What is Statutory Rape? Can It Happen on a Cruise Ship?

Sexual acts with a minor are considered cruise ship rapes even if they are done with the consent of the minor child. According to Florida law, a minor is considered any child under the age of 16. Sadly, cruise ship crew members sometimes take advantage of children on cruise ships and sexually assault them. In such instances, these crew members can be charged with statutory rape or statutory sexual assault for having relations with minor children.

Under Florida law, cruise lines are often vicariously liable for the intentional wrongful acts of their crew members. This includes any acts done within the scope of employment and those done outside the scope of the employment relationship. Because crew members are employed by the cruise lines when they engage in sexual relations with minor passengers on a cruise line, the individual cruise line can sometimes be held liable for cruise ship rape and cruise ship sexual assault committed by cruise line employees.