The 5 Most Dangerous Cruise Lines

Cruise vacations are often seen as an opportunity for affordable luxury and relaxation, but not all cruise lines are created equal when it comes to safety. Some cruise companies have a history of accidents and safety violations that could put passengers at risk. Here's a closer look at the cruise lines with the highest rates of accidents and the general statistics that highlight these dangers.

Cruise Line Safety

Cruise line incidents, while rare, can have significant impacts when they occur. Cruise ships are subjected to stringent regulations and inspections, particularly those operating out of American ports. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducts biannual, unannounced inspections through its Vessel Sanitation Program, assessing critical areas such as medical facilities, water systems, dining areas, and general hygiene.

Despite these measures, some cruise lines have failed these inspections, with varying degrees of severity. For instance, MSC Cruises^® scored a dismal 67 points in an April 2023 inspection, the lowest in recent years. Other notable failures include Princess Cruises^® and Margaritaville^® at Sea Cruises, with scores of 77 and 81 points respectively. Here's a summary of accident-prone cruise lines.

1. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruise Lines, known for its budget-friendly offerings, has a troubling safety record. The company's recent VSP inspection revealed significant hygiene and safety issues, resulting in a failing score of 67 points. The reduced staff and fewer amenities on these budget cruises may contribute to the higher risk of poor hygiene and potential disease outbreaks.

2. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises, a popular choice among cruisers, also fell short in maintaining safety standards. The cruise line received a score of 77 points during a February 2020 inspection. This failure highlights lapses in food safety and sanitation practices that could pose health risks to passengers.

3. Carnival^® Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line, the largest by passenger count, reported the highest number of criminal incidents on board in 2023. With 51 reported incidents, including assaults and thefts, Carnival's record suggests a significant issue with onboard security and passenger safety.

4. Royal Caribbean^® Cruise

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, another major player in the cruise industry, recorded 27 criminal incidents in 2023. While this is lower than Carnival's numbers, it still reflects a concerning level of onboard crime, particularly given the similar passenger capacities of both cruise lines.

5. Disney Cruise Line^®

Surprisingly, Disney Cruise Line was also featured prominently in the list of least secure cruise lines. Despite having a smaller passenger count, Disney reported 20 criminal incidents in 2023, nearly matching the figures of larger competitors like Royal Caribbean.

Deadly Statistics

Cruise ship deaths, while often from natural causes, can sometimes occur due to accidents, suicides, or even murders. While murders on cruise ships are rare, notable incidents have been reported, such as the murder of Tamara Loraine Tucker on the Carnival Elation^® in 2018 and Kristy Manzanares on the Emerald Princess^® in 2017. These tragedies highlight the potential dangers onboard and the importance of safety measures.

While cruising remains a popular and generally safe form of travel, these statistics underscore the importance of choosing a cruise line with a solid safety record. Passengers should be aware of the potential risks and consider the safety records of cruise companies when planning their vacations.

References: The 8 Most Dangerous Cruise Line Companies | Cruise Ship Deaths – Annual Statistics, Causes and Real Examples