Cruises, normally speaking, are as secure as or safer than any method of travel. Indeed there are well-publicized horror reports regarding cruise ship incidents, as there are horror reports of individuals walking to the grocery store. But as with any mode of travel, "to be forewarned is to be forearmed", so we start by giving you 5 security precautions when taking a cruise. Even as the cruise remains in the strategy planning stage, consult with the Center for Disease Control, which is one of a variety of groups, that appraise cruise lines in regards to their safety and general health. There was a period while it was virtually a case of "what happens on board stays on board"; laws and regulations are now coming into existence requiring the reporting of incidents. Plus with customers capable of give personal critiques online, further information about your potential cruise line may be discerned. So once you are on board, allow me to share 5 security precautions when taking a cruise: 1. Leave valuables at home. Many people have entrée to your berth, and each cabin has a safe. I'd suggest storing your less costly items there, as these safes as a rule have bypass codes. If you really have to take things that will lead to a serious disaster if lost, use the ships safe. You are able to retrieve your valuables from there if you would like to, and they will be more secure than if in your cabin's safe. 2. Good common sense. As a rule crime on cruises is property crime, and as with every public place if you aren't wise with your possessions they may be taken. The relaxed atmosphere of a cruise, though, will every now and then make you drop your guard. Also, be diligent 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 security precaution while taking a cruise perhaps shouldn't have to be said, nevertheless keep everything inside the vessel while at sea. It hardly ever occurs, but almost all people who fall off a cruise ship are never recovered, and it is almost always brought on by stupidity. 4. Be mindful of your alcohol intake. As a rule injuries from falls happen because an innocent traveller has too much to drink. Also, women particularly, be careful not to leave your drinks unattended, or take drinks from people you don't know, as they might be tainted. 5. Shore excursions. Cruising wouldn't be nearly as cool without experiencing shore excursions at your ports-of-call, but the cruise line will not guarantee that you will not be involved in an misfortune or contact food poisoning, thus as with every spot where you're in unfamiliar surroundings, you must be watchful. On several of our cruises, we have taken a ship-sponsored excursion in the morning, then when we have our bearings a tad and have asked the tour guide plenty of questions (they most likely deem too many, but that's what they're paid for), next we explore in the afternoon. Allow for yourself time to get back on the ship, as if you don't it can get pricey to catch up. One last word to add to the 5 security precautions when taking a cruise: do not be shy about reporting suspicious activity to one of the ship's officials. True, it might be nothing, but for the rare occurrence of a problematical situation, it could be exceptionally important. So with that, bon voyage, and remember, these tips aren't intended to bring about any dread in cruising, but only a reminder to be alert. For more information and guides to Italy and the Mediterranean, click here, and for some great information on taking a trip to Amsterdam, check out this article. Jim O'Connell is a writer and travel enthusiast living in Chicago.
Related Articles -
cruise, Security, Precautions,
|