Cruises, commonly speaking, are as safe as or safer than any method of travel. Sure you can find well-publicized horror reports concerning cruise liner incidents, as you'll find horror reports of people walking to the grocery store. However as with any form of travel, "to be forewarned is to be forearmed", so we start by providing you with 5 safety precautions when taking a cruise.
Even as the cruise is still in the strategy planning stage, consult with the Center for Disease Control, which is among several groups, which appraise cruise lines in regards to their safety and general health. There was a period when it was virtually a case of "what happens on board stays on board"; laws are now coming into existence requiring the reporting of incidents. Plus as well as consumers in a position to offer personal critiques online, more information about your potential cruise line might be discerned. So after you are on board, here are 5 security precautions when taking a cruise:
1. Leave valuables at home. Many people have admission to your berth, and every berth will have a safe. I would suggest storing your less important items there, as these safes ordinarily have bypass codes. If you really must take items that will lead to a significant calamity if lost, make use of the ships safe. It is possible to retrieve your valuables from there if you need to, and they'll be more secure than if within your cabin's safe.
2. Excellent common sense. For the most part crime on cruises is property crime, and as with any public place if you aren't vigilant with your possessions they may be taken. The relaxed atmosphere of your cruise, however, will sometimes cause you to drop your guard. Also, be careful regarding walking away from disagreements or fights and not giving out your personal information to strangers. Just good judgment things.
3. Don't fall overboard. This safety precaution while on a cruise perhaps should not have to be said, nevertheless keep everything inside the ship while at sea. It rarely transpires, but most of the people who fall off a cruise ship are never recovered, and it is nearly always the result of stupidity.
4. Pay attention to your alcohol intake. As a rule accidental injuries from falls take place because an innocent vacationer has a lot to drink. Also, women especially, be careful not to leave your drinks unattended, or accept drinks from those you don't know, as they might be tainted.
5. Shore excursions. Cruising would not be nearly as entertaining without experiencing shore excursions at your ports-of-call, however the cruise line will not assure that you'll not be involved in an mishap or contact food poisoning, accordingly as with any place where you might be in unfamiliar surroundings, you have to be observant. On several of our cruises, we've taken a ship-sponsored tour in the morning, then when we have our bearings somewhat and have asked the tour guide a lot of questions (they most likely think too many, but that's what they are paid for), then we explore during the afternoon. Set aside for yourself time to get back on the vessel, as if you do not it can get expensive to catch up.
One last remark to add to the 5 security precautions while taking a cruise: do not be shy about reporting suspicious activity to one of the ship's officials. True, it is probably nothing, but in the infrequent instance of a problematic situation, it could be extraordinarily important. So with that, bon voyage, and keep in mind, these tips aren't designed to bring about any apprehension in cruising, but only a reminder to be aware.
Author's Resource Box We offer some excellent tips and advice on cruising, including one specially managing shore excursions, on our webpage on cruise planning, and for other excellent advice on cruises that are specifically designed with children in mind, visit our Which are the Best Cruise Lines for Kids page for ratings on the various popular lines. Glen Wheaton is a writer and avid traveler living in London. By: Jim O Connell |