Crimes at Sea in the Context of Cruise Tourism – A Neglected Area in Criminology?

• In Event: Hidden forms of Victimization

Abstract

Cruise tourism has experienced significant growth over the past decades, with mega cruise ships accommodating more than 6,900 passengers. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act mandates the reporting of serious crimes to the FBI. However, while official crime reports remain remarkably low, victims' associations and advocacy groups indicate a much higher incidence of crime. This suggests that reliable data on the prevalence and nature of crimes occurring on cruise ships is lacking.
This study is based on a systematic literature review as well as a qualitative survey conducted among cruise ship crew members, representatives of shipping companies, and officials from maritime agencies.
The qualitative survey revealed that crimes among crew members are often handled informally. Certain crew members, acting as representatives of specific status or ethnic groups, mediate disputes and resolve incidents outside formal reporting structures. Reporting crimes to the commanding officers or documenting incidents in logbooks is uncommon and often discouraged among the crew.
Crimes involving passengers are also rarely reported. When offenses are witnessed by the crew, they are typically documented and addressed at the next port, where they become part of local crime statistics. Nonetheless, certain factors unique to cruise ships—such as restricted escape routes, increased informal social control, and extensive video surveillance—may contribute to lower crime rates onboard. However, impulsive crimes committed in the heat of the moment are likely unaffected by these constraints.

Author

• Dominic Kudlacek, Hochschule Bremerhaven