What Happened: The Facts of the Case
According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BSO), Kevin Six, 41, of Akron, Ohio, was arrested at Port Everglades on April 3, 2026, after being accused of secretly filming a 15-year-old boy in the bathroom of their shared cruise ship cabin.
The victim’s grandmother was also aboard the ship. According to investigators, the teen told Six he was about to shower and asked whether Six needed to use the bathroom first. Six said yes, went in, and then came out — but allegedly left his cell phone behind, hidden inside a backpack with the camera lens angled directly toward the shower.
When the teen entered to shower, he noticed the backpack. Upon closer inspection, he found Six’s phone recording video. He watched it — and the footage showed Six deliberately positioning the camera before leaving. The victim documented the video on his own device before alerting cruise ship security.
Both the teen and Six were placed in isolation for the remainder of the voyage. When the ship returned to Port Everglades later that day, deputies arrested Six on the dock.
Case Summary at a Glance
- Accused: Kevin Six, 41, of Akron, Ohio
- Charge: Felony digital voyeurism against a child under 16 years of age
- Arresting Agency: Broward County Sheriff’s Office
- Location of Arrest: Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Incident Date: April 2, 2026
- Bond: $50,000
- Relationship: The accused was described as a “friend” of the victim by investigators
Florida’s Video Voyeurism Law: What Six Is Facing
Six was charged under Florida Statute § 810.145, which governs video voyeurism. When the alleged victim is a minor under 16 years old, the offense is elevated to a felony of the second degree — significantly more serious than the misdemeanor charge that would apply in many adult cases.
A second-degree felony in Florida carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Courts in these cases often consider additional aggravating factors, including the relationship of trust between the accused and the victim, the premeditated nature of setting up a recording device, and the involvement of a child.
Six was released from custody on a $50,000 bond. It is not yet known whether he has retained legal counsel, and no court date has been publicly announced.
Important Legal Note: Kevin Six is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges described in this article reflect allegations by law enforcement and do not constitute a finding of guilt.
This Is Not an Isolated Incident
Disturbing as this case is, legal experts and maritime law observers note that hidden-camera crimes on cruise ships form a recurring and underreported pattern. Cruise Law News, which tracks maritime crimes, points to an earlier case in which a cruise passenger pleaded guilty to secretly filming over 150 people — including children — in a public bathroom aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas.
The Six case shares troubling similarities with that precedent: a deliberate setup, a minor victim, and an alleged perpetrator who had gained the victim’s trust. The fact that it happened in a private cabin bathroom — not a public ship facility — makes the breach of trust especially acute.
Cruise ships present a unique law enforcement environment. Crimes that occur at sea can fall under the jurisdiction of the country where the ship is registered (the “flag state”), the country where the incident took place if in territorial waters, or the country of the port where the ship docks. In this case, because the arrest occurred at Port Everglades in Florida, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office had clear jurisdiction.
What Rights Do Cruise Passengers Have?
Passengers who are victimized aboard cruise ships often don’t realize that they have both criminal and civil legal options. While criminal charges — like those filed against Six — are pursued by the government, victims and their families may also pursue civil claims against the cruise line itself, particularly if negligence on the part of the ship or its crew contributed to the harm.
This can include situations where cruise lines failed to screen passengers adequately, failed to respond appropriately when warned of safety risks, or failed to prevent foreseeable harm. Cruise ship operators owe a duty of care to passengers, and that duty extends to providing a reasonably safe environment — particularly where children are involved.
If you or a family member has been victimized on a cruise ship, it’s critical to consult with an attorney who specializes in maritime law as soon as possible. Cruise line ticket contracts typically contain strict deadlines for filing claims — often as short as one year — and courts that must be used, frequently in specific cities like Miami or Seattle regardless of where you live. Missing these deadlines can permanently forfeit your right to seek compensation.
The cruise ship accident lawyers at Brais Law Firm have extensive experience representing passengers who have suffered harm at sea, from physical injuries to crimes like voyeurism and assault. Their legal team understands the complexities of maritime jurisdiction and can advise victims on their options before any deadlines expire.
Tips for Protecting Yourself and Your Family at Sea
While the responsibility for preventing crimes lies squarely with perpetrators and, to some degree, with cruise lines, passengers can take steps to reduce their vulnerability. Before using a bathroom in a shared cabin — particularly when traveling with someone you don’t know well — do a quick visual sweep of the room. Hidden cameras are often concealed inside bags, toiletry cases, or objects positioned with a line of sight to the shower or toilet.
If you discover a recording device or suspect you’re being filmed, do not confront the alleged perpetrator directly. Instead, document what you’ve found (as the teen in this case wisely did), secure yourself, and immediately report the matter to ship security. Request that both parties be separated and that the matter be documented in writing. If the ship docks in a U.S. port, contact local law enforcement directly — not just cruise staff.
Cruise ships are also required under the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) to report certain crimes to the FBI and to maintain a log of reported incidents. Passengers have the right to request an FBI investigation for serious crimes that occur on ships operating from U.S. ports.
Were you or a loved one victimized on a cruise ship? The clock may already be ticking on your legal options. Speak with a maritime attorney to understand your rights before important deadlines pass.
The Broader Conversation: Safety at Sea
The arrest of Kevin Six arrives at a moment of growing scrutiny of crime aboard cruise ships. Advocacy groups have long pushed cruise lines to do more to prevent voyeurism, assault, and exploitation — and to be more transparent about crimes that occur on their vessels. Industry giants like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line all carry millions of passengers annually, and their onboard security infrastructure is under a microscope.
For families, the takeaway from this case is sobering. Even in seemingly controlled environments like a private cabin shared with a trusted adult, children can be at risk. Awareness, communication, and a willingness to act quickly — as this 15-year-old did — can make all the difference.
The legal process for Kevin Six is still in its early stages. Legal News Online will continue to monitor this case as it progresses through the Broward County court system.
