How to Protect Your Family from Sexual Assault or Harassment on Cruises

Planning a cruise brings a great deal of excitement for any traveler. As you start packing your bags full of sunscreen, swimsuits, windbreakers, and seasickness remedies, don’t forget to arm yourself and your family from one of the biggest dangers onboard these vessels.

You might imagine that the biggest danger would be food poisoning, though in reality, sexual assault and harassment top the list. Since it’s so easy to let your guard down once the ship sets sail, you may not be thinking of all the steps you’d take on land to stay safe.

These tips can help you protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming one of these alarming statistics. 

Protecting Yourself in Public Areas on the Ship

Exercise Safety in Numbers

You’ll always be safest if you stay in well-lit, populated parts of the ship. Don’t go exploring isolated decks, corridors, or venues on your own, particularly at night when many guests have gone to bed. 

Buddy Up

Family members should use the buddy system and stick together while drinking or at night. Set check-in times with one another to know where you each are. Teens and young adults are the most vulnerable on ships, and keeping tabs on one another is the best way to stay safe.

Stay Aware

A cruise ship is like a giant floating city on the ocean, and like any city, it has its own dangers. While there are tons of activities, lots of food, and plenty of alcohol, don’t let your guard down. If anything looks or feels off to you, report it to ship security immediately. 

Safe Habits for Your Stateroom

Always Lock and Latch Your Door

Whenever you’re in your stateroom, keep the door locked and latch the deadbolt in place. If you have teens in their own room, make sure they know to do the same every time. This also goes for balcony doors if you have a balcony room, which you should lock at night and when the ship is docked at port. 

Never Open the Door for Someone You Don’t Know

An unexpected knock could simply be a fellow passenger who got the room number wrong. However, it could also be someone up to no good. Look out the peephole to see who is there first. Crew members are required to identify themselves and carry their credentials. Most of them will be there fulfilling the duties of their job, though some have nefarious plans, and if you’re in the room while they need to do a task, you should leave the door open until they leave.

Don’t Tell Strangers Your Room Number

Cruises are great places to build lifelong friendships, though be cautious when you first meet new people. Never tell anyone outside of your party your room number. Instead, have them meet you in a public and well-lit part of the ship. 

Safety While Drinking

Watch How Much You Drink

For those in your travel party who are of drinking age, be mindful of how much you consume. It’s easy to knock back more drinks than you normally would, especially when trying to make the most of cruise beverage packages. However, excess alcohol consumption can cloud your judgment and awareness of your surroundings, making you more vulnerable to sexual assault. 

Never Leave Your Drinks Unattended

On land or sea, never leave any drink, whether it contains alcohol or not, unattended. You shouldn’t accept a drink from a stranger either unless it is directly handed to you by the bartender. 

Keep Minors Safe

Setting a curfew for your children is the best way to keep them safe on the ship. Children and teens are the most frequent victims of sexual assault on these vessels. Make sure they are supervised when they venture to activities on the ship.

Know What to Do If an Incident Occurs

The alarming number of sexual assault and harassment cases that arise on cruises means that you or a loved one could be the next victim. It’s imperative that you know what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

Go Somewhere Safe

Head to the medical clinic on the ship, your own stateroom, or to the stateroom of another travel companion in your party.

File a Report

Immediately contact ship security and notify the captain. You should request that a written incident report be filed, and get a copy of it for your own records.

Get Medical Attention

At the medical clinic and ask for a rape kit to be conducted. Every ship is required to have it as per the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA).

Keep Evidence

Rape victims should not shower or bathe, and should remain in the same clothing until after the rape kit exam has been completed. Afterwards, put all clothing items into a paper bag and keep them sealed for evidence.

Document the Incident

While the events are fresh, victims should write down all details or record a voice note. As time passes, you might forget key facts. It’s also smart to take photos of visible injuries and get the contact information for all witnesses. 

Make an Independent Report

Before leaving the vessel, you should also involve the FBI if you are a U.S. citizen. Making an independent report will ensure this matter is dealt with accordingly. 

Consult a Lawyer Immediately

You may be asked to sign documents such as statements or release forms from the cruise line. Whatever you do, do not sign your name on anything without consulting a cruise ship rape lawyer first. 

The fine print on your ticket acts as a release from liability with the exception of certain circumstances. Sexual assault is something you can potentially hold the cruise line accountable for, though you must act quickly since the deadlines tend to be much shorter for filing a lawsuit. With the help of a lawyer, you will have an advocate that works to protect you and your loved ones should your seafaring travels be tainted from these heinous acts.