How to Plan a Safe International Cruise

Some people have a fear that going on a cruise is not safe and here are some tips to plan a safer experience. The information given here contains not only ideas to prevent death but common sense rules to make your vacation experience better. Cruising is a very safe way to rejuvenate yourself so take some steps to make your experience even better.

Do Some Research on Areas to Visit

Before planning a vacation find out what is happening in the area you might want to visit. If you want to do a Holy Land cruise you might want to do some checking on any political unrest in that area. A country that is having financial problems might be good to delay visiting if things look unsafe there.

Consider your timing when visiting an area. When George Bush was President Americans were wise not to visit Indonesia. After Obama was elected my wife and I saw an airport security person chant “Obama” with a smile to us showing this was a better time to visit there.

Another good idea is to consult with a travel agent as part of your research. Using a travel agent to do your booking is even better. Having support from a real travel agent is better than just clicking a mouse for computer support.

Stay With Your Excursion Group

While taking a Mediterranean cruise there were a couple times in Italy that made us glad we were seeing this country on a cruise. If you cruise the world instead of doing an independent land tour you can be safer taking excursions.

On our visit to Rome there were demonstrations with some minor violence. The excursion leader took us around the questionable area. In Naples a pickpocket bumped into our group. He quickly ran off when he saw we had protection in numbers.

Know What to Expect at Your Location

Those cruise papers distributed with your towel animals in your cabin may just look like a list of where to have fun. Look closely at the details in each port for safety tips. Documents required and warnings are printed among the fun stuff. Read and head these warnings.

Do some reading or talk to folks who have visited your international destination. In China hand sanitizer and tissues are needed in the restrooms and at many restaurants. In third world countries don’t drink the tap water or eat some foods sold on the streets.

Learn the culture and observe safety tips for each area you visit. Cruise line excursions in most cases offer most security but independent tours may give you a more intimate view of the local culture. If you go in groups safety is more assured. Enjoy the world and take these tips to do it more safely on a cruise.