Over the past few years, there have been frequent reports of missing persons and cruise ship crime.  But you don’t have to worry too much… you still can go on a safe and great cruise as long as you take precautions. While it may seem like the cruise ship industry has a problem, the reality is that they do not. Cruise ship accidents are few and far in between.

In fact, every summer, millions of travelers take a cruise.  The majority of these travelers have a unforgettable experience.

Take Precautions

Nevertheless, although you are safe aboard a cruise ship, you should still take precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your belongings. There are some steps to follow.  Most of these preventative measures are simple and can be done with little or no effort.  Despite being simple, they could keep you safe and your finances in check when you are on a cruise.

First thing first…

  • Make sure you have all your important documents with you.
  • Don’t forget your passport and driver’s license
  • Before boarding the cruise ship, make sure you have copied all of these documents
  • Besides the original documents, you should also bring a copy with you and leave the other copy at home

Familiarize Your Self

Once you are aboard the ship, then you should immediately get to know the ship better. It takes time, of course, but most of popular cruise ships are very big and if you are not familiarized with it quickly, you could get into trouble.

Additionally, you could ask for the ship map and carry it every where you go. This way, if you get lost, you can easily find your way back.

When going around a cruise ship, you are advised not to travel alone.  As with land, traveling with others is likely to lower or even remove your chances of becoming a crime victim.  If you must walk around the ship alone, you should inform a number of people where you will be headed and when you expect to get back. In case something does happen, a relative or friend should know exactly where to find you.

Watch Your Belongings

Now THIS is clever - a personal locker for all the small belongingsAfter looking out for yourself, then the next thing you should consider is to look out for your belongings, especially if you are traveling with expensive luggage or large amount of money.  Before you leave home, you should consider leaving your expensive belongings at home.  Most cruise ships will not compensate you for lost money or belongings…

Remember also, that thieves are mostly after your cash and credit cards. So, to minimize risk, here are some things you should do:

  • It’s best to alter your wallet with a money pouch. You can wear it around your neck and hide it in your shirt
  • In case you forget to bring a money pouch, then try to divide up your cash and keep them in different locations
  • If you carry a wallet, then it’s better to keep it in your front pocket

Have a great cruise!

Filed under: Cruise Tips

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