Cruising is one of the safest ways to travel, but just like a land-based vacation, it’s worth taking a few precautions before you embark. Here we’ll share some basic tips that are sure to keep you safe on your cruise vacation.
1. Keep a Copy of Your Passport
The easiest way to avoid documentation issues is to carry your passport. Before you embark on your cruise, you’ll want to make a copy in case it gets misplaced. For added security, you can also scan your passport and save it in an email so that it’s accessible from anywhere. This will make it much easier to request a replacement if it gets lost.
2. Avoid Attention
Whether you’re on the cruise ship or in port, you’ll want to avoid drawing attention to yourself. Leave the expensive jewelry and designer hand bags at home. Your valuables should be kept out of sight or stowed away in your stateroom safely. You’ll also want to refrain from carrying large amounts of cash. After all, your room key serves as a charge card so there should be no reason for you to be carrying cash around the ship.
3. Be Cautious of Tours
You’ll definitely want to consider booking high-risk activities through your cruise line as opposed to local providers. Cruise-sponsored tours use licensed and reputable vendors. Going it alone may be a budget-friendly option, but you’ll get quality assurance and security by booking through the cruise line. If you do plan to partake in an independent tour, make sure to do your research in advance and read plenty of reviews by past participants.
4. Check the Weather
If you’re planning on taking part in activities such a snorkeling and scuba diving, you’ll want to monitor the weather and sea conditions to be sure they’re safe for swimming.
5. Keep Your Cabin Closed
If you’ve been a cruise, you may have noticed that most cabin doors do not automatically close. You often have to give them a pull when you leave or a push if you’re inside to make sure they click shut. If you have a balcony, you’ll want to make sure you keep this door locked as well when you’re not in your room. In port, there will be contractors who clean windows and do other maintenance that can easily gain access to your stateroom through the balcony.
6. Drink Responsibly
It’s easy to get carried away on your cruise vacation; Especially with those all-inclusive alcoholic beverage packages. You’ll want to be mindful of how much you’re consuming and never accept drinks from strangers. Alcohol is a major contributing factor to safety incidents aboard the ship. Fell free to indulge, but be aware of your limits.
7. Carry Health Insurance
You should always carry health insurance that covers injuries outside of the United States. You’ll want to check with your provider to make sure that you’re taken care of in the event that you have to receive medical attention abroad. To avoid illness aboard the ship, be sure to wash your hands often and take advantage of the sanitizer placed conveniently around the cruise.
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Source: Cruise Radio.
