In the dim and musty confines of a factory basement, the lifeless body of Mary Phagan, was stumbled upon by a lone night watchman. Let’s venture into the annals of history using the World Trials Library and unearth the secrets to this crime.

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A startup wants travelers to live on a cruise ship for 3 years. See what the $181,790 global voyage promises.

GlobeCruises says its three-year world cruise will sail in April 2025, starting at $181,790 per person.

The voyage would visit 413 ports in 171 countries, although the startup has yet to acquire a ship.

Its CEO and COO worked for Life at Sea , a three-year cruise project that recently filed for bankruptcy.

A startup is inviting travelers to live on a cruise ship for three years as it sails around the world.

GlobeCruises says its 1,095-day voyage will depart Barcelona on April 12, 2025. From there, it would visit 413 ports in 171 countries before concluding in Southampton, England, on April 13, 2028.

Along the way, travelers could experience the night markets of Taiwan, the beaches of Brazil, the wildlife of Tanzania, and the landmarks of Spain.

The startup's COO, Robert Dixon, told Business Insider that the voyage was designed to chase warm weather. But according to its itinerary , destinations will stretch as far south as chilly Antarctica and as far north as Longyearbyen, Norway.

Dixon said the cruise would also dock overnight at 355 of the 413 ports — in some cases for as long as seven nights, like in Singapore — giving guests more time to explore the destinations.

Inside cabins start at about $181,790 per person, while the more luxurious suites cost $624,150 per person. The cheapest option costs about $166 per person and day.

Demand has been growing in recent years for extended cruises, but their duration is typically several months, not years. Oceania's 2024 six-month world cruise sold out within 30 minutes of reservations opening in 2022, the premium cruise line said at the time. Cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea operate annual around-the-world sailings, most of which are capped at four to six months.

GlobeCruises is promising an activity-filled ship

GlobeCruises says its vessel will have amenities like a gym, a movie theater, a nightclub, and rentable offices. To pass the time, guests could take a dip in the pool, crack open a new book in the library, or relax in the spa.

Kendra Holmes, GlobeCruises' CEO, said she envisions at least two pools and restaurants and "as many bars and lounges" as possible, but no casino — which is a popular feature of some cruises.

The company also promises a scuba diving certification program and homeschooling opportunities for its youngest guests. The ship would host entertainers and chefs local to the port stops, as well.

The concept is similar to Life at Sea

GlobeCruises' plans are similar to those of now-defunct Life at Sea Cruises . The latter canceled its planned three-year voyage in November 2023, two weeks before its departure, after failing to secure enough funding to purchase a ship.

Dixon and Holmes previously worked with Life at Sea. Holmes served as CEO of its parent company, Miray Cruises , until her departure about a week before the company canceled its global voyage.

Dixon told BI that he helped develop the concept for Life at Sea and later brought it to Miray. He said he left the team in late October 2023, a couple of weeks after Miray said it couldn't acquire a vessel.

In January, 78 would-be Life at Sea cruisers sent a letter to Markenzy Lapointe, the US attorney for the Southern District of Florida, asking him to investigate Miray Cruises for criminal fraud. The letter accused the company of using about $16 million of its customers' funds to pay for a ship it didn't purchase.

In July, Life at Sea Cruises filed for bankruptcy.

The company's demise is "in the past," Holmes told BI.

"I can't dwell, but it's terrible it happened," Holmes said. "We all put our hearts and souls into it, and at the end of the day, it fell apart. I hate to say 'shit happens,' but shit happens."

To avoid another failed launch, Dixon said GlobeCruises has partnered with ship management firm Anglo-Eastern. The Hong Kong-based company has "expressed their confidence in the viability of our project." (Anglo-Eastern did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.)

But there is a caveat: GlobeCruises still needs a ship.

GlobeCruises doesn't have a ship — yet

Holmes said GlobeCruises would use investor money — not guest deposits — to pay for its future vessel.

Dixon told BI that he has already secured funding to "commit to" a ship and has narrowed the choice to three options that are currently in operation and would ideally accommodate 1,200 to 1,500 passengers

He said he aims to announce his final pick in early September and take ownership of the vessel in February 2025, two months before the start of the voyage.

In the meantime, guests can reserve the world cruise by signing a commitment contract. A 20% deposit would be due 14 days after GlobeCruises announces their ship of choice, and held in escrow until the sailing begins, Holmes said.

"At the end of the day, if we aren't able to get the investor support we need and we aren't able to acquire a ship, we're not going to sail," Holmes said. "That's something we're focusing on this time to make people feel more comfortable."

Travelers who don't want to pay at least $181,790 can book cheaper and shorter segments of the cruise. Holmes also suggested guests get a travel loan instead of selling their homes and cars. Some Life at Sea buyers had sold many of their belongings ahead of the ultimately canceled voyage.

Rival cruise Villa Vie could soon set sail

Holmes said several would-be Life at Sea guests have signed commitment contracts for her new project. (She declined to share the exact number.)

Villa Vie Residences , a never-ending cruise startup, has also attracted some travelers who've been burned by the recent demise or delay of other residential cruise concepts, such as Storylines and Victoria Cruises Line .

Villa Vie was founded by another Life at Sea alum, Mikael Petterson. But unlike the newer startup, Petterson's company already has a ship that could embark "any day now," he told BI in an email on Monday.

Despite the two companies' shared history, Dixon said there's no bad blood. He said he wants Villa Vie to succeed.

"I want people to go on Petterson's adventure," Dixon told BI. "It's going to be a door opener for the whole industry. It makes it easier for us because then there's a bit of confidence in this whole concept."

Are you sailing on a residential cruise ship like Villa Vie or have a tip? Contact the reporter at [email protected] or on X @brittanymchang .

Read the original article on Business Insider

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Sliding Into Norwegian’s Rush and the Drop Thrill Slides

When you see a Norwegian Prima-class ship, the first thing you’re likely to notice is the twisting blue tubes going down the side. Most people mistake these for waterslides, but they’re actually 10-story dry thrill slides called “The Drop” and “The Rush.” These slides provide a mild thrill on a sea day or after a day in port.

Norwegian’s First Dry Slide but Not the First at Sea

Norwegian isn’t the first cruise line to have a multi-story dry thrill slide. Royal Caribbean pioneered the concept with the Ultimate Abyss thrill slide on Harmony of the Seas in 2015. This new concept thrilled guests as they climbed into a scary-looking angler fish’s mouth, braved a glass platform, and slid down from Deck 18 to Deck 8. It was so popular that Royal Caribbean put the Ultimate Abyss slide on every new Oasis-class ship since then and even retrofitted older Oasis-class ships to have it.

Years later, MSC came out with their own version on the World Europa. This gleaming metal tube twists its way down into the World Promenade. When MSC’s World Europa debuted, MSC took the title of longest thrill slide at sea from Royal Caribbean. Since then, Royal took that title back by extending the Ultimate Abyss on its newest ship, Utopia of the Seas.

Norwegian’s version of the dry slides doesn’t claim to be the tallest or fastest, but they hold one record. According to Norwegian, one of their slides reaches “the highest G-forces of any cruise line; more Gs than an accelerating F1 racecar.”

The Drop Thrill Slide

The drop is the slide on the port side of the cruise ship. It’s the first freefall dry slide at sea, meaning the floor drops out from beneath you, sending you down ten stories to the exterior promenade of Ocean Boulevard. This slide is the one that has guests experiencing the highest g-forces at sea.

You board The Drop by going to Deck 18 and heading towards the mini-golf and Bullseye Dart Lounge section. There, you’ll be greeted with a neon queue to wait in line.

As you approach the front of the line, the attendant will have you grab a carpet-textured black bag. This bag is what helps you get down the slide without friction burns. When it’s your turn, you get into a blue tube with a clear front; it kind of resembles a coffin standing on its end. The attendant helps you get in the bag, and the door slowly closes. A voice counts down…3…2…1…and then you’re off.

The floor drops out beneath you, and you start to descend below the deck. It’s not as quick as a freefall water slide, but it is sudden. As you go down, you pass through a clear section of the slide that overhangs the water. You slow down in the clear section of the tube so you can appreciate how high you are before you enter the pitch dark again and twist and turn your way down.

Overall, the ride is less than 30 seconds, although it can depend on the humidity and how greased up the slide is.

Requirements for Norwegian’s The Drop Thrill Slide

To ride The Drop, you must be at least 52″ tall. It has a maximum height of 79″ (6’7″) and a maximum weight of 330 pounds. Your clothes must also be dry. You’ll have to remove your eyeglasses and sunglasses, but you can hold them as you go down; you can also take a small bag or purse down in the body bag with you.

Ships with The Drop Thrill Slide

• Norwegian Prima
• Norwegian Viva
• Norwegian Aqua

The Rush Thrill Slide

The Rush is a racing slide located on the starboard side of the Prima and Viva (the Rush will not be on the upcoming Norwegian Aqua). The ride is the same height as The Drop slide, but for this slide, rather than the floor dropping out beneath you, you start horizontally.

The entrance to The Rush is near The Stadium sports area on Deck 18. You enter the pink and neon queue and wait your turn. Like The Drop, you grab a bag as you get to the front of the line. Then you and a friend sit down in the bag and wait. The lights above you turn from red to green, and you scoot yourself into the slide until gravity takes over and you start heading down. You twist and turn down the completely dark tube until you arrive at the landing on Ocean Boulevard.

Requirements for Norwegian’s The Rush Thrill Slide

To ride The Rush, you must be at least 48″ tall. It has a maximum height of 79″ (6’7″) and a maximum weight of 330 pounds. Your clothes must also be dry. Eyeglasses and sunglasses must be removed, but you can hold them as you go down. You can also take a small bag or purse down in the body bag with you.

Ships with The Rush

How to ride norwegian’s thrill slides.

The Rush and The Drop have no additional cost, they are included in the cruise fare. You don’t have to make reservations either. Just show up when it’s open and wait in the queue. When I sailed on the Prima and Viva , the longest I ever waited was 5 minutes.

My Take: A Fun and Free Activity While at Sea

While some established Norwegian cruisers, especially those staying in the exclusive “The Haven,” have complained about these attractions, I find them to be an excellent addition to the ship. It’s refreshing to see an attraction with no additional cost and that you don’t have to reserve in advance.

The slides are also good for all ages, not just kids. It gives anyone a little thrill on a sea day or after visiting one of the ports. On my cruise on the Prima, I went on The Rush slide, and when I got off, a gentleman in his 70s was asking if it was fun and was considering trying it. His wife was trying to talk him out of it, but he eventually went on, and that’s what I like about a cruise; you can try something you might not have done at home.  

In terms of the “thrill” of the ride, The Drop and The Rush can be subject to weather; humidity and rain will slow down the slides, so they may get shut down on some days. It also means you don’t know what your experience will be; one time, I was flying down the slide at top speeds; the other, I barely made it out of the tube; I was going too slowly. I also found the ride less intense than the Ultimate Abyss on Royal Caribbean.

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Randy Young

Randy Young is the founder and editor-in-chief at Cruise Spotlight. He has been in marketing for 20 years and has been cruising for just as long. Over the years, he's worked with products like TVs, copiers, light bulbs, and EV chargers, but cruising has always been his passion. There's nothing Randy likes more than the first couple of hours on a ship, exploring every nook and cranny and seeing how it's different from everything else out there. He's known for providing detailed and analytical coverage of cruising to help cruisers get a comprehensive picture of a ship's offerings.

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