Booking a cruise is a wonderful option if you’re looking for an all-inclusive vacation choice. The majority of food and entertainment is included in the purchase price. When you step foot on a cruise ship, it’s like you’re stepping into your own floating city. Before you sail, it’s important to brush up on the best ways to stay safe on a cruise ship.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to completely prevent crime at sea(or really on any vacation). However, by taking the following information into consideration, chances are you won’t fall victim to unscrupulous behavior.
I am heading out on my first cruise soon, so I have been spending time researching things for my upcoming trip. Here are some things that I use from my all-inclusive vacations that can be applied to how you can stay safe on a cruise ship.
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Purchase Travel Protection
Travel protection is not included in the price of a cruise. It’s an added expense, which many people just don’t want to spend the extra money on. However, travel protection is needed if and when cruisers have to cancel the trip for unexpected reasons… including injury, illness or death in the family.
The closer it gets to the cruise date, the more money is lost when there’s no insurance in force. The only funds that cruise lines are required to refund, whether passengers have travel insurance or not, are the government taxes added to each person’s reservation.
It should be noted that most insurance companies don’t cover injuries sustained outside of the United States. For that reason alone, you should definitely consider spending the extra money it costs for insurance. Should you need to use it, you’ll probably end up saving thousands of dollars in the long run.
Some popular cruise insurance companies include:
- Travelguard.
- Allianz Travel Insurance. This is the one I purchased for this trip. It is easily customizable to your needs, and it is very reasonably priced.
I have no working relationship with these companies, just sharing them for informational purposes. We have had TripMate travel insurance in the past for our travel, but we have not had to use it, thank goodness. I would rather have it and not need it, then not have it and REALLY need it.
You can also read more about the 10 best travel insurance companies, which include in-depth reviews and current information. There is some great information to help you make the best possible decision for your travel insurance.
A Safety Tip For Cruise Ships Is To Keep Your Medications Handy(But Secure Too!)
It’s important that you store your medications in a carry-on bag that you keep with you while boarding the ship. All cruise lines require medications to be properly labeled and in their original containers. For travelers who need insulin, a small in-room refrigerator is generally available upon request.
For your own safety, don’t leave medications lying around. Keep them locked in your safe when you are away from your room. Another tips is to keep them in a cosmetic pouch so others cannot see what they are. If you must travel with painkillers, it is best kept to yourself.
Don’t Forget To Practice Casino Safety
These days, there aren’t too many ships that don’t have a casino. Gambling at sea is a very popular pastime. If you’re having a string of good luck at the tables, it’s recommended that you ask to have your chips taken to the safe on a periodic basis.
If you do win big, wait to celebrate until you get back to your cabin. Flashing money around is asking for trouble.
And it is best to stick together in pairs, both during your time playing, and when returning to your cabin. Remember to go easy on the alcohol as well. You want to stay safe and have fun, and sticking together is the best way to stay safe on a cruise ship.
Report Suspicious Activity If You See It On A Cruise Ship
Depending on the ship, the crew-to-guest ratio is probably not as high as you think. Crew members who work behind the scenes are typically not allowed to assist passengers. Pair that with the fact that many crew members speak other languages, and it means that the crew members who actually have the ability to monitor suspicious activities may have their hands full.
At the same time, don’t jump to conclusions. Depending who is cruising, they may have different ways of how they are. Don’t immediately assume that someone is up to no good just because they may look or act different from you.
Approach Shore Excursions with Care
There are many different types of shore excursions… everything from bus tours that don’t require strenuous activity to hiking in the mountains, to everything in between. When booking reservations for excursions, it’s important to realize your physical limitations. Since refunds are typically not available, you don’t want to throw money away on activities you can’t participate in.
Most cruise lines have information on the page that describes the excursion. Make sure you read it carefully so you know what it involves. Better to know before you go to avoid any disappointments.
Cruising is expensive for a great many people. In fact, it takes many first-time cruisers months (or even years) of saving money before they are able to make reservations. There’s nothing worse than finally taking a dream vacation, only to have it ruined because of safety issues. Remember, asking the right questions and taking precautions before the ship leaves port, helps to ensure the best cruise experience ever.
Want to hear something exciting? I am headed on my first cruise adventure. Join me on Feb 29-March 5, 2020 as I set sail with Carnival as part of a #sponsored event! So make sure you follow along on my sea journey. You can head over to my Instagram page, Twitter account, or Facebook page to follow along using the #PTHCarnival hashtag. #ChooseFun #CarnivalParadise #CarnivalCruise
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