Tips for staying safe on a cruise

Just like a vacation on land or a night out at home, it’s wise take a few precautions before you head out the door and while you’re out and about. When you’re on a cruise, you will be surrounded by more people and won’t have access to some of the conveniences you might on land. That’s why we’re offering a few quick tips to help make sure you’ll stay safe on your next cruise.

Before you go

• Pack enough medication for the entire cruise and keep it in your carry on, in case your luggage gets lost enroute.
  
• Bring hand sanitizer and use it often to reduce the spread of disease, on and off the ship.
  
• Update your electronics (cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) with the latest software or antivirus software, so you’ll have the strongest protection possible.
  
• Buy travel insurance that includes coverage for medical expenses and transportation in case you need to be transported home or to a hospital on land.

Keep yourself and your family safe on board

• Pay attention to the Muster Drill. This is where you’ll learn all the safety features and procedures for your cruise.
  
• Lock your doors, including the door to your balcony if you have one, at night when you’re asleep and when you’re not there.
  
• Use the buddy system, don’t flash your cash, and keep your wits about you at all times. Obviously, taking it easy on the alcohol is a given.
  
• Keep your eye on family and friends in the pool, because it only takes a few seconds for something to happen.

Stay safe at ports of call

• Check the travel warnings and research the activities you’d like to do, to make sure you and your family will be safe.
  
• If you’re not sure about the safety of specific places or activities, consider booking the sponsored tours.
  
• Only bring what you need for the day’s purchases. Keep the rest of your cash, credit cards or traveler’s checks in the safe.

Keep your valuables safe

• Use the safe to store your extra money, traveler’s checks or credit cards.
  
• If you’re not comfortable leaving a valuable item, like a necklace or earrings, in the safe in your room, consider leaving it at home.
  
• Make sure you have global insurance for valuable items, providing coverage while you are away from home.

Keep your data safe

• Don’t use free WiFi or USB charging ports. Instead, use password-protected WiFi or your own cell phone as a hotspot.
  
• Make sure you have a RFID blocking sleeve for your credit cards, so bad actors can’t steal your credit card numbers electronically.
  
• Keep off your banking apps and any others where someone else might get access to money or personal information.
  
• Consider bringing a loaner laptop or cell phone, because it won’t contain any of your personal data.