Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyer

Cruise ships are meant to be a place of relaxation and excitement, but unfortunately, sexual assault happens with disturbing frequency on these vessels. If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault aboard a cruise, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you hold the cruise line financially accountable for failing to protect you.

Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Statistics

Cruise ship sexual assault has become a significant issue in the industry, with numbers rising precipitously last year. In 2023, there were 131 sex crimes reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation that included cruise ships embarking or disembarking in the United States [1]. Of these, 52 were considered rape, and 79 were sexual assault [2]. 

These numbers are significantly higher than in 2019, the last year before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the cruise ship industry. At that time, there were 101 sexual assaults reported on cruise ships [3]. 

According to the reports, fellow cruise ship passengers are the most likely perpetrators. Of the 131 rape and sexual assault cases reported in 2023, cruise passengers perpetrated 98, and 27 were perpetrated by crew members [4].

Since 2010, nearly 70% of all sexual assault claims occurred on Carnival or Royal Caribbean cruises [5]. Of these two cruise ship operators, Carnival has almost double the number of sexual assaults, which the company explains by having shorter itineraries and more passengers [6].

Sadly, a Congressional inquiry found at least one-third of all sexual violence on cruise ships are sexual assaults involving minors [7]. The statistics on sexual assault or rape on cruise ship lines may underestimate the true scope of the problem, as only 310 of every 1,000 sexual assault victims come forward with their stories [8]. 

Understanding Cruise Ship Sexual Assault

Rape and sexual assault are the most commonly reported cruise ship crimes, demonstrating the severe risk that passengers and crew are exposed to when they are aboard [9]. 

A cruise ship is essentially a floating city that may be hundreds of miles away from the nearest rape treatment center, meaning that when cruise ship sexual assaults happen, there is limited ability to investigate and protect the victim. 

Experts suggest the culture aboard cruise ships contributes to the rampant sexual abuse [10]. On many cruise ships, alcohol abuse is rife; the average cruise ship passenger drinks 33 alcoholic beverages per week [11]. In fact, passengers on cruise lines drink up to eight times more than they would during everyday life [12]. 

Alcohol is a known risk factor for sexual assault and rape because it impairs judgment and lowers inhibition [13]. While drinking in and of itself does not cause cruise ship rapes, about 50% of all sexual assaults involve alcohol intoxication by the victim, perpetrator, or both [14]. 

Because cruise ship companies can make an enormous profit margin on these beverages, they have no reason to limit a passenger’s drinking. 

For example, Carnival Cruise Line allows passengers to purchase up to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, well beyond what would make the average person intoxicated [15]. On a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, those who purchase the Royal Deluxe package have unlimited access to alcohol [16]. 

Additionally, cruise ship liners fail to protect their passengers and employees, even when given clear guidance on how to do so. A Buzzfeed investigation found cruise companies did not implement suggested cruise vessel security and reporting measures; instead, they ran a marketing campaign that claimed zero tolerance [17].  

Types of Sexual Assault on Cruise Ships

Our cruise ship rape attorneys work with a wide range of assaults that take place on cruise lines, which include three primary categories.

Passenger on Passenger Assault

In 2023, 98 of the 131 sex crimes reported on cruise ships were perpetrated by a passenger [18]. In 2014, on the Carnival Sensation, a passenger was sexually assaulted by two other passengers; the confrontation was so loud that a passenger in a nearby cabin called a ship’s security officer immediately, but they did not respond for 20 minutes [19]. 

Cruise ship employees then told the woman to keep quiet and not disturb other guests, and the cruise line itself tried to force her to file a report under her real name to “publicly stand behind her allegations” [20]. 

Crew Member on Passenger Assault

27 of the sexual assault claims in 2023 were committed by cruise ship personnel [21]. In 2022, a Princess Cruise ship crew member sexually assaulted a woman who later contracted HIV from the attack [22]. The anonymous woman did not report the attack out of fear of retaliation because the employee knew her cabin number. 

Child Sexual Abuse

There have been several offenses involving young children, including an 11-year-old molested by a cast member on a Disney Cruise Line ship [23]. The incident occurred while the ship was still docked in Florida and in full view of cameras. Though the victim reported the attack, all Disney did for the family was put a princess bedspread on the victim’s bed.

Where Cruise Ship Rape and Sexual Assault Occurs

A sexual assault may take place anywhere on a cruise liner, but it generally occurs in quieter places where there is less likelihood of being interrupted. 

• Cabins – While public places on cruise liners typically have security cameras and security officers, cabins do not. As such, sexual assault frequently occurs within these more secluded spaces, as happened to the Jane Doe passenger on the Carnival Sensation. She was stalked by two male passengers, who forced themselves into her cabin and attacked her [24]. 
• Public Areas – Despite cruise lines insisting they have adequate public security, there are often many blind spots in the security perimeter. A deposition after the Carnival Sensation incident revealed there were no cameras installed in passenger corridors, the nightclub, stairways, elevators, or one of the restaurants [25]. This means sexual assault could happen in plain sight, and there would be no evidence of it ever occurring.
• Private Events – Cruise ships often have meeting spaces for private events, such as weddings, graduations, and conferences. With these, there may be the illusion of security that could easily lead to sexual assault. 

The Cruise Line’s Responsibility to Protect Passengers

Cruise ships that depart from a United States port are considered common carriers, meaning they are held to high standards regarding the safety of their passengers. While they are not strictly liable for any accidents that occur on board, they must take all reasonable precautions to prevent harm to passengers, including sexual assault and rape [26]. 

• Security Measures – Cruise lines typically have private security crews that patrol the public areas.  These are not law enforcement officials but can help enforce rules and prevent tampering with evidence until US Coast Guard officials arrive [27]. Under US law, cruise lines must have secure, latching doors for all cabins and install video surveillance equipment to record potential crimes [28]. 
• Background Checks – Cruise lines must perform adequate background checks on their employees, including whether they have ever been accused of a violent crime. However, they are not obligated to perform background checks on passengers, meaning those accused of sexual assault and rape can easily gain access to new victims [29]. 
• Training – Cruise ship operators must adequately train their staff to recognize signs of sexual harassment and sexual assault. All cruise ship companies and their employees that depart from the United States are subject to the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010, which includes a passenger’s right to receive a sexual assault forensic exam and inform the United States Coast Guard officials as soon as possible [30]. 

Cruise ship staff must also be responsive to the needs of sexual assault survivors, such as moving them to a different cabin for the duration of their trip and getting them medical treatment for physical injuries. 

Under the law, cruise lines are required to have a medical professional trained in sexual assault investigation available to any survivor, as well as an up-to-date stock of prophylactics [31].

The Role of a Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyer

After a sexual assault on a cruise ship, having a cruise ship rape lawyer from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is crucial. Cruise lines often avoid admitting fault and may attempt to suppress evidence of assaults on their vessels to protect their reputation and profits. 

However, our law firm will hold the cruise line accountable and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, ensuring they meet their obligations to protect passengers.

Legal Expertise in Maritime Law and Personal Injury

A sexual assault claim on a cruise ship can be complicated, thanks to the different jurisdictions involved. Our legal team is familiar with the intersection of maritime law and personal injury, and we can ensure that cruise ship rape is litigated in the appropriate civil court. 

Investigating the Assault

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is renowned for carefully investigating all cases, which includes gathering witness statements, reviewing medical records, and accessing security footage. 

Additionally, we will analyze the cruise line’s policies and procedures to identify whether they are following all requirements under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 and any other relevant statutes. We will also speak to expert witnesses, such as cruise industry experts, to further support your claim with professional advice. 

Identifying Liable Parties

An individual who has been sexually assaulted may file claims against more than one party, which can include the following.

• The Perpetrator – The perpetrator is the first party to be held accountable for rape or sexual assault, as they decided to violate your bodily autonomy.
• Cruise Line – When a cruise ship passenger or crew member sexually assaults a passenger, cruise line companies can be held liable for failing to protect their guests from harm adequately. 
• Other Parties – Our law firm may also hold other individuals or parties accountable. For example, if rape or sexual assault occurred when one or both parties were heavily intoxicated, the bartender who served them drinks may be responsible for continuing to serve alcohol. 

Building a Strong Legal Case

We will apply all relevant laws and statutes to develop a powerful legal case based on the particular jurisdiction. With our evidence, we can prove negligence and identify who is liable, whether the cruise line or an individual employee. Additionally, we can determine how much a case may be worth based on precedent. 

Negotiating with Cruise Lines and Insurance Companies

Our law firm will negotiate with the cruise company and its insurance carrier to reach a fair settlement. Cruise corporations don’t want to pay their fair share, but our legal team has years of experience in negotiation and will hold them accountable.

Filing a Lawsuit and Litigating in Court

While we are often able to settle cruise ship rape and sexual assault cases out of court, it is sometimes necessary to take the case to civil court. In this instance, we will file all the necessary documents and guide you through the legal process, providing you with world-class legal representation before a judge and jury. 

Seeking Compensation for Cruise Ship Sexual Assault

Sexual assault is deeply traumatic, often resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or physical pain. Our team will help secure compensation to help pay for your emotional and financial recovery. 

If you have been sexually assaulted on a cruise ship, our law firm will help you pursue damages in a civil case. This is separate from a criminal case and is primarily meant to compensate a victim for the harm caused by the incident.

You may receive both economic and non-economic damages, which can include the following:

• Medical expenses 
• Psychological treatment
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Property damage
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In some jurisdictions, you may also receive punitive damages, which punish the perpetrator for violating you. However, these damages are only awarded by a court system and will not come from a settlement.

Statute of Limitations for Cruise Ship Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for rape and sexual assault varies significantly by jurisdiction and by what type of lawsuit you file. In some cases, you may have only one year to file a civil lawsuit against a cruise line, making it essential to reach out to us as soon as possible [32]. 

The Challenges of Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Cases

Sex crimes on cruise ships are sadly very common, but they are also very hard to pursue. Our law firm is one of the leading firms pursuing justice for victims and has deep experience in these challenges. 

Jurisdiction and Venue

In general, a sexual assault claim on a cruise ship will be under the jurisdiction of a federal court; however, this is not always the case. Many factors determine where you need to file, including the vessel’s location, the nationality of the perpetrator and victim, the cruise line’s flag of nationality, and the ports of embarkation and disembarkation [33]. 

Different jurisdictions have different laws defining sexual assault, including statutes of limitations, making it harder to determine how to file. Depending on where the assault happened, there may also be international laws at play, further complicating the justice process. 

Evidence Collection and Preservation

Despite laws requiring that evidence be retained for sexual assault, it is not uncommon for there to be ‘blind spots’ in security cameras that prevent proper evidence [34]. Security personnel on the ship may also not be trained in preserving a crime scene, leading to the loss of essential evidence. 

Cruise Line Defenses

Cruise lines have a whole retinue of lawyers who will do everything they can to protect the company’s reputation. They may blame the victim, especially if they were drinking, and insist they have limited liability for a passenger or employee’s actions. Our law firm is highly familiar with their tactics and will work hard to counter all their claims, giving you the best chance of success. 

Contact Experienced Cruise Ship Rape Lawyers Today!

We have recovered millions in damages for our clients and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we can win your case. If you have been sexually assaulted on a cruise, we are here to help. 

Call us today at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online contact form. 

References: [1] USA Today, [2] USA Today, [3] USA Today, [4] USA Today, [5] Business Insider, [6] Business Insider, [7] NBC News, [8] Rape, Incest & Abuse National Network, [9] The Week, [10] Business Insider, [11] Cruiseline.com, [12] Cruiseline.com, [13] US Army, [14] TIPS Certification, [15] Carnival Cruise Line, [16] Royal Caribbean, [17] Buzzfeed, [18] USA Today, [19] Buzzfeed, [20] Buzzfeed, [21] USA Today, [22] Buzzfeed, [23] Buzzfeed, [24] Buzzfeed, [25] Buzzfeed, [26] FindLaw, [27] Rape, Incest & Abuse National Network, [28] Cornell Law School, [29] First Coast News, [30] Rape, Incest & Abuse National Network, [31] Cornell Law School, [32] Buzzfeed, [33] Rape, Incest & Abuse National Network, [34] Cornell Law School