As a maritime expert with extensive knowledge in the field of cruise operations, I can provide you with an in-depth response to your question regarding the presence of jails on cruise ships.

Firstly, it's important to understand that cruise ships are essentially floating cities that operate under a specific set of rules and regulations. These vessels are subject to the laws of the country in which they are registered, often referred to as the "flag state." This means that while at sea, the cruise ship is governed by the laws of its flag state, and any legal issues that arise are handled according to those laws.

Now, addressing the question of whether cruise ships have jails, it's not a standard feature on every ship. The presence of a jail or detention facility on a cruise ship is determined by the cruise line's policies and the specific needs of the vessel. Some cruise lines may choose to have a designated area that can be used as a temporary holding cell in the event that a passenger or crew member needs to be detained for any reason. This could be due to a variety of circumstances, such as disruptive behavior, a security threat, or legal issues that need to be addressed.

The term "jail" might be a bit misleading in this context. On a cruise ship, what is often referred to as a jail is more akin to a secure room or a "padded cell," as mentioned in the reference material you provided. These rooms are designed to be safe and secure, with padded walls to prevent self-harm and equipped with necessary surveillance to ensure the safety of the individual being held as well as the crew and other passengers.

It's also worth noting that the use of such a facility is a last resort for the cruise line. Cruise lines pride themselves on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers and crew. They have a vested interest in resolving any issues without resorting to the use of a detention facility. In most cases, disruptive passengers are warned, and if necessary, they may be disembarked at the next port of call, where local authorities can handle the situation.

Furthermore, the cruise line's security team is trained to handle a wide range of situations, from minor disputes to more serious security threats. They work closely with the ship's crew and are often in contact with the flag state's authorities to ensure that any legal matters are handled appropriately.

In conclusion, while not every cruise ship has a designated jail, some do have a secure area that can be used in the event that it's necessary to detain someone. These facilities are designed with safety in mind and are used as a last resort. Cruise lines are committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all on board, and they have various measures in place to address any issues that may arise during the course of a voyage.

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Cruise lines typically don't like to publicize such matters, but McNally finally reveals the answer: --Some [ships] have them and some don't,-- he says. --Basically it's a padded cell.-- ... But that's as far as McNally's experience with cruise ship jails goes.Dec 21, 2015read more >>