How to Travel Safely While on a Cruise
Knowing how to travel safely on a cruise is important for ensuring an enjoyable time. Theft of valuables, food illnesses and unfortunate accidents are some of the potential dangers when going on a cruise. However, with a bit of careful planning and watchfulness, you can stay safe and have a great time on your cruise.
1. Start with packing carefully. Take only the items you absolutely need. Valuables and items with sentimental value are better left at home. While cruise ships do have safes and locks on the cabin doors, you want to limit the risks.
2. Refrain from carrying cash. If you must carry cash, do in small amounts. Inquire ahead of time about locations where cash may be easily accessed on land. Many do accept credit cards, and this may be a better option since credit cards can be reported as lost or stolen, limiting liability for loss.
3. Carry valuables in hidden locations. In your cruise cabin, make use of the safe to hide jewelry, credit cards and important documents. While walking around on the cruise ship and especially on land, refrain from carrying your wallet in your back pocket or purse that can easily be swiped. Use a waist pack if possible. Avoid leaving your purse hanging on the back of a chair or placed in an empty seat.
4. Make copies of important documents. Copies of passports, personal identification, credit card numbers and other important documents will assist you in the event that these are stolen. Keep the copies in a different location from the original documents.
5. Be watchful of the foods you consume. Cruises are notorious for causing gastrointestinal illnesses, known as the cruise ship virus. This virus can travel in food or be passed from person to person. Meats, seafood and raw vegetables are the bigger culprits. Enjoy your meals, but pay attention and consult with the cruise staff at the hint of getting ill.
6. Establish safety rules while on the cruise ship. Set rules for children and teenagers to avoid pushing each other or climbing on top of each other near the edge of the ship. Also establish set times for them to be in their cabins at night. They will be on a ship with many strangers who may have too much to drink late at night.