The cruise industry’s highest priority has always been the safety and security of its guests and crew. Under normal circumstances the cruise industry's security programs are stringent, but since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and now with the Operation Liberty Shield campaign commencing, the cruise industry has heightened its level of security even further.
ICCL member lines are working closely with the agencies within the Department of Homeland Security, which include the U.S. Coast Guard and the Border and Transportation directorate, as well as state and local authorities to ensure passengers’ safety and security. Member lines have security officers on every ship and security professionals in every company headquarters whose sole responsibility is to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Cruise passengers should be very comfortable with the additional visible security measures the industry has taken.
Additional security measures include increased inspections of luggage and carry-on articles, additional security personnel and controls, increased U.S. Coast Guard patrols at seaports and the use of canine inspections.
As an industry, cruise lines have pledeged that they will continue to focus on the business at hand: operating our ships with safety and security in mind, keeping them on schedule and offering passengers an exceptional cruising experience.