“Those in need, we assist.” Carnival also provides food, clothes, blankets and medical assessments, and crew members coordinate with the Coast Guard or other government agencies, Lupoli said. Depending on the decision of authorities, the rescued people may be transferred to authorities at sea or in port.

When a cruise ship encounters migrants or refugees in distress at sea, the Captain is bound by international maritime law, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the SOLAS treaty, to render assistance. The crew will typically launch a rescue boat to bring the individuals on board, where they are provided with immediate humanitarian aid, including medical checkups, food, water, and dry clothing. For security and safety, rescued persons are usually kept in a secure, designated area away from the general passenger decks. The ship's officers must immediately notify the nearest Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) and the authorities at the next scheduled port of call. Depending on the situation and local government instructions, the migrants may be transferred to a coast guard vessel at sea or disembarked at the next port to be processed by immigration and border officials. Cruise lines handle these situations with a focus on life-saving first, followed by logistical coordination with regional authorities.