There are many advantages to taking a vacation on a cruise. Cruise passengers generally enjoy all-inclusive amenities that minimize their need to plan their meals. They can visit many exciting locations without handling logistics for every new location.
Unfortunately, there are some downsides to travel on the open ocean. Illness can spread quickly on cruise ships. Maintenance issues and poor design can contribute to major injuries. Passengers are also at risk of criminal attacks that can injure them and leave them traumatized. According to crime reports, the number of sexual assaults on cruise ships has increased in recent years.
What does the report show?
A report analyzing sexual assault reports among cruise ship passengers shows a noteworthy increase in 2023. There were 131 assaults, a figure that likely reflects only a tiny percentage of the actual crimes that occurred on cruise ships. That figure is higher than the 87 reported sexual assaults in 2022 and the 101 reported in 2019 before an industry-wide shutdown.
The international location of the crime and other complicating factors can leave cruise ship passengers uncertain about their rights. In some cases, cruise ship passengers assaulted on board may have grounds to take legal action. When the assailant was an employee or when lax security contributed to the incident, passengers may be in a position to take legal action.
Recognizing that blame lies with other parties can help people find the courage to speak up when a dream vacation turns into a nightmare scenario. Those hurt by criminal activity while on a cruise may need help holding the right parties accountable, and that’s okay. Seeking personalized legal guidance and support is always an option.