July 24, 2026, 8:08 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Sun, sea, and relaxation—for many, a cruise represents carefree vacationing. Yet, crime also occurs on the oceans. How often this actually happens and how cruise lines handle it is viewed differently. While a scientific study points to deficiencies in reporting incidents, the industry emphasizes its extensive security measures.
Thefts Are Most Common on Cruises
For his study “Crime at Seas,” Professor Dominic Kudlacek from the University of Applied Sciences Bremerhaven interviewed 15 former crew members about their experiences on board. According to them, thefts are the most common crimes on cruise ships. Sexual assaults, which reportedly mostly affect crew members, rank second. Smuggling, drug offenses, and vandalism are less common. Kudlacek criticizes that state authorities are often only involved in particularly serious crimes. “Incidents are reported to superiors. Authorities are only informed in serious cases, such as sexual assaults, which can also be documented by onboard camera footage,” Kudlacek explained recently during the presentation of his study at the German Prevention Day in Hanover.
Cruise Association Disputes the Criticism
The international cruise association CLIA rejects this portrayal. In a statement to “USA Today,” the association said: “Crimes on cruise ships are rare. The safety of guests and crew is always a top priority.” According to the organization, security personnel, video surveillance, and established procedures ensure the protection of passengers and crew around the clock.
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Cruise Lines Rely on Experienced Security Personnel
Many security staff have a professional background in police or the military. A spokesperson for TUI Cruises explains: “On board the Mein Schiff fleet, we have a security department that operates as a security service on board.” The department is led by a Chief Security Officer, who typically has military or police training. AIDA Cruises also points to an “experienced and well-trained international team of security personnel” on board, capable of taking necessary measures to protect guests, crew, and the ship at any time.
What Authority the Captain Has in Case of Crime
Anyone needing help on board should immediately contact guest services or the security service. According to the cruise lines, there are always contacts available for this purpose. If a crime occurs, the captain can exercise police powers and detain a suspect. “This is done in one of the cabins,” a spokesperson for the cruise association CLIA told TRAVELBOOK.
The cabin door is locked from the outside, so the person cannot leave. While some ships have detention rooms, these are mainly common on ferries where passengers travel without their own accommodations. “On a cruise ship, the cabin is simply more suitable.”
If a person is detained on board, they are usually handed over to local authorities or police at the next port. TUI Cruises refers to fleet-wide established procedures. For example, someone committing a crime during a Caribbean cruise with a stop in Cancún can subsequently be handed over to Mexican authorities.