An elderly former police officer and cruise passenger has been charged with allegedly assaulting a young teenage girl on board a ship off the Queensland coast.

Police allege the incident happened shortly before 11pm on Thursday while the Carnival Encounter was sailing off from Townsville.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Carnival Cruise passenger charged after alleged teen assault

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Jeffrey Mark Spiro, 71, allegedly confronted the 14-year-old near a lift and grabbed her.

The girl alerted nearby staff, who intervened. She was not physically hurt, police confirmed.

A Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson said the company was co-operating with police.

“The alleged victim was offered support and counselling,” the spokesperson said.

“Our commitment to the safety and security of all our guests and team members is demonstrated through the implementation of various measures to assure that our ships are a welcoming, family-friendly place.”

The court heard that the alleged offence lasted about four minutes. Spiro reportedly took the girl to ship security.

The teen was said to be running in the hallway with tweezers when the incident occurred.

Spiro has been charged with deprivation of liberty and two counts of common assault.

Bail was granted on his own undertaking, with a condition of no contact with children.

The former New Zealand police officer, who has lived in Australia since 1988, has no criminal history.

The matter returns to court on July 24.