Value chain risk analysis

Modern slavery in the cruise ship industry often involves slave-like working conditions for back-end staff as well as recruitment practices that put workers in debt bondage.

Sexual assault is the most common crime on cruise ships. Unclear responsibilities make it difficult for victims to file accusations. There have also been reports of discrimination against pregnant staff.

There is a wide range of risks to workers’ rights in the cruise industry. The all-inclusive nature of many cruises and the fact that they are not located in a specific country aggravate the situation for staff.

When parents and family members work on cruise ships, the social costs to children can be high. These important people in the children’s lives can be away for several months at a time, often with limited opportunity for contact.

Cruise companies and cruise ships negatively impact communities through air and water pollution, economic leakage and tax avoidance, as well as overtourism.