Cruise crime: FBI says assaults top list of reports

How often do crimes occur on cruise ships? One recent violent assault occurred at sea, and authorities in South Florida handled the case. A judge released the main suspect, setting a low bond.

Image of cruise ship from US Government website.

News broke in late April about an assault aboard a cruise ship. Media reported a group of “kids” were on an elevator also occupied by an adult man and woman. The “kids” were jumping up and down, “causing it to sway.” The events around this situation raise questions about the suspects and the judge who set one suspect’s bond. The adult male was allegedly severely beaten to the point of unconsciousness.

Considering the number of people who opt to go on cruises, the volume of crime reported is very small. FBI Tampa Special Agent Mat Pagliarini and FBI Los Angeles Special Agent Matt Parker are experts at navigating the complexities of cruise ship crime from coast to coast:

“The FBI received 180 reports of alleged criminal activity on board cruises in 2023, from thefts to missing persons cases. According to both Pagliarini and Parker, sexual assaults topped the list of cruise ship crime reports they received, followed by physical assaults.”

Pagliarini and Parker pointed to the Cruise Vessel and Safety Act (2010) requirements for eight mandated reportable incidents: homicide, suspicious deaths, missing U.S. nationals, kidnappings, assaults with serious bodily injuries, sexual assault, firing or tampering with a vessel, and theft of money or property of more than $10,000.

Many factors determine the FBI’s ability to investigate. Among them are:

“The location of the vessel, the nationality of the suspect or victim, the ownership of the vessel, the points of embarkation and debarkation, and the country where the vessel is registered…”

According to the FBI, passengers can go beyond reporting an incident to cruise ship security officers. “[Y]ou can also report the incident to the FBI directly.” The agency also cautioned one “big challenge is delayed reporting.”

It’s possible petty crimes are handled by the ship’s own security staff and thus go unreported to federal authorities.

The suspects in the elevator beating ended up being processed by Broward County (FL) officials. The adult man and woman tried to get the suspects to stop jumping up and down. Based on media reports, it sounds like the suspects impeded the adults’ exit when the elevator stopped. The truly questionable part of this story relates to the judge’s decision.

Only one suspect was identified. A co-defendant was not identified. The “kid” who was named and charged isn’t a “kid.” He’s an 18 year old adult from North Carolina. The judge set this young man free on $5,000 bond. This seems very unwise. If a suspect beats someone bloody for no good reason, that suspect presents a danger to the public.

There was another recent incident in the port in Galveston, Texas. A brawl caused at least two dozen people to be placed on the cruise line’s “Do Not Sail” list. Video posted on various social media, and on websites like USA Today, show a free-for-all with people slugging each other and throwing objects as small children look on perplexed.

There are enough incidents on cruise ships to attract attorneys who specialize in such matters. For instance Delgado Trial Attorneys firm in Miami (FL) posts tips and information for travelers, and instructs on what to do if you believe you’ve been wronged. One article of interest details “the most dangerous areas on cruise ships.”

Admittedly, the crimes reported are a small number compared to the millions who travel on ships each year. According to the Maritime Executive website, the state of Florida saw records “smashed” in 2024 as tourists headed to the Sunshine State to depart from various ports. Ports like Canaveral are planning for record numbers again this year:

“Port Canaveral’s budget called for 7.3 million passengers in 2024. They are projecting in the budget a new record of 8.4 million in 2025.”

You can access cruise line incident reports posted by the US Department of Transportation.

As with any travel, it pays to be careful and avoid creating opportunity any time you’re traveling. After reading about the elevator “kids”, I realized it might pay to be careful about whom you hop into an elevator with, and not just on a cruise ship.

It would also be a good idea to stop calling 18-year-olds “kids.” If you’re old enough to serve in the military, drive a car, and book a cruise, you’re a young adult. #