Federal data shows an increase in the number of reported sex crimes on cruise ships, but experts say many incidents likely go unreported.
Allegations of sexual assault on cruise ships increased last year, according to Department of Transportation data.
A total of 131 sexual crimes were reported on ships embarking and disembarking in the United States in 2025, up from 120 the previous year. These included 51 sexual assaults and 80 rapes.
The overall figure was on par with 2023, when 131 sexual crimes were reported, including 52 sexual assaults and 79 rapes. There were 87 sexual assault charges in 2022 and 101 in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic shut down the industry and cruises resumed in mid-2021, according to DOT incident reports. The two years of available DOT data did not distinguish between sexual assault and rape.
The actual number may be higher. According to RAINN, only one in three victims report sexual assault to law enforcement.
The Cruise Lines International Association, the cruise industry’s major trade group, did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment.
This increase comes in response to increased demand from the cruise industry. According to CLIA’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report, 34.6 million international cruise passengers will set sail in 2024, up from 31.7 million the year before and 20.4 million in 2022. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization recorded 29.7 million guests.
The CLIA report notes that 37.7 million passengers are expected to take to the high seas on cruises in 2025, but the 2026 report has not yet been released.
Michael Winkleman, a maritime attorney with Ripcon at Margulies & Winkleman in Pennsylvania, told USA TODAY in 2022 that these crimes happen more often than guests realize.
“I think the average cruise passenger just doesn’t know that rape and sexual assault is prevalent on cruise ships,” he said.
He cited both alcohol and the lack of independent law enforcement on board (although cruise ships have their own security) as contributing factors.
Erin Robinson, RAINN’s head of media relations at the time, also emphasized that the victims were not at fault. “Regardless of the circumstances of a case of sexual violence, only the perpetrator is responsible,” she said at the time.
If you are a victim of sexual assault, please call the number below. National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit: hotline.rainn.org/online Receive confidential support.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
