Before we travel

Regardless of our itinerary, we should be current on routine vaccines. These include vaccinations against measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), and varicella (chickenpox). Crew members and fellow travelers often come from countries where these diseases are common and where vaccination is not routine. Consequently, outbreaks of chickenpox and German measles have been reported on cruise ships.

Getting a flu shot is the best way to keep from getting the flu. If you are feeling sick before our voyage, you should ask the cruise line if alternative cruising options are available. You should also consult your doctor to find out whether it is safe for you to sail.

Seasickness is a common complaint of cruise ship passengers. If you are prone to this debilitating occurrence, as I am, talk to your doctor about medicine to decrease your symptoms. Note that many common medications can worsen the nausea of seasickness. These include some antidepressants, painkillers, and birth control pills.

While on board

Before our vacation gets started, we must attend the muster drill. This is where we learn where our muster station is, how to don a life jacket and what the alarms mean, should they be sounded. While most passengers listen attentively, every muster has a few people who do not. Some are talking to each other all the way through it. Others are on their cellphones. A few people are trying to get a drink from the bar, even though all outlets are closed during muster. Then there are couples who hide in their cabins thinking they’ve pulled one over on the authorities. In reality, all they are holding the rest of us hostage, since the ship can’t leave until everyone is accounted for.

Even if you’ve heard the drill a thousand times, pay attention. Don’t see it as an inconvenience, Rather, know that it is as an important part of your cruise experience. If something happens, you will know to stay calm, get your life jacket and go to your muster station without stopping for anything else.

Exercise caution

Drink responsibly. It is unlikely that I’ll be drinking anything but tea and water on the cruise, but if you do it will be good to have me around as a friend who can look out for you. We’re also far less of a target when traveling in a pair or group than we are when traveling solo.

Never advertise the fact you are alone, and don’t walk around solitary areas by yourself late at night. We should make sure to have a buddy system in place and plan to meet up or check in at certain times.

Don’t carry large amounts of cash. All on-board transactions can be carried out using your room key as a credit card.

Talk to the security personnel on board if you are the victim of a crime. The cruise ship will have procedures in place for handling a crime on board.

It is never, ever a good idea to be found in crew quarters. Doing so could result in instant dismissal for the crew member. In addition, you will likely be asked to leave at the next port stop.

Practice cabin safety

Note that not all cabin doors automatically close. So, give them a pull when you leave and a push when you are inside to make sure they click shut.

If the door has a dead bolt, use it. If it doesn’t, consider a door stopper. Cabin stewards carry plenty, so ask for one. Alternatively, bring your own. You may even choose to purchase a door stopper with a built-in alarm.

Call room service directly. Don’t place the order outside the door since it usually lists the number of people per cabin.

Look through your peephole before opening your cabin door to a knock. Don’t loudly speak your cabin number when near others, and don’t give that number to strangers.

If your stateroom has a balcony, check to ensure the door is locked before you go to sleep. Also don’t leave the door open when you are not in your room, especially in port, because contractors who clean windows and do maintenance can easily gain access.

Use your stateroom safe. Though often small, they can usually hold a mid-sized laptop, a tablet (or two), cellphone and your jewelry or watch. Most cabin stewards are honest, but it’s not worth putting temptation in their way. Or better still, leave your valuables at home.

Ask your steward’s name on day one. Establish a rapport. He or she will notice if someone other than you tries to get into your room.

Health concerns

Although cruising has many obvious pleasures, staying informed about potential health and safety hazards will help us be prepared and stay healthy.

Cruise ship outbreaks of vomiting and diarrhea, primarily caused by norovirus, have been known to occur. The best way to prevent illness is frequent hand washing with soap and water before eating and after using the bathroom or touching things that other people have touched, such as stair railings.

Respiratory diseases are also common on cruise ships. In addition to frequent hand washing, coughing or sneezing into a tissue rather than into our hand can prevent us from getting sick and spreading germs.

Various stressors associated with cruising can worsen a chronic illness. Such stressors include changes in diet, variation in climate, changes to sleep and activity patterns. If you have been diagnosed with such an illness, you should be prepared to monitor your health while on a cruise. For example, if you have diabetes you should be testing your blood sugar frequently. If you regularly take medicine for a chronic illness, make sure you bring enough for the duration of the cruise, plus extra in case of delays. In addition, be sure to take your medication on the same schedule as you would at home.

If you feel sick during our voyage, we should report your symptoms to the ship’s medical facility and follow their recommendations. You should not hesitate to call your doctor back home and have him or her communicate with the ship’s medical officer. Your doctors could convey vital information from your medical histories that could prevent further injury.

While on shore

When visiting a new port, research it in advance and check for “no-go” areas that must be avoided. While still on board ask your cruise director or shore excursion manager if there are any parts of town you should not visit. They are legally obliged to tell you.

If you are going scuba diving or snorkeling, monitor weather and sea conditions yourself. Don’t rely on anyone else.

Take only as much money with you as you’ll need. And don’t advertise it. Keep your cash in a money belt attached to your body.

Similarly, try to avoid overtly drawing attention to yourself. Do not wear expensive jewelry or carry flashy cameras and other items.  

Follow basic food and water precautions. They include eating only food that is cooked and served hot. Also drink only beverages from sealed containers. Above all avoid ice. Remember to eat fresh produce only if you have washed it with clean water and peeled it yourself.

Never get into a taxi with a passenger already inside, even when offered a chance to split the fare. Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more.

Be honest with yourself about your limitations. Don’t try to do anything too physical that you are not capable of. Also, at the start of any tour or activity, pay attention during the safety talk.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do

Follow Local Laws and Customs. If we break the law, we will be subject to the justice system of the host country

If we are the victims of a crime on shore, we should report it to the local authorities, the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate, and to cruise ship security personnel.

If you lose your passport, report it immediately to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. Immediately arrange to get a replacement passport, for a fee.

Go with your gut, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t risk it.

In addition to these tips, become familiar with all the important safety precautions laid out in Step 7 of “Be Your Own Tour Guide” on the website menu.