Cowen Edwards, PLLC helps people in Fort Lauderdale when they’re sexually assaulted during a cruise. If you or someone you love has experienced sexual assault, rape, or abuse aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’re not alone–and you’re not without options. Our team understands the deep impact these acts can have, especially in a setting where you expected safety and escape. While we can’t erase what happened, we can help you explore every legal path forward and stand beside you as you take the next steps. Reach out today for a free consultation to get started.
Should You Talk to a Lawyer After Being Sexually Assaulted on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
It’s not easy to decide what to do after something so traumatic. Whether you were a passenger or a crew member, being assaulted on a cruise ship can leave you confused, isolated, and unsure where to turn—especially when it involves an international company like Royal Caribbean.
You don’t have to talk to a lawyer, but it can make a world of difference. On top of the extremely personal nature of these types of situations, they also typically involve complications like jurisdictional issues, cruise line liability policies, and corporate defense teams. Our team can make sure you’re able to hold whoever’s responsible accountable by:
- Breaking down your rights in clear, simple terms
- Investigating what happened and figuring out who’s responsible
- Helping you gather evidence while it’s still available
- Communicating directly with cruise line insurance companies and legal teams
- Handling the legal process so you can focus on moving forward
If you’re ready to talk–on your terms–we’re here to listen. We’ll walk you through your legal options and give you a better idea of what you can expect from the process.
How Does the Claims Process Work After a Sexual Assault on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
If you were sexually assaulted while on a Royal Caribbean cruise that departed from or returned to Fort Lauderdale, you may be wondering what legal steps are available to you. The reality is, there are usually two paths: a criminal case and a civil claim. Both matter–just in different ways.
Criminally, the assault is a crime and should be reported to law enforcement. This could involve federal or local authorities, depending on where the ship was when the assault occurred. Their job is to investigate and, if possible, press charges against the person responsible (usually the perpetrator).
Separately, you also have the right to take legal action as an injury victim. A civil claim allows you to seek financial support (known as “damages”) for everything you’ve gone through–the emotional, physical, and psychological toll.
To file an injury claim, you have two main options:
- An insurance claim out of court
- A personal injury lawsuit
In many cases, Royal Caribbean’s legal team or insurance provider may offer you a settlement. This starts with an investigation where both sides gather evidence, interview witnesses, and exchange documents. This part mirrors what would happen in a lawsuit’s discovery phase.
Sometimes, a case can be resolved through a negotiated settlement or mediation. If not, it may go to trial–where a judge or jury will decide what the cruise line or other responsible parties owe you. This may include financial support for your:
- Medical care and mental health treatment
- Pain and emotional trauma
- Loss of safety, comfort, or quality of life
- Damaged personal property
- Punitive damages, if the behavior was especially egregious
Obviously, a sexual assault is incredibly difficult–no matter where it happens. However, it’s vital to remember that civil claims–even for ones as serious as sexual assault–have a deadline in Florida, which is:
- Four years from the date of the assault.
If you were a minor at the time, the clock generally doesn’t start until you turn 18. In some cases involving delayed discovery of the injury (especially emotional or psychological trauma), extensions may apply.
That said, every case is different—and there are exceptions depending on who was involved, where the assault happened (especially on cruise ships), and how long it took to connect the assault to your injuries. The sooner you take action, the better the chance of preserving evidence and figuring out who can be held legally accountable.
Who’s Liable After a Sexual Assault on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
It’s almost unthinkable to go through a situation where you’re sexually assaulted aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise. And while it’s something nobody should ever have to go through, when it does happen, an important part of protecting your rights is figuring out who’s responsible.
In most cases, the person who assaulted you bears the most direct responsibility. But Royal Caribbean–and possibly others–may also be held legally liable if their actions (or inaction) contributed to what happened. And these cases often involve more than just the perpetrator.
Unfortunately, things can get complicated fast in cases like this. You’re not just dealing with the individual who hurt you—you’re also up against a massive corporation that has legal duties to keep its passengers and crew safe.
With that in mind, here’s a few of the parties that could share responsibility for what happened to you:
- Royal Caribbean management – If they failed to vet or properly supervise crew members, ignored red flags, or didn’t act on previous complaints, they may be held accountable.
- Onboard security staff – They could be liable if they failed to respond appropriately or didn’t provide adequate protection after the fact.
- Medical or guest services personnel – If they failed to help, document your injuries, or take your report seriously, that can strengthen your civil case.
- Third-party vendors or contractors – If the assault involved someone hired by the cruise line (like an entertainer, bartender, or excursion partner), liability may extend to those companies as well.
No matter who’s ultimately responsible, experiencing this kind of violation–especially in a place where you should’ve felt safe-is deeply traumatic. And even though you have legal options, it’s still important to know what steps you can take before you reach that point.
What Steps Should You Take After a Sexual Assault on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
No one boards a cruise expecting to face something as traumatic as sexual assault. If you or your loved one experienced this kind of violence on a Royal Caribbean ship departing from or returning to Fort Lauderdale, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, scared, or unsure of where to turn. Many survivors struggle with shame, self-doubt, or fear of retaliation, especially when the assault happens in an unfamiliar environment far from home.
Still, there are steps you can take right now to protect yourself and help a potential claim:
- Get medical care – Your health comes first. If you’re still on the ship, ask to see the onboard medical team. If you’re back on land, visit a hospital or urgent care facility. Medical staff can treat injuries and collect forensic evidence, which may support both a criminal case and a civil claim.
- Document what happened – Write down anything you remember–what happened, where, who was involved, and any witnesses you can recall. If you have visible injuries, take pictures of them. Save clothing or other items that might contain evidence.
- Report the assault – You can report the assault to onboard security, though in some cases they may be more worried about protecting the cruise line’s interests. Once off the ship, it’s often better to contact local police or the FBI (which may have jurisdiction over crimes at sea).
- Talk to someone you trust – Whether it’s a licensed therapist, a survivor you know, or a close family member, telling someone can help you begin to process what you’ve been through.
- Connect with survivor support groups – Florida has several organizations focused on helping survivors of sexual violence. These groups offer free counseling, support groups, and can put you in touch with people that can help you regain control of your life.
While these steps can lay the groundwork for any future legal claim, their most important purpose is to ensure your safety, well-being, and support moving forward. The legal process for cruise ship assault cases can be difficult–but with the right help, it doesn’t have to be something you go through alone.
Contact Cowen Edwards After a Sexual Assault on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
A sexual assault is isolating and traumatic in any situation–but even more so when it happens far from home. Cowen Edwards, PLLC is here to support you if you’ve experienced sexual assault aboard Royal Caribbean cruises sailing to or from Fort Lauderdale.
Our team takes the time to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your rights. If you decide to move forward, we’ll be with you every step of the way–handling the legal details so you can focus on healing. When you’re ready, reach out to set up a free, no-obligation consultation.
