How To Stay Safe On A Cruise

In 2012, Georgia Ananias was having fun with a Mediterranean cruise along with her household when the unthinkable occurred. Their vessel, Costa Concordia, struck a rock formation on the ocean ground and started to capsize. It occurred so shortly that not all passengers and crew had been capable of evacuate in lifeboats. Thirty-two folks died.

“It was an awful experience,” she instructed HuffPost. “I can still hear the screaming. It’s a life-changing experience that nobody wants to have. You’d never think that when you go on a cruise that something like that can happen.”

Of all of the journey disasters, cruise ship incidents definitely make their justifiable share of headlines. People have robust opinions about cruises, so whether or not there are illness outbreaks, reviews of assault or lethal accidents, these occasions are likely to garner plenty of consideration.

Despite these tales, cruise knowledgeable Stewart Chiron aka “The Cruise Guy,” emphasised that such occurrences are total uncommon whenever you have a look at the big variety of cruise voyages and passengers that get pleasure from incident-free experiences annually.

“It is in the interest of all the ships to provide as safe an environment and experience as possible,” he stated. “Unfortunately, there are bad situations that occur, but it’s far fewer than what we would see ashore.”

“There is nothing that suggests that all cruises are unsafe,” echoed Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director of International SOS. “Dangerous situations can happen anywhere at any time, and this includes on cruise ships.”

Still, he added, there are at all times distinctive well being and security dangers whenever you embark on any journey journey, so it’s vital to remain vigilant.

“According to the CDC, the most common health threats to cruise passengers include norovirus, seasickness and respiratory illnesses,” Fischer stated. “Some of the most common safety threats include extreme weather and petty crime. There are some things out of a traveler’s control when on a cruise ship. However, there are also important guidelines a traveler can put into place to ensure safety.”

Below, consultants share their recommendation for prioritizing well being and security throughout a cruise trip, from pre-travel procedures to ideas for port excursions.

“First and foremost, remember to pay attention during the mandatory muster drill,” Fischer stated. “This is where you will learn where the life jackets are, what alarms mean, and what to do during certain emergencies. You should practice this drill a few hours after the instruction to ensure you retain the information.”

Pay explicit consideration to the emergency sign, which usually consists of seven or extra quick blasts of the horn adopted by one lengthy blast. You can discover recordings on-line to familiarize your self with the sound.

Ananias, now senior vice chairman of International Cruise Victims, recalled listening to the sign on the day of the Costa Concordia catastrophe. She and her household narrowly survived amid the chaos and confusion. “There were so many people from different countries, so they had to do five announcements in different languages from the PA system,” she stated. “That’s why it’s helpful to know the signal since there can be language barriers or the PA system might stop working.”

“If guests are wandering off the boat at a port, they should be aware of any safety concerns such as scams to avoid or pickpockets,” stated Cathy Pedrayes, a security knowledgeable and creator of “The Mom Friend Guide to Everyday Safety and Security.” “The cruise ship can probably advise on any safety concerns specific to the area. And if you’re touring at a port, remove the obvious markers that you’re a tourist, such as a cruise ship ID bracelet unless required as part of a group tour.”

Before you disembark to discover a port, contemplate paring down your pockets to only one or two bank cards, particularly if you happen to’re touring with a companion who has playing cards linked to the identical accounts. That approach, you’ll reduce the implications of falling sufferer to theft.

“A lot of times, people don’t consider that they’re traveling internationally on the cruise because they departed from a U.S. port,” Stewart stated. “Obviously, you want to have a great time, but you still need to have your wits about you. Tourists are targets. Make sure your purse is zipped. Don’t wear your flashiest jewelry and watches. And don’t leave your belongings on the beach unattended.”

He additionally advisable checking the newest information and State Department alerts for the locations the place the ship can be stopping. If reviews of heightened crime make you uncomfortable, don’t really feel pressured to disembark at that exact cease, or at the least be further vigilant.

“If something does happen at a port, say you get in a traffic accident in a remote area or wind up delayed on a tour you booked with someone other than the cruise line’s designated company, make sure you contact your carrier,” stated journey security advisor Kevin Coffey. “Usually, your cruise ID card contains valuable information like the number for a 24-hour phone line.”

“Don’t drink so much alcohol that you lose your wits,” stated Ashley Kosciolek, senior cruise author at The Points Guy. “It could lead to slipping and falling or cause you to engage in unsafe behaviors. Plus, hangovers can really put a damper on the next day’s fun.”

Although the aspect railings are usually fairly excessive and safe, accidents occur ― particularly when folks get too drunk.

“Just like at hotels during spring break, people have too many drinks and get an idea to try to move from one balcony to another or climb a railing to take a photo,” Stewart stated.

Overindulging can result in different harmful incidents on cruises.

“What you’re seeing more and more of these days is you’re seeing a lot of fights breaking out on these ships,” stated David Charlip, a lawyer specializing in cruise ship damage litigation. “People get drunk and, for whatever reason, have words with each other. A lot of people travel in big groups, so the next thing you know, you’ve got a gang of people fighting another gang of people. We’ve seen cases involving injuries, especially when the security staff intervenes.”

“Be aware of your surroundings ― like looking out for slippery decks or anything along those lines,” Pedrayes urged.

Use your frequent sense as you make choices, and belief your instincts if one thing doesn’t really feel proper. Along the identical strains, train the identical warning round strangers and probably harmful conditions on land.

“A cruise ship is like a small city,” Ananias stated. “It’s filled with all different types of people, so you need to act accordingly.”

There are often indicators that point out crew-only areas. As a passenger, you need to keep away from these zones, which could be probably harmful. Even if a crew member invitations you right into a restricted space, you need to politely decline.

“Do not invite other passengers to your room or share your cabin number with anyone outside of those you are traveling with,” Fischer stated.

And simply as you’d be inclined to concentrate to your cocktail at a lodge bar or your beer at a neighborhood brewery, take the identical strategy together with your drinks on a cruise. Date rape medication can wind up in drinks on ships as properly.

“Everything you do on land, you need to do on a ship,” Stewart stated. “Be protective of your drink a the bar. These sorts of instances are far fewer on a ship, but that doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen.”

“A lot of times, people get intestinal illnesses like norovirus during cruise vacations,” Charlip stated. “It’s obviously a good idea to wash your hands frequently, but other than that, there’s not always a whole lot you can do. On excursions, you should pay attention like you would at a barbecue ― if you see things made with mayonnaise like coleslaw that have been sitting out all day, it’s probably not a good idea to eat them.”

If you might have particular dietary wants, examine the cruise line’s web site or speak to a consultant forward of your journey to make sure they are often met on board.

“It’s also important to not share your food or beverages with passengers that you don’t know and ensure good ventilation when indoors on the cruise to avoid contracting illness from another party on the cruise,” Fischer stated.

“When people go on vacation, they often forget to pack their common sense and awareness,” Coffey stated. “They think accidents or bad incidents can’t happen, but it’s still the real world.”

Remember that you just don’t magically turn into a superhero whenever you embark.

“What happens on cruises is some people want to do things they haven’t done for most of their lifetime, if not most of the year,” Charlip stated. “So they become more adventurous than perhaps their bodily limits allow and feel like they have to push themselves in many ways, whether it’s trying to squeeze in as many activities as possible, braving heat or different environmental conditions, overeating, and drinking or just otherwise going above and beyond.”

Trying new issues could be nice, however bear in mind you’re on trip and don’t push previous your limits, regardless of how enjoyable the mountaineering wall on the ship appears to be like. If you e book a tour or exercise, take the time to know what it entails and be sure to’re ready.

“Particularly in European countries, there may be a lot of walking, cobblestone streets, things like that,” Charlip defined. “A lot of these folks are somewhat elderly. If they’re on a 10-day cruise, by day eight, they might be exhausted but still doing stuff that’s terribly strenuous and active. They’re not giving their bodies the chance to rest and recuperate. If you push it too much, you’re opening yourself up to injury.”

“Remain vigilant and be sure to stay with those you are traveling with both during the day and especially while moving around the ship at night,” Fischer stated. “It’s also best to carry your identification with you at all times in the event of an emergency.”

Refrain from going off by your self throughout excursions when attainable. Instead, contemplate designating somebody in your group as your designated companion who has your again and ensures you’re accounted for.

“If you’re a solo cruiser, it could be beneficial to buddy up and ensure that someone on the ship has an eye out for you by making a friend or two early on,” Fischer stated. “However, don’t rely on this solely. Be sure to implement other practices to ensure your safety, such as putting valuables in your room safe, informing family or friends of your travel itinerary on the ship and on land, and always being aware of your surroundings.”

Children must also by no means be left alone on a cruise or tour.

“Don’t allow your children to run around unsupervised,” Kosciolek stated. “Not only is it potentially unsafe for them ― it can be an annoyance to other passengers.”

“Make sure your cabin doors lock when you enter or leave your rooms,” Pedrayes stated. “Use the safe for valuables. If you have a balcony room, be careful with leaving things on the balcony. You wouldn’t want it to get washed away in bad weather or with window washing.”

As with different types of journey, keep away from strolling round with giant sums of cash or valuables. There are methods to guard your belongings earlier than you additionally arrive on the ship.

“I recommend putting AirTags or other tracking devices in your luggage,” Coffey stated. “Things get lost and misplaced. Luggage tags pop off, even on cruise ships.”

“It is always important to make sure you are up to date with your routine
vaccinations as well as the recommendations for the locations you plan to travel,” Fischer stated. “Making an appointment with a travel medicine specialist at least four weeks prior to your trip will mitigate risk.”

Stay on prime of non-public hygiene practices, like commonly washing your arms all through the holiday. Carry sanitizer as you go about your day as properly.

“Frequent handwashing ― especially before you eat and after you use the bathroom or touch things like stair rails or elevator buttons ― is the best way to avoid both catching and spreading germs,” Kosciolek stated. “Although cruise ships experience far fewer cases of norovirus than schools, hospitals, nursing homes and restaurants, it’s still a risk.”

Don’t overlook to pack any drugs you may want. Kosciolek advisable seasickness cures like as ginger candies, Bonine or Dramamine, accupressure wristbands or behind-the-ear patches.

“In a pinch, grab a green apple or a ginger ale from the buffet or room service,” she added. “Finding an area on a low deck near the middle of the ship also helps, as does finding a window and staring at the horizon.”

Always take any important medicines with you in your excursions so that you’ve them even when there’s an incident. Try to maintain all of it in its authentic packaging with prescription labels connected.

“If you have chronic medical conditions, ensure you have all of your medications in a secure location plus an extra seven days of medication in the event there are any travel delays,” Fischer added. “Travelers should be encouraged to carry medications in hand luggage and avoid packing medications in luggage they will be required to check. Checked-in luggage can become lost or delayed, which will interrupt the traveler’s regular administration regimes.”

Before you embark in your journey, familiarize your self with any vital insurance policies and procedures in place. Understand what your journey insurance coverage and medical health insurance do and don’t cowl.

“If you have a heart attack or get into a traffic accident in an Uber or cab and wind up in the hospital during an excursion, you may not necessarily want to be at that particular hospital,” Coffey stated. “Figure out what it would look like if you needed to be flown home too. And how would the costs be handled? Find out what medical care looks like on the cruise as well.”

Familiarize your self together with your tour operators, as they’d be answerable for any incidents and subsequent litigation.

“People don’t realize that most of the official excursions are not run or managed by the cruise line,” Charlip stated. “It’s typically outside vendors, so you might not have the same degree of oversight and supervision that you would in the U.S. And don’t assume the cruise or tour staff will be looking out for your safety. The person that’s primarily responsible for your safety is you, so do your homework.”

He’s additionally a proponent of trusting your intestine. So, for instance, you’ll be able to decline if you happen to signed up for a snorkeling expedition however suppose the ocean circumstances don’t look good that day.

“Finally, make sure you have copies of all important documents, such as your passport, in case you lose it,” Pedrayes stated. “I like to bring a paper photocopy, and I email myself a copy as well.”

Ensure somebody again dwelling has copies of your vital data and itinerary. Then, have a plan of motion if one thing goes fallacious and also you need assistance getting again dwelling or reconnecting with the ship.

“Before the cruise, read your contract,” Ananias suggested. “Leave knowing exactly what will happen should there be an accident. Know that U.S. laws likely won’t apply in many of these situations. You might feel like you’re signing your life away, so everybody should read that contract and make sure they feel comfortable.”