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.
   

For additional guidance on finding the right travel insurance, please contact your insurance broker or travel advisor.