Do Cruise Ships Have a Jail on Board?

By Michael Ferguson

Have you ever wondered what happens if a passenger breaks the law while on a cruise ship? Do cruise ships have a jail on board? This may sound like a strange question, but it’s something that many people have pondered.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that cruise ships are subject to maritime law, which is different from the laws on land. If a crime is committed on board, it is up to the captain to decide how to handle the situation. In some cases, this may involve detaining the individual in question.

So, do cruise ships have a jail on board? The answer is yes and no. While most cruise ships do not have an actual jail cell or prison, they do have what is commonly referred to as a “brig” or “detention center.”

These detention centers are typically small rooms or areas of the ship where unruly passengers can be held temporarily until they can be handed over to authorities at the next port of call. These areas are often equipped with basic amenities like beds and toilets but are far from luxurious.

It’s important to note that being detained in a cruise ship brig is not something you want to experience. If you break the law on board, you could be confined to one of these small spaces for days or even weeks until the ship reaches its next port of call.

So what kind of offenses could land you in a cruise ship brig? Common offenses include theft, vandalism, assault, and drug possession. However, each cruise line has its own policies and procedures when it comes to dealing with onboard crime.

In some cases, depending on the severity of the offense, passengers may be required to disembark at the next port of call and face legal action in that country’s court system.

In summary, while most cruise ships do not have an actual jail cell or prison on board, they do have detention centers where unruly passengers can be held temporarily. So if you’re planning on taking a cruise, be sure to follow the rules and avoid any behavior that could land you in hot water.