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By now, you must have read the tragedy surrounding the cruise ship Costa Concordia. On January 13, 2012, it was reported that the Costa Concordia hit an uncharted rock and caused it to partially sink. About 17 passengers died while 64 others were injured. Since then, trade groups such as the European Cruise Council and the U.S.-based Cruise Lines International Association imposed a new, more stringent safety policy on every major cruise line around the world. In turn, various travel agencies like those in the Dallas Fort Worth area were briefed so they could pass the information on to their clients beforehand. Safety is even more strictly observed, all proper precautions are taken. Travelers can also take proactive steps to better ensure personal safety and that of their companions. These four common tips might come in handy: Plan ahead with your companions if traveling as a group. This is especially relevant when traveling with a child or a teen. Parents and children tend to engage in different age appropriate activities while on a cruise. Plan certain steps to do in case of an emergency, where to converge or who to go to or who will pair up with whom. Emphasize how important it is to stick to the plan so that no one will be inadvertently left behind. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The U.S. State Department, through its no-fee Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or STEP system, lets travelers input information about their upcoming trip to a foreign country. This enables them to better provide assistance to them in emergency situations. Pay attention to your cruise ship's safety briefings. Cruises have safety briefings to all passengers prior to setting sail. Although a Dallas Fort Worth vacation planning and consulting specialist or two might give pertinent safety information, travelers should listen and pay attention to these briefings. They should also get information about their booked destinations as well. Familiarize yourself with your ship's emergency equipment and procedure. As a follow up to the previous tip, it’s a must to be familiar with the cruise ship's emergency equipment such as life boats, life vests and emergency exits. Know where the nearest medical personnel are. Ask your Dallas Fort Worth elite cruise counselor about the medical and safety personnel who will be present on the cruise. Although it doesn't hurt to ask additional Dallas Fort Worth expert travel advice from an experienced cruise specialist, know that cruise accidents are rare and isolated incidents. Recent improvements to emergency aid as well as enhanced safety protocols now contribute to better survival rates in case of accidents. So on your next cruise, be prepared, stay alert and have fun.
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