Do cruise ships have police? Is there security on cruise ships? Again, the answer is yes. Cruise ship police officers are more like security guards, many of whom serve as law enforcement officers or as part of the military in their countries of residence when they aren't working on board.

Cruise ships do not typically have official, sworn-in police officers from any specific government agency on board. Instead, they employ a highly trained private security team, often led by a Chief Security Officer with a background in military or law enforcement. This team is responsible for enforcing ship rules, managing passenger conduct, and responding to incidents. Most modern ships are equipped with a "brig" (a secure holding cell) to temporarily detain individuals who pose a threat to others or commit serious offenses until the ship reaches the next port of call. For serious crimes involving U.S. citizens in international waters, agencies like the FBI have jurisdiction and will coordinate with the cruise line to investigate once the ship docks or by boarding at sea if necessary. While the security team can detain and contain, formal arrests are reserved for law enforcement authorities at the destination. This balance of private security and international legal cooperation ensures that the millions who sail in 2026 remain safe during their voyage.