Sex Abuse on Cruise Ships and Yachts
Sex abuse on cruise ships and yachts is a serious, often underreported issue. The confined environment on a ship can make passengers more vulnerable to abuse and leave them with limited options after an assault has occurred.
Multiple cruise lines have been accused of failing to protect passengers from sexual assaults and sweeping incidents under the rug to protect their reputation at the expense of the safety and well-being of those onboard.
Cruise sexual assault lawsuits claim:
- Inadequate security allowed assaults to happen without detection or intervention
- Staff weren't adequately trained to deal with incidents of abuse or were left unsupervised, allowing assaults to occur
- Cruise lines didn't properly vet employees before hiring them
- Perpetrators preyed on passengers who had been drinking or were overserved
- Victims were often discouraged from reporting abuse, with complaints ignored or downplayed
- A lack of reporting mechanisms made it difficult for survivors to come forward
"The dirty secret in the cruise line industry is that crime does occur on cruise ships and very often law enforcement isn't notified, evidence isn't preserved, people aren't assisted."
– Senator Richard Blumenthal
Some survivors have fought back by filing civil sexual abuse lawsuits to hold cruise lines accountable. So far, millions of dollars have been paid out to survivors of sexual assault on cruises and yachts.
At Sokolove Law, we have over 45 years of experience fighting for survivors, including those who were sexually assaulted on cruise ships. Let us fight for you.
Get the Help You Deserve
Our cruise ship sex abuse lawyers may be able to help you pursue justice and compensation. Get started now with a free case review.
Sexual Assault on Cruise Ships: Settlements & Verdicts
Survivors of sexual assault on cruise ships may be eligible for compensation from a lawsuit settlement or verdict. This money can help cover therapy, medical care, and lost wages, while also sending a strong message that abuse is never okay.
Survivors deserve justice. Find out about past cruise ship sex assault settlements and verdicts awarded to those who were harmed on the high seas.
$10 Million Carnival Cruise Sexual Assault Verdict
A Florida federal court awarded $10.2 Million to a woman who was sexually assaulted by a former crew member aboard the Carnival Miracle in 2018. At the time, the 21-year-old passenger was traveling with her friend and their family.
The assault occurred after the woman, who had been drinking and suffered a head injury from a fall, was allegedly led into a closet by the worker.
The jury found Carnival liable for false imprisonment and sexual assault, though they ruled that the crew member did not intentionally cause emotional distress. The employee claimed the encounter was consensual throughout legal proceedings.
$70 Million Awarded in Yacht Sex Abuse Case
In 2018, a Florida jury awarded more than $70 Million to a woman who was sexually assaulted by a coworker aboard the Endless Summer yacht. The yacht's owner, Island Girl Ltd., was found liable for negligence and failure to provide adequate security.
Even though the man had pleaded guilty to sexual battery in 2016 and was sentenced to 2 years in prison, Island Girl still hired him as a deckhand.
The woman reported that the employee entered her cabin while drunk, threatened her life, and assaulted her.
Margaritaville at Sea Settles 3rd Cruise Ship Sex Assault Lawsuit
A Missouri woman reached a confidential settlement with Margaritaville At Sea Paradise after accusing a hotel employee at the Wyndham Viva Fortuna Beach of raping her in 2023, where the cruise line had arranged for passengers to stay.
The woman claimed Margaritaville should have warned passengers about past incidents of sexual abuse at the hotel. Another woman reported being gang-raped by 4 hotel employees on her wedding night, according to a 2016 TripAdvisor review cited in the complaint.
The lawsuit followed earlier settlements by Classica Cruise Operator, Margaritaville’s parent company, after 2 women accused bartender Hoobesh Dookhy of raping them while they were asleep in their cabin aboard the ship.
While every case is different and there’s no guarantee of results, our cruise ship assault lawyers will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may be able to pursue a cruise ship sexual abuse settlement. It costs nothing to speak with us.
How Common Is Sex Abuse on Cruise Ships and Yachts?
Unfortunately, sexual abuse on cruise ships and yachts is all too common. Over 100 cases are reported each year, with many others likely occurring but going undocumented — often due to cruise lines' efforts to protect their reputations.
Find out about key cruise ship sexual assault statistics:
- In 2023, 131 sex crimes were reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on ships embarking and disembarking in the United States.
- Of these incidents, 52 involved sexual assault and 79 involved rape, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Passengers committed 98 of the assaults, while crew members committed 27.
- 45 of these assaults occurred on Carnival Cruise Line, 26 occurred on Royal Caribbean, and 19 occurred on Disney Cruise Line.
- One-third of all cruise ship sexual assault survivors were harmed as children, according to a Congressional report.
- Reports of cruise ship sexual assaults have been on the rise, with a 50% increase between 2022 and 2023.
- In the first 6 months of 2025, 56 sexual assaults have been reported to the FBI by 9 cruise lines.
- Sexual assaults are the most commonly reported crimes on cruise ships.
These cruise ship assault statistics may not fully capture the scope of the problem, as many victims don’t report incidents due to fear, shame, or mistrust of the system.
"I did not know what to do. I did not know who to turn to. There were no police on the ship, I learned. I was hesitant to call and report the crime to the security department because a crew member wearing a security badge had just raped me."
– L.D., Cruise Ship Sexual Abuse Survivor
How to File a Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, we recognize the challenges survivors face when coming forward about sexual assault, especially when the violation occurred far from home and without immediate access to support or resources.
Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. We can navigate the legal process on your behalf, so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
Our sexual assault on a cruise attorneys may be able to:
What happened to you was not your fault. We're here to help you understand your options and make the legal process as easy as possible.
Deadline to File a Lawsuit for Sexual Abuse on a Cruise Ship
Usually, the deadline to file a sexual assault lawsuit is determined by state laws known as statutes of limitations. However, when an injury occurs at sea, federal maritime law applies.
While the maritime statute of limitations is generally 3 years after an incident, other factors may impact how long survivors have to take legal action for sexual abuse on cruise ships.
Cruise lines often have contractual terms that may limit this timeframe, so it's important to consult with an experienced lawyer for victims of assault on a cruise right away to understand your rights and the specific deadlines in your case.
Our team at Sokolove Law can help you understand the legal deadlines in your cruise ship assault case and guide you through the process if you have a case.
Cruise Ship Assaults by Cruise Line
Passengers across multiple cruise lines have been assaulted. While cruise lines have a duty to provide a safe environment, many have been accused of mishandling assaults or failing to implement precautions to prevent them from happening.
Cruise lines that have faced reports of sexual abuse include:
- Carnival Cruise Line: A 16-year-old girl reportedly suffered a Carnival cruise assault when she was molested by a trainer in the gym who lifted her shirt and pulled down her shorts while taking her measurements.
- Celebrity Cruise Line: A sommelier aboard the Celebrity Edge alleged that she joined coworkers at the staff bar after work, had two drinks, and later woke up while being raped in a crewmember’s cabin.
- Disney Cruise Line: The parents of a 3-year-old girl filed a $20 Million sexual abuse lawsuit against Disney Cruise Line, alleging that an older child assaulted their toddler while she was under the care of the cruise line’s daycare facility.
- Holland America Line: A cruise ship worker was arrested in Florida after being accused of raping a 31-year-old U.S. woman aboard the MS Nieuw Amsterdam and attempting to throw her overboard. The woman alleged that the employee attacked her in her stateroom.
- Princess Cruise Line: A passenger on a Princess Cruises ship filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually assaulted by a DJ in her cabin after a night of dancing.
- MSC Cruise Line: A 44-year-old woman aboard the Seascape cruise ship accused two crew members of raping her twice in her cabin. She said the cruise line treated her "like an animal" when she reported the assault.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: A family filed a Norwegian Cruise Line assault lawsuit after their 12-year-old daughter was reportedly sexually assaulted by a room steward aboard the Norwegian Escape and claimed the company was negligent in hiring the employee.
- Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: A woman who testified before Congress said she was raped and strangled by a ship security guard who forced his way into her cabin.
"People of authority, I automatically try to avoid them. And I don't trust them because in the back of my mind I think, 'What if they're going to take advantage of me?'"
– A. Smith, Cruise Ship Sexual Abuse Survivor
These are just some of the cruise lines that have faced sexual assault allegations, and unfortunately, they are not the only ones. Over the years, thousands of survivors have been impacted emotionally, physically, and financially.
Compensation from a cruise ship sex abuse lawsuit can cover medical care, therapy, and more to aid in the recovery process.
Billions Recovered Nationwide
We’ve secured over $10.1 Billion total for our clients. See if you may be eligible for a cruise ship sexual assault lawsuit settlement now.
Why Does Sexual Assault Happen on Cruise Ships?
Factors like isolated environments, limited security, and inadequate staff may contribute to the prevalence of sexual assault incidents on a cruise.
Regardless of the cause, it is the cruise line’s responsibility to have strong safeguards in place to protect everyone on board.
Sexual assaults on cruise ships often occur due to:
- Alcohol and party atmosphere: Cruises frequently promote an environment of heavy drinking, sometimes overserving passengers. This can impair judgment, lower inhibitions, and make individuals more vulnerable to predators.
- Inadequate security: Limited surveillance and insufficient staff oversight create opportunities for abuse to occur without detection.
- Isolated location: Cruises operate in international waters, making it harder for law enforcement to intervene or for victims to escape and get help.
- Limited reporting mechanisms: Passengers may feel unsafe or unsupported when trying to report incidents, especially if the perpetrator is a crew member.
- Poor hiring decisions: Cruise lines may employ staff members without proper background checks or hire foreign workers whose records may not be as easily available.
- Power imbalance: Crew members often have authority over passengers, which can be exploited for abusive behavior.
- Untrained staff: Many crew members are not properly trained to recognize or handle allegations of abuse, allowing perpetrators to act without consequence.
Cruise lines should take full responsibility for ensuring the safety of their passengers and address any gaps to prevent such incidents from ever occurring. When they fail to do so, a cruise ship assault lawsuit can hold them accountable and push for better safety standards.
"We're hoping that we can save another family from having to go through this hardship. We don't want another individual to be assaulted on a cruise."
– Mother of a Cruise Ship Sexual Abuse Survivor
Get Help from Our Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyers
Cruise lines have a duty to protect their passengers, but when they fall short, passengers pay the price. Many incidents of sexual assault on cruises could have been prevented if the cruise line had taken proper precautions.
At Sokolove Law, we're dedicated to holding cruise lines accountable for the harm they allowed to happen on their watch.
Our cruise ship sexual abuse lawyers:
- Can assist survivors in all 50 states
- Charge no upfront costs or hourly fees
- Have secured over $10.1 Billion total for injured clients
Call (800) 995-1212 right now or fill out our form to get started with a free case review. Don't miss your chance to pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawsuit FAQs
How often does sexual abuse happen on cruise ships and yachts?
Over 100 sexual assaults on cruise ships and yachts are documented each year, with many more incidents likely going unreported. The isolated nature of these vessels, along with limited security and oversight, can create an environment where passengers are vulnerable to abuse.
This problem spans the entire cruise industry, affecting luxury liners, budget cruises, and private yachts alike. Sexual assaults have been reported on vessels operated by nearly every major cruise line, suggesting that no company is immune.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse on a cruise ship or yacht, you deserve justice. Get a free case review now to learn more about your legal options.
How much are cruise ship sexual assault settlements?
Cruise ship sexual assault settlements and verdicts vary, awarding anywhere from tens of thousands of dollars to millions in more severe cases. In one case, a woman who alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a crew member on the Carnival Miracle secured over $10 Million. Compensation can cover medical bills, therapy, lost wages, and more.
At Sokolove Law, our crew member assault on a cruise lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and work to secure as much compensation as possible on your behalf, though there’s never a guarantee.
Call (800) 995-1212 right now to see if our cruise ship sexual abuse lawyers may be able to fight for you.
What should I do after a sexual assault on a cruise ship?
If you’ve been sexually assaulted while on a cruise, taking quick action can protect your safety, preserve evidence, and support any legal claims you may decide to pursue later.
It can be important to:
- Report the assault to cruise ship security or staff and request medical attention
- Preserve evidence by keeping clothing, avoiding bathing, and taking photos of any visible injuries
- Notify law enforcement when the ship docks, either through the FBI or local authorities
- Document everything by keeping detailed notes and copies of communications related to the incident
Finally, contact an experienced maritime injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you through your legal options and fight to hold the cruise line accountable.
What are my rights as a passenger on a cruise ship?
As a passenger on a cruise ship, you have the right to a safe and secure environment, including protection from sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of abuse. Cruise lines are legally obligated to provide reasonable care for your physical safety.
If you are a victim of abuse, you also have the right to report the incident to the ship’s crew, file a claim, and seek compensation. Additionally, you have the right to contact law enforcement, such as the FBI, if a crime occurs while the ship is in international waters.
How much time do I have to bring a sexual assault claim against a cruise line?
Typically, passengers have 3 years to file a lawsuit involving an incident at sea, but many cruise lines have specific clauses in their contracts that may shorten this time frame.
It’s important to act quickly, as once this deadline passes, you may miss your chance to seek the compensation and justice you're entitled to.
How do I report sexual assault on a cruise ship?
To report sexual assault on a cruise ship, immediately notify the ship's staff. They are responsible for addressing such incidents and documenting your report.
Once the ship reaches port, report the assault to local law enforcement or the FBI, especially if the crime occurred while the ship was in international waters. The FBI is often involved in these investigations, particularly if the assault occurred outside of U.S. jurisdiction.
A cruise ship sexual assault lawyer can help you navigate the reporting process and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.
How can an attorney help with my cruise ship sexual assault claim?
A cruise ship sexual abuse lawyer can provide support by handling all the legal work and collecting critical evidence, like medical records, witness statements, and video footage.
Additionally, they can communicate with the cruise line and their insurers, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they work to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Sokolove Law, our cruise ship sexual abuse attorneys never charge any upfront costs and can help survivors in all 50 states. Contact us now to see if we may be able to seek a cruise ship settlement for you.
