Guidelines to Stay Safe and Spice Up Your Cruise Vacation

Keep your fantasy holiday from being a nightmare. When you go on a cruise, whether for a family holiday, a honeymoon, or simply to get away, use common sense to keep yourself and your valuables protected.

Victims of theft on cruise ships can encounter miles of red tape when attempting to prosecute the perpetrators. To begin with, most cruise ships require attendees to sign a waiver, which protects the cruise line from liability for crimes committed on board. Second, several cruise ships are registered in foreign countries, and passengers (including criminals) come from all over the world. Meanwhile, the ship is sailing in water that belongs to yet another nation. This sometimes leads to muddy waters in the field of responsibility. Finally, once passengers depart the cruise ship, it is almost impossible to recover stolen items. It’s anyone’s guess where they’ll end up.

So, be wise. Stay safe and follow a few basic rules to avoid robbery in the first place.
Keep detailed records. Make an inventory of everything you have with you (photographs are helpful) before leaving the house, and keep it somewhere dry. Make a list of credit card and bank account numbers and keep it at home. Bring a list of phone numbers for all of your financial institutions (as well as a phone card if necessary) in case a credit card goes missing; that way, you can disclose the loss while still on board and prevent any fraudulent use. Most importantly, if you don’t need it, don’t bring it with you. The less you have to be concerned with, the easier it is to keep track of everything you’re carrying.

Putting a suitcase under the bed in your cabin would not stop a determined thief. The door locks on many cruise ships are changed less often than those in hotels, and your room may not be as safe as you believe. Using the ship’s secure if you can’t leave your valuables at home. Carry no wallets in your back pockets; pickpockets and purse snatchers can occur anywhere, including on a cruise ship. Consider investing in an under-the-clothing money belt, which keeps your cash safe while also preventing you from leaving your wallet lying on the table somewhere! Avoid showcasing any valuables or cash you have with you, and invest in simple but durable luggage that does not attract attention.

It might sound frightening, but remember that when you travel to a new city and stay in a hotel, you take all of these precautions and many more. A cruise ship is similar to a floating city, full of people from all walks of life, and taking a few precautions will help you save your valuables. And don’t forget about your holiday!

Follow these basic guidelines to avoid being a victim and to remain healthy on the cruise in general:

1. Attend lifeboat drills A lifeboat exercise is one of the first things that will happen on the cruise ship. Don’t worry; there will be plenty for everyone aboard. You will be instructed on what to do in the unlikely event that you must leave the ship during the lifeboat exercise.
2. Be mindful of your surroundings. Keep an eye on your drink and don’t leave it unattended. Someone would just need a moment to slip something into it. Accepting a drink from someone you don’t know, no matter how sweet they are, is also not a good idea.
3. Don’t have an open door policy. Don’t open your cabin door to someone unless you can check that they are who they claim to be. Know your cabin’s steward, and if you’re unsure about opening the door, trust your instincts. It’s easier to be wrong and safe than to be afraid of offending others.

Remember that, apart from those in your group, you are traveling with strangers, so be mindful of your surroundings and exercise caution. It is best to err on the side of caution if you suspect anything suspicious. It is preferable to be protected and ashamed rather than stupid and hurt or worse.