Latest news with #RobertMcDonald
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
'Dark cloud' hangs over cruise industry as complaints of crimes rise in recent years — how to stay safe at sea
Complaints of crimes and missing person reports on cruises that dock at U.S. ports have surged in recent years, fueling what one security expert calls a 'dark cloud' over an industry eager to protect its reputation. Department of Transportation figures show 48 alleged incidents between Jan. 1 and March 30 of this year: 23 reports of rape, 10 of other forms of sexual assault, seven of physical assault and seven of theft greater than $10,000. One missing U.S. national was also reported. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) There were also 47 alleged incidents in each of the first and third quarters of 2024, 50 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 55 in the second quarter of 2023. 'All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry,' Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service agent and lecturer on criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Fox News in a story published May 15. Cruise lines 'want [passengers] to be comfortable spending their money.' A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association told Fox News that 'crime is extremely rare on cruise ships' thanks to strict security vetting and training that "make cruise[s] one of the safest holiday options.' A mixture of large groups of people, alcohol and the sense of freedom that comes with being on vacation can create an environment that's more prone to illicit activity, says McDonald. 'Anytime we get together, those numbers are going to go up, whether that's at a resort, whether it's on a cruise ship,' he said. Among recent reports: On March 21, two men in their 30s were arrested, accused of raping a 14-year-old boy in a sauna aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, reports the Miami Herald. Both men were charged with sexual battery of a minor, exposing themselves to a minor and molestation of a child aged 12 to 16. One man faced an additional charge of not informing another person in a sexual act of his HIV status. 'We take these allegations very seriously and immediately notified local law enforcement,' a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told the Herald. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it A month later, dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers were banned after video of a brawl at a Galveston, Texas, terminal emerged on social media showing people kicking and punching one another as they disembarked, according to Fox News. Carnival told the news outlet the matter was referred to law enforcement, and stressed that the company 'will not tolerate such behavior.' While reports of alleged crime on the high seas may be elevated, some experts insist cruises remain a safe way to travel. If you choose to cruise, you can be proactive and make sure you understand the laws that can help keep you safe. Jurisdiction on cruise ships is a constantly moving target that can change after a vessel moves away from shore. Within 12 nautical miles of the coast, the coastal nation's criminal code typically applies; beyond 12 miles, the ship falls under the law of the country whose flag it flies. Maritime laws may also apply. Before you sail, make sure you understand which laws and regulations will apply during your trip. Statistics for reports of alleged crimes of major cruise operators appear in quarterly Department of Transportation reports, and the CDC publishes sanitation scores for each ship. This can help you decide which cruise line and which ship you're comfortable sailing on. Cruise ships have internal emergency systems, including dedicated phone lines. Report suspicious behaviour immediately. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
'Dark cloud' hangs over cruise industry as complaints of crimes rise in recent years — how to stay safe at sea
Complaints of crimes and missing person reports on cruises that dock at U.S. ports have surged in recent years, fueling what one security expert calls a 'dark cloud' over an industry eager to protect its reputation. Department of Transportation figures show 48 alleged incidents between Jan. 1 and March 30 of this year: 23 reports of rape, 10 of other forms of sexual assault, seven of physical assault and seven of theft greater than $10,000. One missing U.S. national was also reported. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) There were also 47 alleged incidents in each of the first and third quarters of 2024, 50 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 55 in the second quarter of 2023. 'All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry,' Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service agent and lecturer on criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Fox News in a story published May 15. Cruise lines 'want [passengers] to be comfortable spending their money.' A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association told Fox News that 'crime is extremely rare on cruise ships' thanks to strict security vetting and training that "make cruise[s] one of the safest holiday options.' A mixture of large groups of people, alcohol and the sense of freedom that comes with being on vacation can create an environment that's more prone to illicit activity, says McDonald. 'Anytime we get together, those numbers are going to go up, whether that's at a resort, whether it's on a cruise ship,' he said. Among recent reports: On March 21, two men in their 30s were arrested, accused of raping a 14-year-old boy in a sauna aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, reports the Miami Herald. Both men were charged with sexual battery of a minor, exposing themselves to a minor and molestation of a child aged 12 to 16. One man faced an additional charge of not informing another person in a sexual act of his HIV status. 'We take these allegations very seriously and immediately notified local law enforcement,' a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told the Herald. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it A month later, dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers were banned after video of a brawl at a Galveston, Texas, terminal emerged on social media showing people kicking and punching one another as they disembarked, according to Fox News. Carnival told the news outlet the matter was referred to law enforcement, and stressed that the company 'will not tolerate such behavior.' While reports of alleged crime on the high seas may be elevated, some experts insist cruises remain a safe way to travel. If you choose to cruise, you can be proactive and make sure you understand the laws that can help keep you safe. Jurisdiction on cruise ships is a constantly moving target that can change after a vessel moves away from shore. Within 12 nautical miles of the coast, the coastal nation's criminal code typically applies; beyond 12 miles, the ship falls under the law of the country whose flag it flies. Maritime laws may also apply. Before you sail, make sure you understand which laws and regulations will apply during your trip. Statistics for reports of alleged crimes of major cruise operators appear in quarterly Department of Transportation reports, and the CDC publishes sanitation scores for each ship. This can help you decide which cruise line and which ship you're comfortable sailing on. Cruise ships have internal emergency systems, including dedicated phone lines. Report suspicious behaviour immediately. Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead How much cash do you plan to keep on hand after you retire? Here are 3 of the biggest reasons you'll need a substantial stash of savings in retirement Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
National Post
15-05-2025
- National Post
Reports of crimes aboard U.S. cruise ships reach 2-year high, data shows
Article content It appears now is not a good time to book a spot on a cruise departing from a U.S. port. Article content Article content According to data obtained by Fox News from the U.S. Department of Transportation, crime rates reached a two-year high on cruise ships after 48 alleged offences were reported in the first three months of 2025. Article content 'Sometimes, the cruise lines don't want to report this information on the front end depending upon, again, what type of crime it is, which brings unfortunate attention to them, just as it would when we have airplane situations or the delays in airplanes that we're having now,' Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, told Fox News. Article content Article content 'All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry, an industry that wants people to come to it and wants them to be comfortable spending their money.' Article content Of the alleged crimes reported this year, 24 were identified as rapes, 10 were sexual assaults and seven were criminal assaults. Article content According to McDonald, criminal acts are more likely among large groups of people who are confined to a small space for extended periods of time. Article content 'I think anytime we get large numbers of people together, whether it's at a Super Bowl game or at a World Series game or an NBA Finals or graduations or whatnot, whenever we get people together, whenever there's alcohol involved, whenever there are people being able to let loose a little bit from their normal personality, I think that exacerbates the ability for numbers to rise in that regard,' he said. Article content Article content A recent brawl among passengers who disembarked from a cruise ship near Houston paints a wary picture. Article content As vacationers were picking up their luggage last month at the Galveston Cruise Terminal following a seven-day, round-trip voyage of the Caribbean, fists began to fly. Article content Video shared to social media showed two men fighting as a large group of people swarm them and aggressively throw punches amid the chaos. Article content
Vancouver Sun
15-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Reports of crimes aboard U.S. cruise ships reach 2-year high, data shows
It appears now is not a good time to book a spot on a cruise departing from a U.S. port. According to data obtained by Fox News from the U.S. Department of Transportation, crime rates reached a two-year high on cruise ships after 48 alleged offences were reported in the first three months of 2025. 'Sometimes, the cruise lines don't want to report this information on the front end depending upon, again, what type of crime it is, which brings unfortunate attention to them, just as it would when we have airplane situations or the delays in airplanes that we're having now,' Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, told Fox News . 'All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry, an industry that wants people to come to it and wants them to be comfortable spending their money.' Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Of the alleged crimes reported this year, 24 were identified as rapes, 10 were sexual assaults and seven were criminal assaults. According to McDonald, criminal acts are more likely among large groups of people who are confined to a small space for extended periods of time. 'I think anytime we get large numbers of people together, whether it's at a Super Bowl game or at a World Series game or an NBA Finals or graduations or whatnot, whenever we get people together, whenever there's alcohol involved, whenever there are people being able to let loose a little bit from their normal personality, I think that exacerbates the ability for numbers to rise in that regard,' he said. A recent brawl among passengers who disembarked from a cruise ship near Houston paints a wary picture. As vacationers were picking up their luggage last month at the Galveston Cruise Terminal following a seven-day, round-trip voyage of the Caribbean, fists began to fly. Video shared to social media showed two men fighting as a large group of people swarm them and aggressively throw punches amid the chaos. A security guard runs toward the melee before two police officers arrive in an attempt to break up the brawl. The fight apparently stemmed from an incident on the ship's basketball court the day before. A Chicago man was charged after an elderly person was allegedly pushed in the baggage area following an argument.
Toronto Sun
15-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Reports of crimes aboard U.S. cruise ships reach 2-year high, data shows
Reports of alleged crimes on cruise ships departing from U.S. ports has reached a two-year high. Photo by Rawpixel / iStock / Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. It appears now is not a good time to book a spot on a cruise departing from a U.S. port. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account According to data obtained by Fox News from the U.S. Department of Transportation, crime rates reached a two-year high on cruise ships after 48 alleged offences were reported in the first three months of 2025. 'Sometimes, the cruise lines don't want to report this information on the front end depending upon, again, what type of crime it is, which brings unfortunate attention to them, just as it would when we have airplane situations or the delays in airplanes that we're having now,' Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service special agent and criminal justice lecturer at the University of New Haven, told Fox News. 'All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry, an industry that wants people to come to it and wants them to be comfortable spending their money.' Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Of the alleged crimes reported this year, 24 were identified as rapes, 10 were sexual assaults and seven were criminal assaults. According to McDonald, criminal acts are more likely among large groups of people who are confined to a small space for extended periods of time. 'I think anytime we get large numbers of people together, whether it's at a Super Bowl game or at a World Series game or an NBA Finals or graduations or whatnot, whenever we get people together, whenever there's alcohol involved, whenever there are people being able to let loose a little bit from their normal personality, I think that exacerbates the ability for numbers to rise in that regard,' he said. RECOMMENDED VIDEO A recent brawl among passengers who disembarked from a cruise ship near Houston paints a wary picture. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As vacationers were picking up their luggage last month at the Galveston Cruise Terminal following a seven-day, round-trip voyage of the Caribbean, fists began to fly. Video shared to social media showed two men fighting as a large group of people swarm them and aggressively throw punches amid the chaos. A security guard runs toward the melee before two police officers arrive in an attempt to break up the brawl. The fight apparently stemmed from an incident on the ship's basketball court the day before. A Chicago man was charged after an elderly person was allegedly pushed in the baggage area following an argument. Read More
