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Greek island holidays are enjoyed by tourists from all over the world, however it is imperative to plan ahead to avoid or mitigate disaster. This point is illustrated by the sinking of the MS Sea Diamond off the island of Santorini. The Sea Diamond was a luxury cruise ship that ran around at Santorini. The ship took on water and evacuation procedures were necessary to save the passengers and crew. Later, two passengers were discovered missing. They have never been found. The captain and several crew members were charged with negligence. If you have never been to Santorini, you may be wondering how there could be such a disaster and loss of any life while in sight of – in fact, almost literally on – the famous island. Santorini is the result of a horrific volcano that ripped the island to shreds. The caldera is so deep, cruise ships do not dock there. Passengers are ferried to and from large ships in tender boats. The walls of the island are sheer rock, vertical, and plunge deeply into the sea. A foothold, ledge or gently sloping beach will not be found by the unfortunate swimmer on the wrong spot of the island. Although the boat has not settled deep in the caldera, financial and other considerations make it impossible to raise or move the stricken ship to a deeper location. A roped off circle in the water warns other ships of the tragedy of the MS Diamond and lends a somber pause to tourists arriving on the island of Santorini. How can you protect yourself from such dangers while enjoying Greek island holidays? While nobody can predict an accident such as what happened with the Sea Diamond, there are several things the prudent traveler can do prior to embarking on Greek island holidays. 1. Plan your trip with a reputable, knowledgeable travel company that knows the location, businesses and services you will be using. Having someone on your side that is in the know is invaluable. A travel company that specializes in Greek island holidays will know most reliable cruise lines, the safety records of the boats, and which islands are best to visit during the season of your choice. They are your eyes and ears before, during and after your trip, enabling you to relax and enjoy Greek island holidays on the strength of their research and knowledge. 2. Buy insurance. Nobody plans an accident. Having insurance for unexpected medical expenses, loss of luggage, missed flights or last minute travel changes goes a long way to ensure peace of mind. 3. Attend safety training and know your escape routes. Cruises start with a safety briefing. Go to this briefing and pay attention. Take note of the locations of the stairs in your hotel. While there is no need to be paranoid, always take your safety seriously while on Greek island holidays and take the few extra minutes to know how to escape a shipwreck or hotel fire. When disaster strikes and panic sets in, those that are prepared are those that are more likely to survive. Greek island holiday are enjoyed by many because they are unforgettable, beautiful, romantic vacations. Do not let your island holiday been ruined by tragedy. Plan ahead and use the services of a travel agency so you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind.
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