If you’ve experienced the trauma of a sexual assault while on a cruise, your immediate priority should be safety, medical care, and emotional support. At Brais Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming this can be—victims often feel trapped on the ship, isolated from familiar resources, and unsure of their rights under maritime law. The good news is yes, you can request to leave the ship early at the next port of call, and there are established ways to get help once you’re ashore.
As board-certified maritime attorneys with real-world seafaring experience, we’ve handled hundreds of cases involving assaults on major lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney. Firm founder Keith Brais, who holds U.S. Coast Guard licenses from his time offshore, knows the unique challenges of these incidents. Under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010, cruise lines are required to prioritize victim safety, including facilitating access to authorities and medical care. This federal law mandates that ships report serious crimes like sexual assault to the FBI immediately, preserve evidence, and provide confidential support services. However, cruise lines often prioritize their reputation, which is why having an experienced lawyer like those at Brais Law can make all the difference in enforcing your rights.
Immediate Steps Onboard: Prioritizing Your Safety
Right after an assault, your first step is to get to a safe place. Contact a trusted friend, family member, or even ship security if you feel comfortable—though we advise caution, as onboard investigations can sometimes be biased toward the cruise line. Report the incident to the ship’s security officer as soon as possible; they’re obligated under CVSSA to log it, secure the scene (like your cabin or the assault location), and preserve evidence such as CCTV footage or clothing.
Seek medical attention immediately from the onboard infirmary. Cruise ships must have staff trained to handle sexual assaults, including administering a rape kit if requested. Insist on this—even if the facilities are limited, it’s crucial for both your health and any future legal claim. You also have the right to contact external authorities right away. For U.S. citizens or on U.S.-flagged ships, this means notifying the FBI via the ship’s captain or directly if you have cell service. The U.S. Coast Guard can be involved if the assault occurred in navigable waters.
Importantly, you don’t have to remain on the ship if it compromises your well-being. While cruise lines can’t legally detain you against your will, they may discourage early disembarkation to control the narrative. Our clients have shared stories of feeling pressured to “wait it out,” but remember: you have agency here.
Your Right to Disembark Early
Yes, you can leave the cruise ship early, typically at the next scheduled port. This is often the most practical option, as ships rarely make unscheduled stops for individual passengers unless it’s a medical emergency. Under maritime law and CVSSA, cruise lines must accommodate reasonable requests for early disembarkation in cases of serious crimes like sexual assault. For instance, if the ship docks in a U.S. port like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, you can coordinate with port authorities to exit safely.
We’ve assisted clients in arranging flights home or transfers to safe accommodations directly from port. One testimonial from a survivor we represented highlights this: “It wasn’t until I got Mr. Brais that I really started getting the help I needed… They stuck in there with me the whole way.” If the perpetrator is a crew member (common in over 70% of reported assaults), the cruise line may even facilitate your departure to separate you from harm. However, without legal advocacy, lines might delay or complicate this process. That’s where Brais Law steps in—we can intervene to ensure compliance, often negotiating refunds for unused portions of your trip or covering travel costs as part of a claim.
Be aware of jurisdictional hurdles: Assaults in international waters fall under federal law, but once in port, local laws apply. If docked abroad, embassies can help U.S. citizens disembark and access support.
Getting Help in Port: Resources and Next Steps
Once ashore, seek immediate help from local resources. In U.S. ports, contact the nearest rape crisis center or emergency room for a forensic exam if not done onboard—these are often more thorough. File a police report with local law enforcement or the FBI, who investigate cruise crimes under Title 18 of the U.S. Code. Organizations like RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) offer 24/7 hotlines (1-800-656-HOPE) for counseling and referrals.
If in a foreign port, U.S. embassies provide victim assistance, including translation and legal guidance. We’ve helped clients navigate this in places like the Bahamas or Mexico, where language barriers add stress. Document everything: photos of injuries, notes on interactions with ship staff, and any communications. This strengthens your case for compensation, which can cover medical bills, therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Statutes of limitations are tight—often one year under cruise ticket contracts—so act fast. Our firm has secured millions in settlements by proving cruise line negligence, such as inadequate security or failure to screen crew.
Why Consult a Maritime Lawyer Immediately
Leaving early or getting port help is your right, but cruise lines may not make it easy. As one client said in a testimonial: “Keith is a superhero… the outcome would have been entirely different without him.” At Brais Law, we never represent cruise lines—only victims like you. We offer free, confidential consultations to review your options, preserve evidence, and hold perpetrators accountable.
If you’ve been assaulted, don’t wait. Call us at 800-499-0551 for a no-obligation chat. You’re not alone—we’re here to put people over profit and help you rebuild.
