Going on a cruise can be an enjoyable, relaxing experience and it is one of the best ways to travel when planning to visit multiple destinations. However, being on a boat in the middle of the ocean could turn into a scary situation, so it is always smart to be safe and take caution.
In January, the Costa Concordia crashed in Italy, costing the lives of 32 passengers. This was a drastic cruise incident, but these occurrences are rare. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the North American industry's main marketing group, more than 16 million people safely cruised throughout the world last year.
Have fun on your cruise, but also take these safety tips into consideration before and during your trip.
Attend The Safety Drill
Nowadays, it is required that all passengers attend a muster drill within 24 hours of boarding. For those who have experienced it before, the drill can seem boring, repetitive and unnecessary, but it is important to pay attention. Take your life jacket with you. Head to your assigned muster station, which is usually listed on the back of your cabin door. Become familiar with the path to get to this assigned area. Stay quiet and listen to the crew as they explain their safety procedures, so you'll know what to do in the case of an actual emergency.
Locate Your Life Jacket
Most cruise ships keep life jackets in the closet of a cabin. You may have to try it on during the muster drill, but if this isn't required, try it on anyway and make sure it fits. Make sure your cabin is equipped with child size life jackets for your kids or infants. Take note of features on the life jacket, like a whistle or even a light.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
You're typically given a map upon boarding the ship. Look at this map and study it. Become familiar with the different areas of the ship. Some ships also offer legends by elevators that tell you what amenities are on each floor. Some cruise ships can be pretty big and may have complicated routes, so familiarize yourself with them and don't be afraid to ask for directions. After all, this moving hotel will be your home for at least a few days and you don't want to miss out on what they offer.
Stay Healthy
A concern on cruise ships is the spread of viruses. Many cruise lines require that you sanitize your hands before entering dining areas. Carry your own antibacterial wipes or sanitzers. Try to use your own restroom facilities rather than public ones. Make sure you bring any necessary medications and multivitamins.
Store Your Valuables
It may be tempting to bring expensive electronics for entertainment or jewelry to wear on formal nights, but you may want to leave these things home. If you insist on bringing these things, store them in your cabin safe, but take note that some crew members have codes to these safes if you forget the code yourself. In April, a woman had her iPhone stolen on a Disney cruise. The thief turned out to be a crew member.
Watch the Booze
Cruises will have lots of specials and tempting deals on tasty tropical drinks. Go ahead and have one or two, but don't go overboard, literally. Alcohol can impair your judgment and perception, which would not make a good combination on a moving vessel that is battling high seas. Also, the most common cruise crime is sexual assault, so don't become a victim or wind up in the cruise prison cell.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
