Disney Cruise Line Faces Rise in Reported Sexual Assaults at Sea

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Disney Cruise Line has reported a worrying increase in sexual assault allegations aboard its U.S.-based cruises, according to data released by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Over the last five years, the number of reported incidents has jumped from as few as one to three per year to 15 in 2023 and 18 in 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, Disney Cruise Line received five assault allegations.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our guests and crew members,” a Disney Cruise Line spokesperson stated. “We have zero tolerance for this type of behavior and take allegations of this nature seriously.”

The rise in reported assaults comes as Disney plans to expand its fleet of cruise ships from six to 13 by 2031. The company has added two ships since 2020, significantly increasing guest capacity by 40%, which may correlate with the increase in reported incidents.

Mandatory reporting to the FBI ensures that serious crimes committed by or against U.S. citizens on board cruises departing from or arriving at U.S. ports are documented. However, many experts believe that actual incidents of sexual assault are likely much higher than reported.

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 established protocols for addressing sexual assaults on cruise ships. This law mandates that passengers have access to medical care and the ability to report such incidents while on board.

“A cruise ship is an island of drinking and partying,” said John H. Hickey, a Board Certified Admiralty and Maritime Lawyer. He added that crew members often work long hours in isolated environments, making them susceptible to misconduct.

According to Hickey, the rise in allegations appears driven primarily by passenger-on-passenger incidents, with crew member-related incidents also rising. Between 2020 and 2022, there were four reported assaults involving crew members. However, this has risen to nine in 2023 and 2024 combined.

In response to these issues, the Cruise Line Industry Association stated that crime on cruise ships is rare due to comprehensive security measures. They also highlighted research suggesting that the rate of violent crime on cruises is 95% lower than on land.

Hickey emphasized that the statistics reported by the DOT may not accurately reflect the totality of sexual assault cases, as they do not include incidents involving foreign nationals in international waters.

The DOT and FBI continue to encourage victims to report incidents of assault quickly and seek immediate medical attention to preserve evidence.

“The best recourse for any rape victim onboard a cruise ship is to report it to the ship’s physician and insist on a rape kit before any kind of hygiene treatment,” Hickey advised.

As Disney Cruise Line prepares for its fleet expansion, advocacy groups stress the importance of maintaining safety protocols and supporting victims of sexual violence. Whether the company’s policies will adapt to increased scrutiny remains uncertain.