Advertiser Disclosure: Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc., is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Some of the links on this page are affiliate or referral links. We may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or successful applications made during shopping sessions or signups initiated from clicking those links.
My first cruise was many many years ago. I was young and had no idea what I was going to experience. I booked with a Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) rep and, being a points enthusiast, used points to book my flights to Miami where the ship departed from and also used points to pay for my hotel. A few weeks before the ship was to sail my personal cruise consultant from NCL called me and offered me an upgrade to a suite for a minimal cost. I was hesitant but he assured me it was worth it. Oh my, was it ever. But being new to ship life I also was unaware about the possible hazards of cruising.
My young self had simply no idea at all what to expect but to say I was jazzed and excited is putting it mildly. Pulling up to the massive “cruise ship row” in Miami was very much like the first time I woke up in Salt Lake (after landing at night in the dark) and looking up and seeing the massive mountains awaiting me. The ships were simply massive and wow it was impressive.
What I did not even give 2 seconds of thought to amid all these excited feelings was the risks that do come with getting on a ship. What risks? Here we go.
- Falling between the ship and the dock or falling overboard. No really, this is a huge thing. Maybe not so much at embarkation day because you are likely boarding at or around deck 6 via an uphill gangway but at ports this can literally kill you or put you at great risk. Like this child that fell off a Disney ship into the open ocean.
- Crushing your fingers in doors. If you have never been on a ship you may not know that the doors, like the bath room door or cabin door, are metal and heavy. As the ship is rocking it can swing closed and if your fingers are in the way – they may go away. Yikes!
- Falling down stairs. While most of the time you will take an elevator there are times you will be walking up and down stairs (if you are able that is). They can be wet and slippery and with the boat moving that can be a real challenge to navigate.
- Getting sick. Every year there are endless reports of folks getting sick on ships because it is such a closed environment. From gastrointestinal to COVID or the flu and so on. Unlike a land based vacation this really is an issue to be aware of.
- Dangers at ports. While it may seem you are pulling up to an idyllic paradise there can be criminals just waiting to rob you or worse. There have been places I would not want to go without being on a tour sponsored by the ship. Heck even just walking can be a challenge on some remote locations and medical help may be sketchy at best where you are.
I could go on and on about this for a long time but the point is there are real dangers taking a cruise vacation. So how do you make sure your voyage is a treasure not a tragedy? It can be summed up in just two words and it covers almost everything:
Situation awareness!
Many dangers like doors and such you just have to be aware just where you are placing your hands and fingers and not place them where damage can happen. Same with stairs – use the hand rails like the ship’s crew tell you over and over again.
When it comes to getting, or not getting, sick onboard it really matters that you wash your hands over and over and over with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is nice but does not kill all the bugs you can find on a ship. The extra effort to be clean matters and can have a huge impact on your vacation.
When it comes to ports this again is where situational awareness is so important. When my wife and I go out we put almost all our jewelry in the safe in our room. Why risk it when you get off the ship? We also bring minimal cash and only one credit card because if the worst happens or a pick pocket strikes we lose very little and can quickly call to cancel the one stolen card. We also do not venture out were we do not know the area and put our lives at risk.
Cruising really is one of the most amazing vacations you can take but it does require you to be more careful than other vacation choices.
Are you a seasoned frequent floater? Do you have other tips that you always do to keep you safe both on and off the ship? Let us know in the comments below. – René
Advertiser Disclosure: Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc., is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites, such as CreditCards.com. Some or all of the card offers that appear on the website are from advertisers. Compensation may impact how and where card products appear on the site. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Some of the links on this page are affiliate or referral links. We may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or successful applications made during shopping sessions or signups initiated from clicking those links.
Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
As a Platinum Latitudes members, my wife and I have cruised many times. We have never felt threatened or compromised in any way while on an NCL sponsored excursion. We always walk the ports and have always been aware of “pickpockets” and crowds. Men, I suggest you put your wallets in your front pocket when in ports. Ladies, I suggest that you wear clothing that has a front pocket and get a cell phone wallet to keep money, I.D. and credit cards. You don’t need a large purse. Purses and fanny packs can be easily cut for removal without your knowledge. Always, always be aware of your surroundings. Cruising is a wonderful experience and if you are just a little careful, you will have a wonderful time.
I worked on the Royal Viking cruise line in my distant past as a featured performer and did a South America cruise. We stopped in Rio for 3 days during Carnival and many passengers were robbed because of the huge crowds and thieves cutting shoulder bags and purses from passengers. I remember buying some jewelry and was escorted back to the ship by the jewelry store sales person so that I, and my purchase, would be safe. I learned a lot on that cruise.
My hubby and I will be embarking on our 40+ cruise. It is one of our favorite forms of travel. You really don’t have to think about much, except what to pack. I have never experienced any of the concerns you mentioned. We take the stairs (and we are always booked on a high floor) unless it is a formal night and I am in heels. I wash my hands often and do not touch my face. We do not frequent the buffets, although I am sure they are fine, but buffets gross me out. We have never had a bad experience in a port, but we are also experienced travelers and take precautions, with the knowledge that their are crooked people waiting to make someone’s vacation a nightmare. We have been on some cruises with high seas. I do have the tendency to get seasick, so I am proactive. My rule of thumb is if there are white caps, I take a sea sickness pill. I find that the medicine for sea sickness that the ship offers is far superior to what I find in the States. Ginger is also good for sea sickness. As the previous poster stated, be aware of your surroundings. And NEVER book an inside stateroom, unless you like living in a closet.