MIAMI (AP) — For the first time, the three largest U.S.-based cruise lines are posting on their websites more comprehensive data about allegations of serious crimes committed aboard ships.
The move Thursday by Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line comes amid growing pressure from Congress and victims groups for greater accuracy about crime at sea.
Previously only U.S. Coast Guard figures were available for serious crimes that had been investigated by the FBI. Now the cruise lines are releasing statistics that include allegations even if they were not substantiated.
The new numbers show many more crime allegations aboard ships than previously known. But they are still a small number compared with the nearly 17 million people who take cruises in North American each year.
