Travel

How to stay safe on a cruise

Jun 05, 2017

Going on a cruise is one of those bucket list items on almost everyone’s list of things to do in life. For those who’ve sailed the seven seas and been on a cruise more times than you can remember, then you will probably know these safety tips off by heart now. But if you’re yet to go on your first trip and want to learn more about how to stay safe on a cruise, then these tips are for you.

1. Pay attention to the safety briefing

There is a safety briefing held on each and every cruise and this is the perfect time to make sure that you are absolutely clear about things like how to put on a lifejacket, should you need to, and what to do in case of an emergency. If you’re unclear about anything, then be sure to address your concerns. Safety is not something to take for granted on any type of holiday, cruise or not.

2. Leave your valuables at home

You might want to bring your flashy new jewellery, your most expensive pair of shoes and those sunglasses that you paid an arm and a leg for, but those items are better off left at home. You don’t want to lose them or have them stolen while on board or during one of your off-board excursions. Keep your items safe and leave them at home.

3. Use your own bathroom

With so many people on a cruise, germs can spread – and fast! So instead of using the shared bathroom facilities, whenever you can use the bathroom in your own room. If you have to use the shared facilities, at least bring some antibacterial gel or wipes with you to lessen the risk of picking up someone else’s germs. You want to be as well as possible during your cruise holiday, after all.

4. Rubber soled shoes

While the cruise decks are generally very stable, you want to make sure that you wear a comfortable and secure pair of rubber-soled shoes. You don’t want to be slipping and sliding all over the place, and tripping over yourself walking up and down stairs. Stay safe and pack a stable pair of shoes.

5. Drink in moderation

One of the easiest ways to get in trouble on a cruise is to drink too much alcohol. Not only are your inhibitions low, but ability to make responsible decisions and get yourself out of trouble is bound to fly out the door, too. There’s no need to cut out alcohol all together, though, just be responsible regarding how much alcohol you drink and with whom.

6. Stick with a buddy

It pays to have a travel buddy with you while you’re on a cruise, if only so the pair of you can look out for each other and keep each other out of trouble. That person might be your partner, husband, wife, sister, brother, or a friend. Just make sure you each know the other person’s whereabouts at all times so you can check in and make sure each of you are all ok.

7. Close cabin windows and doors

It can take a bit of gumption to get the cruise cabin windows and doors closed, and even if you’re tempted to leave the balcony doors open at night, leave them closed. Bolt them shut if that’s available. You don’t want to create a wind tunnel in your room and worry yourself about all that gusty wind coming through.

8. Research the locations before leaving

No doubt you’re going to jump off the ship at some point to enjoy some of the excursion, but staying safe on a cruise includes the times you venture out onto dry land. What you might like to do is to research the location you’re travelling to and learn about the safety requirements of the area. Is pickpocketing common? Are there people who try to scam travellers? Be aware of what some of the travel concerns are so you’re prepared and can stay safe.

9. Watch what you eat

One of the biggest temptations on a cruise is all that glorious food. And while you might like to eat absolutely everything in sight, just remember that changing your diet drastically can have an effect on your body and your bowel movements. If you react badly to certain foods at home, then you’re most certainly going to react the same way while on holiday. So just remember that when you go for your third portion of dessert.