No, cruise ship security personnel do not typically carry guns. Cruise ships have a variety of safety measures in place to protect passengers and crew members, such as metal detectors and CCTV cameras.

Yes, cruise ships carry a small cache of firearms, but they are strictly controlled and almost never carried by "front-facing" security guards in passenger areas. The primary security team, often composed of former military or police personnel, is trained in non-lethal tactics and typically carries only radios and handcuffs. However, per international maritime security regulations (ISPS Code), every major cruise ship maintains a secure armory containing handguns and sometimes semi-automatic rifles. These weapons are reserved for extreme "Code Silver" emergencies, such as an active shooter, a pirate boarding attempt, or a severe security breach that threatens the life of the crew or passengers. Access to these weapons requires the explicit authorization of the Ship's Captain and the Chief Security Officer. In 2026, most ships also utilize advanced surveillance and electronic access controls to prevent the need for armed intervention. If you see armed personnel while the ship is in port, they are almost always local law enforcement or port authorities rather than the ship's internal security team.