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Do cruise ships have a jail cell?

Cruise ships are like floating cities, with thousands of passengers from all walks of life packed together in a confined space for days or weeks at a time. With so many people interacting in close quarters, some conflict and rule-breaking is inevitable. So how do cruise lines handle crime and punishment at sea? Here’s a look at whether cruise ships have jail cells and how they deal with unruly passengers.

Do cruise ships have an actual jail or brig?

Most large cruise ships do have a small jail or brig onboard, though it’s rarely used. According to cruise industry experts, the jail cell is intended to hold unruly passengers until they can be disembarked at the next port. It’s not meant for long-term incarceration.

On most ships, the brig is a small secure room with a bed and toilet. It’s usually located somewhere discreet like a lower crew deck to keep disruptive passengers away from other guests. The room is purpose-built for confinement with a heavy steel door and lock. Video cameras monitor the room for safety.

What happens when a crime is committed on a cruise?

Cruise ships follow maritime law, which gives the ship’s captain broad authority when a crime occurs at sea. The captain can confine passengers, conduct investigations, and even marry or divorce couples. Reports of serious crimes are usually referred to investigative authorities at the ship’s next port of call.

When a minor offense or unruly behavior occurs, the captain has several options to restore order:

  • Confine the passenger to their cabin for the remainder of the trip
  • Use the brig to restrict passenger movement
  • Disembark the passenger at the next port and ban them from future cruises
  • In extreme cases, restrain passengers until authorities can arrest them at port

Cruise lines have broad legal latitude when handling onboard crimes and disputes. Only the most serious offenses might be investigated or prosecuted by national authorities.

What kind of crimes happen on cruise ships?

Most incidents on cruises are relatively minor, such as public drunkenness, verbal abuse, or petty theft. But serious crimes do occasionally occur like sexual assault, domestic violence, and manslaughter.

According to U.S. government data, the following major crimes were reported on cruise ships in 2019:

Crime Incidents Reported
Sexual assault 101
Theft 78
Simple assault 69
Aggravated assault 9

Passengers are most likely to be victims of theft, sexual abuse, or violence from other passengers. Crew members sometimes commit crimes as well.

Why are jail cells needed on cruises?

There are several reasons why having a jail or brig is necessary aboard cruise ships:

  • Removes dangerous or aggressive individuals from the passenger population
  • Prevents further violations of ship rules by confining unruly persons
  • Allows time for an investigation before port authorities are notified
  • Holds criminals until law enforcement can make an arrest
  • Deters other passengers from committing crimes knowing confinement is a possibility

The brig gives the captain a safe place to restrict persons threatening the safety or security of other passengers and crew.

Are there any rules for confinement?

Cruise lines must follow some basic restrictions when confining passengers against their will:

  • A passenger can only be held without consent for a reasonable period, perhaps a few days at most.
  • Use of the brig requires a valid reason, such as violence, sexual abuse, danger to others, or severe intoxication.
  • The passenger must be provided with basic necessities like meals, water, and toilet access.
  • Cruise staff should check on confined persons regularly for health and safety.
  • Confinement can’t be used punitively if a crime is only suspected but unproven.

However cruise lines are given fairly wide discretion when deciding what justifies locking up a passenger. Few cases ever face legal review or challenge.

Can crew members be confined as well?

The brig is seldom used to confine unruly crew members. However, cruise staff have other disciplinary options like:

  • Confinement to their cabin
  • Removal from passenger areas
  • Loss of shore leave privileges
  • Fines and pay deductions
  • Firing and being flown home at the next port

For serious criminal offenses by employees, cruise lines will often turn the person over to police at the next port rather than conduct an onboard investigation and confinement.

Conclusion

Having a small jail onboard is a practical necessity given the diverse crowds and close living arrangement on cruise ships. While the brig is rarely occupied, its presence gives the captain an important tool to restrain dangerous persons and enforce safety among thousands of people at sea. However the confinement power is prone to potential misuse and abuse if not exercised transparently and judiciously.