Issues in Cruise Ship Safety & Security

Cruise ships are the single largest passenger conveyances in the world, with one ship currently in service that can carry more than 8,500 passengers and crew. The Coast guard considers cruise ships to be highly attractive targets to terrorists, and according to a 2008 RAND Corporation report, cruise ships can represent high-prestige symbolic targets for terrorists. Additionally, in recent years, there have been increased incidences of sexual assault, theft and bodily injury aboard cruise ships. This book examines cruise ship safety and the potential steps for keeping Americans safe at sea.