In 2006, a woman onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship sailing the Mexican Riviera reported being raped in her stateroom. She immediately returned to Los Angeles, where two FBI agents took her statement a week later, and told her there was nothing they could do. Ultimately, this case prompted the following year's congressional hearing.
International maritime law requires that cruise ships take every possible measure to provide safe passage. But when something goes wrong, jurisdiction is difficult to sort out.
Advertisement
Advertisement
- Gambling age on a cruise ship Kelly, actually be one of saloons. Liquidate az, for an amazing, texas hold'em played jerry hubbard, 246, are also not consume any medication and 30.
- On most cruise ships, the minimum age to be in the casino is 18. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara raise that age to 21 on sailings in Alaska, while MSC raises it to 21 in the Caribbean.
At the time of the alleged rape, the ship was in international waters, but Royal Caribbean is registered in Liberia and the ship was docking in Mexico through the voyage. The cruise line noted 66 cases of alleged sexual assault between 2003 and 2005, without a single one prosecuted successfully [source: KCRA].
The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on all Celebrity Cruises ships is 21 years of age. However, on cruises embarking in a country where the legal drinking age is lower than twenty-one (21), a parent who is sailing with his or her son(s) and/or daughter(s) who is between the ages of 18 to 20, may sign a waiver allowing the 18. There are casinos with table games and slot machines on board all our ships (except Pride of America due to regional law). Guests must be 18 or over to gamble and claim any winnings. Minimum Age to Gamble in United States of America Below you will find the minimum legal age to gamble in various locations around the U.S., Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. In the 50 American states, some times you'll see a variance, this usually is due to Indian casinos having different age requirements in their casinos than state regulated.
Because maritime law is so difficult to clarify (in part because every country has its own version of it), most cases of cruise ship crime are decided on a case-by-case basis. Law on a cruise ship (or any other ship) starts with the flag the ship is flying under. A ship flies the flag of the country where it's registered, and, in general, the laws onboard a ship are the laws of that country. However, when figuring out which laws apply on a sea vessel, territory also must be taken into consideration. Legal jurisdiction on the sea goes something like this [source: Justia]:
- A country's internal waters -- areas like bays and ports -- are a part of that country. So when a ship is docked at the Port of Miami, all U.S. (and Florida) laws apply to the ship, its passengers and its crew.
- Almost all of a nation's laws also apply in its territorial waters which extend up to 12 miles from its coastline (we'll look at an exception on the next page). A ship departing from a U.S. port cannot open gambling activities until it's 12 miles out, since gambling is illegal in most parts of the United States.
- A nation has limited jurisdiction in its contiguous zone -- the area 12 miles to 24 miles from its coast. A country has certain rights within that zone, such as patrolling its borders. For instance, within 24 miles of the U.S. coast, the U.S. Coast Guard is allowed to board any ship suspected of drug smuggling, regardless of which flag it's flying under.
- Once a ship is 24 miles from any coastline, it's on the high seas (or international waters). With the exception of certain rights within the contiguous zone, the law of that ship is the law of the country whose flag it's flying. So, a Liberia-registered cruise ship that's 25 miles off the coast of California isn't subject to U.S. law; it's subject to Liberian law.
Lawsuits against a cruise line are different, though. While it might seem like a U.S. citizen robbed in U.S. territorial waters off the coast of Los Angeles could sue the cruise line in Los Angeles, it actually depends on the cruise ship ticket's fine print. If the ticket says the cruise line can only be sued in Seattle, then a Los Angeles court will almost always refuse to hear the case.
This can all be bad news for the victim of cruise ship crime. But for the millions of people who take a cruise so they can engage in all the good-natured debauchery they want, the legal freedom of the high seas is actually good news. Grand casino beaune. After all, if U.S. law applies on a U.S.-registered ship, how can that ship allow gambling? It's all about international waters.
First-time cruisers often have many preconceptions about sailing. You may fear that the food on all ships is terrible, that days spent onboard are a claustrophobic's worst nightmare, or that cruises are simply boring.
General
How much does a cruise cost?
Do I need a passport?
Are cruises really all-inclusive?
Concerns
Will I get seasick?
Will I fall over the side?
Are cruises cheesy?
Is the food good?
Will I feel claustrophobic?
Will it be crowded?
Will I be able to see everything?
Will I be bored?
Booking
Should I use a travel agent?
What is an inside cabin?
What is a guaranteed cabin?
Can I bring my baby on a cruise?
Do I have to pay the full fare for my baby/child?
How do I book multiple cabins near each other?
Onboard
How do I pay for stuff?
What is the minimum age for drinking and gambling?
How do I get my luggage onboard?
Will I get my passport stamped?
Where does the crew live?
General
How much does a cruise cost?
Larger cabins with nicer amenities can quickly increase the cost of your cruise. - Photo by Crystal Cruises
It sounds like a simple question, but it's kind of like asking, 'how much does a hotel cost?' Just like hotels, the price of a cruise varies widely based on brand, location, and the time of year. We can't give you an exact number, but we can help you estimate the cost of your cruise.
Do I need a passport?
Un casino in francese. As a matter of principle, we always recommend sailing with a passport. With that said, there are certain itineraries that let you cruise without a passport.
Are cruises really all-inclusive?
On most lines, alcoholic beverages will cost extra. - Photo by Celebrity Cruises
With onboard specialty restaurants, paid entertainment options, and extra charges for alcohol and soft drinks, mass-market lines are most definitely not all-inclusive. Many luxury lines, however, are much closer to the 'one price covers all' ideal.
The initial cost of a cruise on Silversea, for example, includes everything from drinks at dinner to your in-cabin minibar, to transportation into town in most ports of call. Love excursions? Though Silversea offers free guided excursions for passengers aboard two of its vessels (Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos), Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an even more inclusive option — it features free, unlimited shore excursions in all ports.
Concerns
Will I get seasick?
When the weather is mild and the seas are steady, you won't feel much rocking — especially on large, modern ships. If you're prone to motion sickness, however, check out our suggestions on seasickness prevention.
Will I fall over the side?
In 2014, there were roughly 20 reported cases worldwide of passengers falling overboard. It may sound scary, but when you take into account that over 20 million people took a cruise in that same time period, you have about a 0.0001% chance of falling overboard. To give you some context, it's more likely that you'll be struck by lightning (0.00014%) than fall off a cruise ship.
Are cruises cheesy?
On Carnival, you can sing karaoke with a real band. - Photo by Carnival Cruise Lines
The personalities of cruise lines are, well, not unlike people: No two are alike. Some mass-market lines offer hairy chest contests. Onboard luxury ships, though, you're more likely to partake in a wine pairing class than sing along with an elderly woman belting out an oldie. Our experience? Even the cheesiest of shows can be fun if you have a sense of humor, and a couple of cocktails.
Is the food good?
Restaurant 2 on Seabourn Odyssey - Photo by Seabourn
In most cases, the answer is the same at sea as it is on land — you get what you pay for. Don't expect to be blown away by the spaghetti carbonara in the main dining room on budget lines. Some luxury lines, however, offer fine dining experiences that rival the best-rated restaurants on land. Restaurant 2 aboard Seabourn Odyssey, for example,serves delicious seven-course meals in an intimate setting.
Will I feel claustrophobic?
Balcony cabins are a great way to escape from the crowds. - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line
We only get claustrophobic on the smallest of oceangoing vessels. Fortunately, ships come in many sizes. Some are as large as shopping malls and comfortably accommodate thousands of people — they're so large, you might almost forget you're out on open water. Inside cabins can feel confined, however, so if you anticipate being anxious, book a cabin that has a porthole or balcony.
Will it be crowded?
Sometimes the lido deck can get a little crowded on sea days. - Photo by Carnival Cruise Lines
Probably not, but it depends on the ship and whether it is at capacity. If you're worried you'll be literally rubbing shoulders with other cruisers, do your research. To get an accurate idea of how crowded the ship will be, look up the ratio of passengers to square feet on the line's website, and then compare the numbers to similarly priced competitors.
Will I be able to see everything?
Rome wasn't built in a day, and you're not going to see it all in one day either. - Sergey Borisov / ThinkStock
Maybe you could in a small port with the right shore excursion. However, instead of trying to cram all the sights into your brief time in town, choose a few things you're excited about seeing or doing at each destination. Think of the cruise as a tasting platter that can help you determine the places you'll want to return to for a longer visit.
Will I be bored?
Royal Caribbean ships have mini-golf, rock climbing, basketball courts, and surfing simulators. - Photo by Royal Caribbean
We highly doubt it — especially if you pick the right line for you. Cruise lines cater to different demographics. Families on a budget are not likely to enjoy luxury liners that have little to no children's entertainment, just as an elderly couple looking for a quiet getaway may not enjoy the options on a ship that boasts rock-climbing walls and ice skating rinks.
Since entertainment options vary vastly, it's important to do your research before booking to ensure you find a ship that appeals to you.
Casino On Cruise Ship
Booking
Should I use a travel agent?
If you're new to cruising, using a travel agent is a no-brainer. The more important question is what kind of travel agent should you use.
What is an inside cabin?
The four main cabin types: (clockwise from top left) inside, ocean view, suite, and balcony.
Cruise Ships Legal Gambling Agencies
Unlike other cabin categories (ocean view, balcony, and suite), inside cabins are located on the interior of the ship, have no window, and are often slightly smaller. On the other hand, they are significantly cheaper, so they can be an ideal choice if you don't mind small spaces or don't plan on spending too much time in your cabin.
Tip: See our full step-by-step guide on how to book a cruise ship cabin for more info on cabin types.
What is a guaranteed cabin?
Guaranteed cabins are a gamble you can take when you book. When opting for a guaranteed cabin, you are promised a room in the category you have chosen, but you have no control over which one. The trade-off? You may get upgraded to a significantly better cabin if there are any left over. Still, the possibility of getting stuck in a bad cabin is high, and some of our members have reported getting 'upgraded' into cabin that was worse than the original.
Can I bring my baby on a cruise?
Babies at Royal Caribbean's Youthzone nursery. - Photo by Royal Caribbean
Most cruise lines have a minimum age of 6 months as of the sail date. Consult our chart to see the age requirements for babies on cruises, along with a detailed run-down of the amenities lines will provide for babies.
Do I have to pay the full fare for my baby/child?
Most mainstream lines have character partnerships with popular kids shows and books. - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line
Once again, it depends on the line. There are several kid-friendly cruise lines where babies sail free or for heavily discounted rates (taxes and fees will still apply). MSC Cruises distinguishes itself by always letting kids under 11 sail free, but other lines will have occasional promotions where children can receive discounted fares.
How do I book multiple cabins near each other?
Cruise lines and travel agents love to sell multiple cabins at once, so they'll do whatever they can to accommodate parties that need more than one room. Be sure to book early to make sure you can snag adjacent rooms and avoid guaranteed cabins.
Onboard
How do I pay for stuff?
All purchases on the ship are made using your cruise ID card, which is linked to your onboard account. At the start of the cruise, you'll have the choice of depositing cash directly into your account or connecting it to a credit/debit card.
What is the minimum age for drinking and gambling?
Casino on Norwegian Breakaway - Norwegian Cruise LIne
Most lines will have a drinking age of 21+, but there are exceptions. In Europe, for example, where the drinking age is typically 18, many lines will lower their age accordingly. Other lines will allow passengers 18+ to purchase alcohol with the permission of their guardian. Most lines allow passengers 18+ to gamble but there are some exceptions. The best way to make sure is by contacting your cruise line.
How do I get my luggage onboard?
First-time cruisers often have many preconceptions about sailing. You may fear that the food on all ships is terrible, that days spent onboard are a claustrophobic's worst nightmare, or that cruises are simply boring.
General
How much does a cruise cost?
Do I need a passport?
Are cruises really all-inclusive?
Concerns
Will I get seasick?
Will I fall over the side?
Are cruises cheesy?
Is the food good?
Will I feel claustrophobic?
Will it be crowded?
Will I be able to see everything?
Will I be bored?
Booking
Should I use a travel agent?
What is an inside cabin?
What is a guaranteed cabin?
Can I bring my baby on a cruise?
Do I have to pay the full fare for my baby/child?
How do I book multiple cabins near each other?
Onboard
How do I pay for stuff?
What is the minimum age for drinking and gambling?
How do I get my luggage onboard?
Will I get my passport stamped?
Where does the crew live?
General
How much does a cruise cost?
Larger cabins with nicer amenities can quickly increase the cost of your cruise. - Photo by Crystal Cruises
It sounds like a simple question, but it's kind of like asking, 'how much does a hotel cost?' Just like hotels, the price of a cruise varies widely based on brand, location, and the time of year. We can't give you an exact number, but we can help you estimate the cost of your cruise.
Do I need a passport?
Un casino in francese. As a matter of principle, we always recommend sailing with a passport. With that said, there are certain itineraries that let you cruise without a passport.
Are cruises really all-inclusive?
On most lines, alcoholic beverages will cost extra. - Photo by Celebrity Cruises
With onboard specialty restaurants, paid entertainment options, and extra charges for alcohol and soft drinks, mass-market lines are most definitely not all-inclusive. Many luxury lines, however, are much closer to the 'one price covers all' ideal.
The initial cost of a cruise on Silversea, for example, includes everything from drinks at dinner to your in-cabin minibar, to transportation into town in most ports of call. Love excursions? Though Silversea offers free guided excursions for passengers aboard two of its vessels (Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos), Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an even more inclusive option — it features free, unlimited shore excursions in all ports.
Concerns
Will I get seasick?
When the weather is mild and the seas are steady, you won't feel much rocking — especially on large, modern ships. If you're prone to motion sickness, however, check out our suggestions on seasickness prevention.
Will I fall over the side?
In 2014, there were roughly 20 reported cases worldwide of passengers falling overboard. It may sound scary, but when you take into account that over 20 million people took a cruise in that same time period, you have about a 0.0001% chance of falling overboard. To give you some context, it's more likely that you'll be struck by lightning (0.00014%) than fall off a cruise ship.
Are cruises cheesy?
On Carnival, you can sing karaoke with a real band. - Photo by Carnival Cruise Lines
The personalities of cruise lines are, well, not unlike people: No two are alike. Some mass-market lines offer hairy chest contests. Onboard luxury ships, though, you're more likely to partake in a wine pairing class than sing along with an elderly woman belting out an oldie. Our experience? Even the cheesiest of shows can be fun if you have a sense of humor, and a couple of cocktails.
Is the food good?
Restaurant 2 on Seabourn Odyssey - Photo by Seabourn
In most cases, the answer is the same at sea as it is on land — you get what you pay for. Don't expect to be blown away by the spaghetti carbonara in the main dining room on budget lines. Some luxury lines, however, offer fine dining experiences that rival the best-rated restaurants on land. Restaurant 2 aboard Seabourn Odyssey, for example,serves delicious seven-course meals in an intimate setting.
Will I feel claustrophobic?
Balcony cabins are a great way to escape from the crowds. - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line
We only get claustrophobic on the smallest of oceangoing vessels. Fortunately, ships come in many sizes. Some are as large as shopping malls and comfortably accommodate thousands of people — they're so large, you might almost forget you're out on open water. Inside cabins can feel confined, however, so if you anticipate being anxious, book a cabin that has a porthole or balcony.
Will it be crowded?
Sometimes the lido deck can get a little crowded on sea days. - Photo by Carnival Cruise Lines
Probably not, but it depends on the ship and whether it is at capacity. If you're worried you'll be literally rubbing shoulders with other cruisers, do your research. To get an accurate idea of how crowded the ship will be, look up the ratio of passengers to square feet on the line's website, and then compare the numbers to similarly priced competitors.
Will I be able to see everything?
Rome wasn't built in a day, and you're not going to see it all in one day either. - Sergey Borisov / ThinkStock
Maybe you could in a small port with the right shore excursion. However, instead of trying to cram all the sights into your brief time in town, choose a few things you're excited about seeing or doing at each destination. Think of the cruise as a tasting platter that can help you determine the places you'll want to return to for a longer visit.
Will I be bored?
Royal Caribbean ships have mini-golf, rock climbing, basketball courts, and surfing simulators. - Photo by Royal Caribbean
We highly doubt it — especially if you pick the right line for you. Cruise lines cater to different demographics. Families on a budget are not likely to enjoy luxury liners that have little to no children's entertainment, just as an elderly couple looking for a quiet getaway may not enjoy the options on a ship that boasts rock-climbing walls and ice skating rinks.
Since entertainment options vary vastly, it's important to do your research before booking to ensure you find a ship that appeals to you.
Casino On Cruise Ship
Booking
Should I use a travel agent?
If you're new to cruising, using a travel agent is a no-brainer. The more important question is what kind of travel agent should you use.
What is an inside cabin?
The four main cabin types: (clockwise from top left) inside, ocean view, suite, and balcony.
Cruise Ships Legal Gambling Agencies
Unlike other cabin categories (ocean view, balcony, and suite), inside cabins are located on the interior of the ship, have no window, and are often slightly smaller. On the other hand, they are significantly cheaper, so they can be an ideal choice if you don't mind small spaces or don't plan on spending too much time in your cabin.
Tip: See our full step-by-step guide on how to book a cruise ship cabin for more info on cabin types.
What is a guaranteed cabin?
Guaranteed cabins are a gamble you can take when you book. When opting for a guaranteed cabin, you are promised a room in the category you have chosen, but you have no control over which one. The trade-off? You may get upgraded to a significantly better cabin if there are any left over. Still, the possibility of getting stuck in a bad cabin is high, and some of our members have reported getting 'upgraded' into cabin that was worse than the original.
Can I bring my baby on a cruise?
Babies at Royal Caribbean's Youthzone nursery. - Photo by Royal Caribbean
Most cruise lines have a minimum age of 6 months as of the sail date. Consult our chart to see the age requirements for babies on cruises, along with a detailed run-down of the amenities lines will provide for babies.
Do I have to pay the full fare for my baby/child?
Most mainstream lines have character partnerships with popular kids shows and books. - Photo by Norwegian Cruise Line
Once again, it depends on the line. There are several kid-friendly cruise lines where babies sail free or for heavily discounted rates (taxes and fees will still apply). MSC Cruises distinguishes itself by always letting kids under 11 sail free, but other lines will have occasional promotions where children can receive discounted fares.
How do I book multiple cabins near each other?
Cruise lines and travel agents love to sell multiple cabins at once, so they'll do whatever they can to accommodate parties that need more than one room. Be sure to book early to make sure you can snag adjacent rooms and avoid guaranteed cabins.
Onboard
How do I pay for stuff?
All purchases on the ship are made using your cruise ID card, which is linked to your onboard account. At the start of the cruise, you'll have the choice of depositing cash directly into your account or connecting it to a credit/debit card.
What is the minimum age for drinking and gambling?
Casino on Norwegian Breakaway - Norwegian Cruise LIne
Most lines will have a drinking age of 21+, but there are exceptions. In Europe, for example, where the drinking age is typically 18, many lines will lower their age accordingly. Other lines will allow passengers 18+ to purchase alcohol with the permission of their guardian. Most lines allow passengers 18+ to gamble but there are some exceptions. The best way to make sure is by contacting your cruise line.
How do I get my luggage onboard?
Except for your carry-ons, your luggage is checked before boarding the ship. Make sure to pack all of your essentials (bathing suit, toothbrush, formal wear for dinner, etc.) in your carry on, because it can take up to several hours for the crew to deliver your luggage to your room.
Will I get my passport stamped?
Cruise Ships Legal Gambling Agency
If you're flying into a foreign country for your cruise, your passport will get stamped when you go through customs in the airport, but otherwise, the answer is largely no. (And no, we don't like this practice either.)
Where does the crew live?
Treat your room steward well, and you'll likely come back to a pleasant surprise or two. - Photo by Seabourn
On the lower decks of the ship.
Ready to set sail? Check Cruiseline.com's Guide for First-Time Cruisers to start planning your first cruise today.
*This article was updated on 1/27/2015 with additional reporting by Thomas Faddegon.
