Are There Armed Guards On Cruise Ships?

Cruise ships do have armed guards onboard for the safety and security of passengers and crew members. While not all cruise ships have armed guards, they are typically reserved for vessels considered at high risk where standard protective measures may not be sufficient. These guards serve as a last resort to deter criminal activities and are responsible for protecting the ship.

Cruise ship police officers are more like security guards, many of whom serve as law enforcement officers or members of the military. Bringing a gun on a cruise ship is a serious offense that can come with punishment. Cruise ships are one of the safest vacation options in the world, with rates of serious crimes being significantly lower than those on land. Data from the FBI supports this fact, and due to multiple layers of security, any allegation of a serious crime committed aboard a Carnival ship sailing from North America is immediately reported to law enforcement.

However, cruise ships generally do not have armed security guards. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act requires cruise lines operating in United States waters to make a Security Guide available to guests. Cruise ships do not have their own guns or armed guards, as this would violate the laws and regulations of many countries they visit. Carnival is committed to a safe environment for its guests and crew and reserves the right to deny boarding to persons convicted of certain crimes.

All cruise lines have a security team that works onboard, consisting of security guards, supervisors, guest security supervisors, and other personnel. Armed or unarmed security guards provide anti-piracy or discreet counter-terrorism deterrence.