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.

While cruise ships do not have a "police force" in the traditional sovereign sense, they employ a highly structured Security Department that functions as an onboard law enforcement agency. This team is typically led by a Chief Security Officer (often a former high-ranking military or police official) and includes deputy officers and a security staff. They are responsible for maintaining order, conducting internal investigations, and managing the brig (a secure holding area for unruly passengers). For serious crimes, such as assault or theft over 10,000, cruise lines are legally required to report incidents to the FBI or the relevant national law enforcement agency of the ship's flag state or next port of call. Security staff generally do not carry firearms in public areas to maintain a relaxed vacation atmosphere, but weapons are stored in a secure armory for use by qualified personnel during extreme emergencies or anti-piracy maneuvers in high-risk waters.