Cruise ships as pathways for pests of terrestrial plants: A risk‐contextualized assessment

Abstract Ports are recognized as hotspots for the introduction of invasive species, including terrestrial plant pests, due to high levels of trade, transport and human activity. Pathway analysis has predominantly focused on cargo pathways; less attention has been given to cruise ships as potential pathways for pest introductions. This paper reviews evidence on the cruise ship industry as a pathway for plant pests, drawing on published literature, industry characteristics and a case study focusing on Southampton, the largest cruise port in the United Kingdom. Although cruise ships operate globally and carry thousands of passengers, findings show that short port stays, limited cargo handling and existing biosecurity practices limit opportunities for plant pest introductions. While studies have documented terrestrial arthropods on passenger vessels, such records largely reflect presence rather than successful introduction and are often dominated by generalist or synanthropic species of limited phytosanitary concern. Based on available evidence and pathway characteristics, cruise ships appear to represent a comparatively low‐likelihood pathway for terrestrial plant pest introductions. These findings support a risk‐based approach to protecting plant health in which cruise ships warrant proportionate surveillance rather than intensive routine inspection, particularly where resources must be prioritized towards higher‐risk pathways.