Project One

Emma Dean

English Composition 2

Professor Hammett

Spring 2023

Essay One Proposal

1089 Words

Cruisin’ For a Bruisin’

The more one digs into the happenings on cruise ships, it is no wonder that fiction authors are so drawn to the subject seeing as the list of unlawful opportunities is boundless.  Eda Horotounian informs readers in her article, “Cruise Ship and Crime: How to Better Protect United States’ Citizens Who are Victims of Crime on the High Seas”, that “ships are subject to the laws of the country they were flagged under, and that country is responsible for regulating the ship.”  This means that if a cruise ship is registered under a country that does not have strict safety regulations, strong or just government or local law enforcement, corrupt political influences, or a social climate of well-being of its citizens and visitors then the crimes reported go unchecked, unsolved, and in some cases are not even considered a crime!  Although normally overlooked and many times unreported, cruise ships have a lot of crime.  These crimes can range from tax or labor related issues, fraud, public intoxication, theft of any kind, human trafficking, piracy, and even murder.  Also, since “Most security issues onboard ships at sea are relatively minor cases of public intoxication, which rarely rise to the level of criminal prosecution” it can be assumed that much more crime happens than what is reported due to the law that states cruise ships are only required to report theft of money that exceeds ten thousand dollars (Horotounian).  Despite the fact that cruise ships can be a dangerous place with no real exit aside from overboard, cruise lines and passengers can immensely make an impact to battle this social epidemic and prevent the happenings of crimes on cruise ships by simply being responsible and cautious.

Passengers have a role to play in stopping crime from happening on cruise ships.  Malcom Gladwell of Back Bay Books and author of The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference address epidemics in general stating that, “Epidemics are sensitive to the conditions and circumstances of the times and places in which they occur.”  He goes on to offer encouragement to fight against the epidemic because “The average person has the ability to influence about 150 other people through their social relationships” (Gladwell 2), which means that every passenger can make a stand and work towards eradicating crime. 

One way passengers can stay safe on a cruise ship is by remaining responsible and being aware of their surroundings.  Because cruise ships can instill a sense of false security, many people let down their guard and act careless.  Using common sense and also following guidelines set in place by travel advisors and the cruise lines go a long way to preventing crime.  Travelers should not bring important belongings because they may get lost or stolen.  Utilizing in-cabin safes inhibit the accessibility of these items from thieves.  It is dangerous to be walking around the deck or in the ship without paying attention to one’s surroundings.  It is easier to abduct or assault someone when they are least expecting it than a person who walks with their head high and looking around them.

There are several safety precautions a person can take to help keep themselves safe from danger.  Ned Levi lists many examples in the article “Cruise Safety and Personal Responsibility” one being that a traveler should not “...speak about [their] finances, or money in general, with passengers or crew, or even to family and friends with whom [they are] cruising, while other passengers or crew could overhear [their] conversation. Don’t give a criminal a reason to make you a target.”  While some articles like “Security At Sea” by Cruise Lines International Association, also known as CLIA, in their downplay the amount of crime taking place, state, “Cruise ships are one of the safest vacation options in the world.” There are many more sources, such as  that more accurately inform vacationers of the possible crimes that can occur and provide helpful and effective tips for avoiding situations that put them and others at risk.

Passengers trust cruise lines to provide them with a fun and safe vacation.  Cruise lines should take responsibility to ensure that they provide the best experience possible to cruisers.  This means taking a proactive approach to stopping crime before it happens.  Starting with educating cruisers before they ever step foot on a ship by having informative videos and brochures on precautions that should be taken related to personal safety and security of one’s belongings.  They should also supply security cameras and security guards to watch over the ship.  Contrary to the inevitable opinion of some passengers who may think that security cameras invade their privacy, this actually adds a layer of security and deters many crimes. In fact as of 2020 new safety standards were set that “...will require ships to install surveillance cameras in all public places and have a trained physician on board“ as stated by Clair Meyer in the article “Defense Bill Requires Surveillance Cameras for Cruise Ships”. 

 Another way cruise ships can help create a safe environment is by implementing background checks for not only the staff but passengers as well.  Some people may argue that approving passengers is an excessive step but it would keep known offenders from ever stepping onboard.  More simple options would be providing in-room safes to store valuables or even locked storage areas for larger items to be stowed away, setting limits to alcoholic consumption, and posting steps that passengers can follow to report suspicious activity.  This option can prevent multiple criminals from being onboard with other citizens.  

The epidemic of cruise ship crimes continues to reign every day, but when cruise lines and travelers partner together, and with proper security and safety precautions cruise ships can eventually be as safe as they seem.  Cruise lines market all the amazing qualities of the services they offer but do not advertise possibilities of the darker side of what can and does often happen on their ships.  Honestly, who wants to scare away business by being honest and forthright about the number one crime of sexual assault that makes up almost all of the reported crime on cruise ships?  But with trained security guards, security cameras, and giving sufficient training to passengers cruise ships can do their part in preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.  And, as travelers do their part in staying responsible when it comes to bringing items on board, drinking, and staying aware of their surroundings, the sense of false security will no longer be false.

 

Works Cited

Defense Bill Requires Surveillance Cameras for Cruise Ships. http://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/latest-news/today-in-security/2020/december/defense-bill-requires-surveillance-cameras-cruise-ships/. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Gladwell, Malcolm. “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference.” Selecthealth.Org, Back Bay Books, 2002, https://selecthealth.org/wellness-resources/-/media/76034399ED7D4EBE83E0E4A7AFBFECD1.ashx.

Harotounian, Eda. “Cruise Ship and Crime: How to Better Protect United States’ Citizens Who Are Victims of Crime on the High Seas.” Digitalcommons, 54 Loy. L.A. L. Rev, 2021, https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3112&context=llr. 12 March 2023.

How to Deal with Crime at Sea | Cruise Critic. https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=240. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Levi, Ned S. “Cruise Safety and Personal Responsibility.” Travelers United, 28 Feb. 2011, https://www.travelersunited.org/cruise-safety-and-personal-responsibility/.

“Security At Sea.” Cruise Line Industry Association, http://cruising.org/en/about-the-industry/policy-priorities/security-at-sea. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.