Cruising for a Good Time: 4 Safety Tips for Your Cruise
In any given year, more than 20 million passengers across the globe set sail on a cruise, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. If you plan to join them this year, here are four common sense tips to help ensure your journey is a happy one:
- Don’t skip the safety drill. Most cruises begin with a muster drill, where you’ll learn where your lifeboat is, how to put on a lifejacket and what the ship’s alarms sound like. Pay attention, even if you think you’ve heard it all before. Also, establish a good rapport with your cabin steward – remembering his or her name after your initial introduction is a good start.
- Keep it clean. You’ve no doubt heard about cruise ship outbreaks. Do your part to help prevent one by washing your hands regularly. If the ship also happens to have hand-sanitizer dispensers at strategic locations, such as dining room entrances, use some. Or carry your own.
- Secure your valuables. Your cabin’s small safe is a useful place to stash such items as cash, tickets, passports and small electronic devices. But remember that numerous crew members have access to bypass codes for room safes (in case passengers forget their codes). If you have especially valuable items—jewelry for formal nights, for example—visit the administration desk and ask to store them in the ship’s safe.
- Enjoy all things in moderation. There are ample opportunities to drink on a cruise ship, and a strong temptation to take advantage of them. After all, you’re on vacation, and you’re certainly not going to be driving. But, alcohol can impair your safety and judgment in key situations, such as walking back to your cabin during rocky seas. Also, be mindful of limiting your sun exposure and using sunscreen.
As you’ve perhaps realized by now, awareness and common sense are always the best guides for smooth sailing – on land or sea. And, don’t forget preparedness. You may want to consider travel insurance to protect the investment you’re making in your trip.
Finally, if you’d like to review your personal property coverage for the valuable items you’ll be taking, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Knowing your belongings are covered will help you make the most of the experience.
