Cruise ship crime reaches 2-year high, casting ‘dark cloud’ for travelers: expert
Share this @internewscast.com

Crime rates aboard cruise ships leaving the U.S. have reached a two-year high, and one expert says this creates a “dark cloud” for travelers.

Information provided by the Department of Transportation reveals that during the period from January 1 to March 30, 2025, there were 48 crime allegations made onboard cruise ships. Of these incidents, 23 were reported as rapes, 10 were sexual assaults, and seven were assaults, all occurring on cruise vessels.

Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, told Fox News Digital crime negatively affects the cruise industry. McDonald has coordinated security for various dignitaries around the world.

Jose Prudencio Diaz, 36, and Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, 37, mugshots over a photo of an Independence of the Seas cruise ship

Jose Prudencio Diaz, 36, and Ricardo Daniel Mondragon Leal, 37, were charged with molestation of a child and exhibition on a child on an Independence of the Seas cruise. (Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office/Royal Caribbean)

The victim was identified as a 14-year-old boy who told police he was in the ship’s sauna when Diaz and Leal allegedly began masturbating in front of him.

According to records from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, Diaz and Leal forced the victim to touch them. Leal also allegedly forced the minor to perform a sex act.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X: “We WILL get these sickos out of our country.”

One recent incident involved dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers who got into a brawl while disembarking from a ship April 26. In a video posted to social media, several cruise passengers push through crowds in the Port of Galveston cruise terminal.

Passengers exiting a Carnival Cruise Line ship in Galveston were involved in a brawl.

Passengers departing a Carnival Cruise Line ship in Galveston were involved in a brawl. (Trelle Ray/Facebook)

Passengers exiting a Carnival Cruise Line ship in Galveston were involved in a brawl.

Passengers exiting a Carnival Cruise Line ship in Galveston were involved in a brawl. (Trelle Ray/Facebook)

During the fight, which happened in the cruise port, people can be seen punching and kicking others. 

Carnival Cruise Line placed 24 passengers on a “do not sail list,” prohibiting them from getting aboard any of the company’s ships. A spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line previously told Fox News Digital it doesn’t tolerate violence.

“The matter was turned over to law enforcement,” the spokesperson said. “We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list.”

Fox News Digital reached out to Carnival and Royal Caribbean for comment.

Fox News Digital’s Greg Wehner contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Four young men rescue dog, save East Arlington house from fire

Four Young Heroes Save Dog and Prevent House Fire in East Arlington

The men were riding around their neighborhood Sunday evening when they noticed…

“Beauty & The Geek Star’s Dramatic Shift from TV Glamour to Shaven-Headed Murder Suspect”

THE former reality TV star charged with the murder of her partner…
Lululemon accuses Costco in lawsuit of selling 'unauthorized' versions of its $128 pants

Lululemon Files Lawsuit Against Costco Over Alleged ‘Unauthorized’ Copies of $128 Pants

Lululemon is suing Costco, alleging that the discount wholesaler is selling knockoffs…
Ryan Lochte's estranged wife, Kayla Rae Reid, hints at 'betrayal' amid divorce, six-figure financial woes

Kayla Rae Reid, the estranged wife of Ryan Lochte, suggests a ‘betrayal’ as she faces divorce and major financial struggles.

Kayla Rae Reid shared a cryptic message about “betrayal” as her and…
Chilling 'coincidence' of Idaho shooting sends Internet sleuths into overdrive

Idaho Shooting’s Eerie ‘Coincidence’ Triggers Online Detectives’ Frenzy

On Sunday, a tragic ambush in Idaho targeted firefighters, coinciding with the…
Top Iranian cleric issues 'fatwa' against Trump, Netanyahu

Prominent Iranian Leader Declares Religious Edict Against Trump and Netanyahu

The leading Shiite cleric in Iran declared a religious decree targeting President…
Trump administration sues Los Angeles, claiming the city refuses to cooperate on immigration

Trump Administration Files Lawsuit Against Los Angeles for Non-Cooperation on Immigration

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Trump administration initiated a lawsuit on Monday…
More than 50 injured after shirtless man unleashes bear spray during Pride gathering in Washington Square Park, causing stampede

Over 50 People Hurt in Chaos as Man with Bear Spray Disrupts Pride Event in Washington Square Park

Over 50 individuals sustained injuries during a Pride event at Washington Square…
Jerome Powell accused of lying to Congress over $2.5B 'Palace of Versailles' HQ revamp

Jerome Powell Allegedly Misled Congress About $2.5 Billion Headquarters Renovation

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faces allegations of dishonest testimony to Congress…
Black and white photo of Sebastian, a 12-year-old boy.

Tragic Loss: Family Warns About Dangers of Online Challenges After 12-Year-Old’s Death

A 12-YEAR-OLD boy has died in a social media challenge, with his…
Meet the stunning model making her Wimbledon debut — against Aryna Sabalenka

Introducing the Gorgeous Model Set to Face Aryna Sabalenka in Her First Wimbledon Appearance

She’s got style, she’s got grace, and Carson Branstine also has one…
New York's Historic Roosevelt Hotel Is a 'Migrant' Shelter No Longer

Roosevelt Hotel in New York Reverts from ‘Migrant’ Shelter to Historic Landmark

Winning sometimes happens bit by bit, and other times it arrives in…