The chance of being sexually assaulted on a cruise ship is almost twice as high as the rate on dry land, research reveals.
A new study by New Zealand and Canadian researchers has found "chilling" rates of abuse, with one popular cruise line Royal Caribbean International garnering 450 sexual abuse complaints over eight years.
The attackers were most commonly crew members who usually attacked by forcing their way into a passenger's cabin, according the study, reported by the New Zealand Herald.
The results come as New Zealand prepares to host several luxury liners for the Rugby World Cup.
Another company, Celebrity Cruises, had 16 complaints a year between 1998 and 2002, while Carnival Cruise Lines had 92 sex-related complaints in one nine-month period in 2008.
Researcher Jill Poulston, head of hospitality at the Auckland University of Technology, said while most of the data involved American and Canadian boats, it still sent a warning to New Zealanders about the dangers of these floating hotels.
"While cruise vacations are often sold as voyages of romance and adventure, a significant number of passengers have very different and unpleasant experiences," Dr Poulston told the newspaper.
The cruise lines cited low and improving rates of sexual abuse, and said it was a top priority to create a safe and secure environment for their passengers.
NZN