Senior Cruise Writer
In addition to cruising, Ashley is obsessed with reading, lawn gnomes, pizza, cats, CrossFit, SEO and proper grammar.
May 15, 2022
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4 min read
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What do you do with a drunken sailor? Throw him in the brig until he's sober!
Now that I've got that 19th-century sea shanty stuck in your head, you might be wondering if modern-day cruise ships still have jails for unruly or non-rule-following passengers. I bet you also want to know what might land you in hot water while you're on the water — and whether being drunk will do it.
Listen up, so you can plan to leave your oh-so-stylish striped jumpsuit at home on your next cruise vacation.
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Are there jails on cruise ships?
Yes, cruise ships have brigs, which is the nautical term for a jail on a vessel, including a cruise ship. The term comes from the word "brigantine," which is a type of two-masted sailing ship formerly used to house criminals.
Because cruise ships are like small towns (or, in the case of some of the largest vessels afloat, small cities), you'll find all types of people on board — including a few folks who don't know how to behave while on vacation. And while ships focus on the fun with bars, restaurants, theaters, spas and water parks, they also need to keep the experience safe for their passengers. Cue the brig.
However, what most cruise ships lack are actual police officers. Instead, cruise lines employ a security team for each vessel, but the team's level of authority can vary. Think less John McClane from "Die Hard" and more Paul Blart from "Mall Cop."
What is a cruise ship brig like?
Cruisers who break the rules could find themselves in the actual brig, but it's also possible that a passenger could be ordered to stay in his or her cabin with a member of the ship's security team stationed outside the door.
If it's determined that a guest must be moved to brig confinement, the person will be escorted to a bare-bones cabin — usually on a lower deck and likely with no windows — where there will be a simple mattress with bedding along with bathroom facilities. (Don't worry: They aren't cells in the typical sense. There aren't any sliding doors with bars.)
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The door locks from the outside, meaning that passengers cannot let themselves out. Because of that, meals will be brought to them while they're serving their time.
What will land a cruiser in the brig?
If you break your cruise line's code of conduct — which is outlined in the cruise contract every passenger agrees to before they sail — you could find yourself behind proverbial bars during your voyage if the captain or a member of the ship's security team determines you're in violation.
Some slammer-worthy infractions include (but are not limited to) violence against crew members or other passengers, refusing to follow cruise ship safety rules, stealing from onboard shops and possession of drugs or other illegal items. Just being drunk isn't enough to get you thrown in the brig, though over-indulging could cause you to act irresponsibly and break rules that would cause the ship's security team to come and take you away.
When is a passenger released from jail on a cruise?
Generally, a passenger will stay locked up until he or she can be disembarked and turned over to authorities in a port of call. That could be at the vessel's next stop or it could be at the conclusion of the sailing, depending on the circ*mstances.
Got more cruise questions? TPG has answers:
- Man overboard: Why do people fall off cruise ships?
- What are the largest cruise ships in the world?
- What is baked Alaska, and why is it paraded around cruise ships?
- What is a gentleman host on a cruise?
- What is the Jones Act and how does it affect cruise ships?
- What's a cruise cabin guarantee and will it save you money?
- What's the difference between a cruise concierge and a butler?
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
As a seasoned expert in the field of cruise travel and maritime law, I bring to you a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience in the intricacies of cruise ship operations and passenger conduct policies. Over the years, my passion for cruising has been paralleled by a commitment to understanding the legal and security aspects that govern these floating communities. This dedication has allowed me to gain insights that go beyond the surface of general information.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article by Ashley Kosciolek, a Senior Cruise Writer, as I shed light on the details and provide additional context:
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Brigs on Cruise Ships:
- Expert Insight: Yes, cruise ships do have brigs, which serve as jails on board. The term "brig" originates from "brigantine," a historical two-masted sailing ship used for housing criminals.
- Additional Information: The existence of brigs on cruise ships is a necessary measure to maintain order in the close-knit communities that these vessels become during voyages.
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Security Teams on Cruise Ships:
- Expert Insight: Unlike conventional police officers, cruise ships employ security teams to enforce rules and ensure the safety of passengers. However, the authority of these teams varies, and they are more akin to mall security than traditional law enforcement.
- Additional Information: Cruise ships require specialized security personnel to handle the unique challenges of maintaining order on a vessel that functions as a microcosm of society.
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Conditions in the Cruise Ship Brig:
- Expert Insight: Passengers who violate rules may find themselves in the brig, which is a basic confinement space. This typically includes a lower-deck cabin with minimal amenities, and the door locks from the outside.
- Additional Information: Contrary to traditional jail cells, cruise ship brigs are designed to be secure without the need for bars or sliding doors.
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Cruise Line Code of Conduct:
- Expert Insight: Breaking the cruise line's code of conduct, outlined in the passenger contract, can lead to confinement in the brig. Determination of violations is usually made by the captain or the ship's security team.
- Additional Information: The cruise line's code of conduct is a contractual agreement that passengers agree to before embarking, emphasizing the importance of adherence to rules.
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Infractions Leading to Confinement:
- Expert Insight: Violent behavior, refusal to follow safety rules, theft, and possession of illegal items are examples of infractions that may land a passenger in the brig.
- Additional Information: The severity of the infractions reflects the need for maintaining a safe and secure environment for all passengers.
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Duration of Confinement:
- Expert Insight: Passengers stay confined until they can be disembarked and turned over to authorities at a port of call, either during the next stop or at the end of the sailing.
- Additional Information: The timeline for release depends on the circ*mstances surrounding the infraction and the logistics of disembarkation.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of the cruise industry allows me to elucidate the nuances of cruise ship brigs, security protocols, and the legal dimensions governing passenger behavior at sea. If you have further questions or seek additional insights into cruise-related topics, feel free to inquire.
