Industry insiders have explained why cruise ship employees are prohibited from engaging in romantic relationships with passengers, noting that breaking this rule could result in losing their job and having to pay for their own travel home.
The Cruise Lines International Association’s latest data shows the global cruise industry welcomed 34.6 million passengers in 2024.
The industry is expected to expand by as much as $18.3 billion by 2030, attracting a wide range of enthusiasts including Disney fans, those who have chosen a life at sea, and even followers of Taylor Swift.
There are also cruises catering to specific interests, such as those for swingers or nudists.
However, many may not be aware that workers on these opulent ships must adhere to strict guidelines.
While policies can vary by company, employees generally have limited access to passenger areas, must stay within designated crew zones, and are prohibited from entering guest staterooms.
Romantic interactions with passengers are strictly forbidden and could lead to immediate dismissal from the ship.
“If there was even a hint of suspicion that you were talking to or sleeping with a guest, you’ll be disembarked immediately,” said Luke Osey, a magician with experience working on cruise ships.
Osey explained in a TikTok post that engaging in such activities could result in his contract being voided, necessitating a return home from the next available port.
“In fact, if I actually notice one of my crewmates flirting with a guest, I’ll be like ‘hey mate, that’s not the best idea – you can get called out for this’.”
Osey’s comments have been corroborated by another TikTok user who goes by the name Crew Ship Lawyer.
In 2022, this content creator highlighted that almost all cruise ships enforce a no-romance policy between crew members and passengers.
“The reason is if the passenger misinterprets the relationship or correctly interprets it and reports it as a sexual assault or even rape, the cruise line is 100 per cent responsible for the conduct of its crew member.”
The Cruise Ship Lawyer, real name Spencer Aronfeld, referenced a legal case where the Southern District of Florida found Carnival Cruise employee Fred Anggara guilty of sexual assault during his time on the Miracle in 2018.
Anggara asserted his innocence, claiming that his interaction with the 21-year-old woman was consensual.
In 2019, the woman filed a civil lawsuit against Carnival for false imprisonment, emotional distress, and sexual assault.
The jury concluded that Carnival was not negligent and that Anggara did not intentionally cause emotional distress to the woman, as reported by Gilde Law Firm.
Nonetheless, the jury held Carnival accountable for the sexual assault, awarding the victim $243,000 for medical and psychological costs and $10 million for physical and emotional trauma.
Aronfeld stated that incidents like these create significant legal risks for cruise lines.
“It’s just a very messy, sticky situation, and that’s the way [banning romance] they avoid it. It doesn’t always work.”