Tips for cruise safety

Overall, cruise ship vacations are very safe and have an crime rate well below most destinations in the U.S. That said, you should consider these tips to stay safe on your cruise...

Don't Flaunt It: Leave the Rolex at Home

This is especially true when you go ashore. In February 2008, a British tourist was shot in Venezuela when he refused to give a robber his $20,000 Rolex. Arguably, a $10 Timex would have been a better investment.

Even on the ship, ask yourself whether you really need to bring especially flashy jewelry or large amounts of cash.

Use the Safe

Place your passport and wallet in the safe in your cabin. You generally won't need to keep cash or travel documents on you while you are onboard, and it is better not to leave these things lying around. (Your cabin steward typically leaves your door open while he is cleaning, and if he is scrubbing the tub he might not notice someone sneak in.)

If you have something very valuable (casino winnings, perhaps?) go to the front desk and ask that it be placed in the ship's safe. This is very secure, as the ship's officers keep careful records of what is placed in, or taken out, of this safe.

Don't Overdo the Alcohol

Sure, you don't have to drive home. Most guests enjoy wine and cocktails onboard. But don't overdo it -- just like on land, alcohol will compromise your judgment, perception, and behavior.

The few people who have "fallen off" a cruise ship were almost invariably blind drunk, so much so that they thought it clever to climb over the safety railing, or lean out like Kate Winslet in Titanic.

Note: Cruise ship bars will generally stop serving people who are belligerent or obviously drunk.

Stay Aware

It is natural to let your guard down on vacation, especially when you are having fun. This is healthy and appropriate to some extent, but you should still stay aware: keep your distance when tempers flare, don't do anything that makes you uncomfortable.

If your gut tells you something is wrong, it probably is. And don't keep it a secret, either: notify Security or the Purser's Office the minute you suspect trouble.

Report Anything Suspicious

Do you see a guy who's had way too much to drink? Is a couple's public fighting getting mean? Tell Security or the Front Desk. They will appreciate it; it's an opportunity to prevent a problem before it gets serious.

Be Extra-Careful on Land

The ship is a fairly safe haven. After all, Security knows exactly who's onboard and where they live (both on the ship and "back home"). However, when you get off the ship, all bets are off.

Even in a U.S. port like Seattle, New York or Miami you should watch your bags and be extra-vigilant around strangers.