Booking a cruise is a wonderful option if you’re looking for an all-inclusive vacation choice. The purchase price includes most of the food and entertainment. 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 the ship. Unfortunately, there’s no way to completely prevent crime at sea. However, by taking the following precautions, chances are you won’t fall victim to unscrupulous behavior and you can cruise safer.
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Cruise Safer by Purchasing Travel Protection
Cruising safer is not always just about physical protection. It can also include financial protection and peace of mind. Travel protection is an added expense, which many people just don’t want to spend the extra money on. However, you’ll need travel protection if and when you have to cancel the trip for unexpected reasons… including injury, illness, or death in the family.
“It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.”
The closer it gets to the cruise date, the more money you’ll lose 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 health 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 on insurance. Should you need to use it, you’ll probably end up saving thousands of dollars in the long run.
Keep Medication Handy
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.
TIP: Take a few extra days worth of medication in case of unexpected delays getting off the ship or getting home.
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Cruise Safer by Practicing 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.
Report Suspicious Activity
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.
Cruise Safer by Approaching 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.
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.
Recap
Cruising is my all-time favorite pastime and it can be yours too! Just like any other activity, a few extra precautions can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a recap of how you can cruise safer:
- Purchase travel insurance
- Keep medication handy
- Practice casino safety
- Report suspicious activity
- Approach shore excursions with care
Do you have any safety tips that you feel keep you and your family safe when you cruise? Share them below.
Ready to book your next cruise?
