Cruise ships are basically floating cities, and like cities, they’re home to restaurants, bars, medical facilities, entertainment venues, and even jails. Ship jails — called brigs — are typically hidden away on a lower level deck, so most passengers never see them. Unlike land-based prisons, brigs are small, basic holding rooms with minimal amenities, reinforced doors, and no windows. Not following the rules will land passengers there. When a ship is in the middle of the ocean, there are safety rules that passengers must adhere to. Minor rowdiness usually results in a warning, but physical violence, assault, theft, severe harassment, or major safety violations will land you in the brig. When it comes to following the rules, the captain is the ultimate authority. Passengers sent to the brig will be removed from the ship at the next port of call and handed over to local police or federal authorities such as the FBI, depending on the jurisdiction and offense.
