Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Cases Hit Record High - Legal Experts Warn Passengers Are Still Unprepared
Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation shows that reported sexual assaults on cruise ships reached 131 cases in 2025 — matching the highest number ever recorded and rising from 120 the previous year. But according to maritime attorneys, that number likely represents only a fraction of what actually happens at sea.
With the global cruise industry carrying nearly 38 million passengers last year and ships sailing at full capacity during peak periods like spring break and Easter, legal experts say awareness hasn’t kept pace with risk.