10 Cruise Safety Tips: Reducing Your Risk Of Injury And Illness Onboard
Most people see going on a cruise as the perfect opportunity to kick back, relax, and enjoy some time away from it all; however, while cruise ships do have safety protocols, it’s not uncommon for passengers to suffer injuries while onboard. You’re also in close quarters with thousands of people, and disease outbreaks aren’t unheard of.
Before you pack up and prepare to go on your next cruise, take a moment to review these helpful safety tips.
1. Keep Your Hands Clean
It may seem like overly basic advice at first, but when you’re in an exciting new environment, it’s easy to forget to wash your hands each time you eat or do something hands-on. Make it a priority to wash your hands frequently, and carry hand sanitizer with you to kill germs in between.
2. Pay Attention During The Muster Drill
On a cruise ship, the muster drill is a safety presentation where crew members explain how to respond to emergencies. Although all passengers are required to attend, many don’t stay focused. Make sure you pay attention to these details; if there’s an emergency later, you’ll be thankful you did.
3. Secure Your Cabin
To keep yourself and your belongings safe, make sure your cabin door and balcony are locked at all times.
4. Wear Non-Slip Shoes
Slip and fall incidents are some of the most commonly reported injury scenarios on cruises. Bringing shoes with non-slip soles may seem insignificant, but it could save you from serious harm.
5. Be Wary Of Strangers
A cruise can be an excellent chance to get to know new people, but it’s generally unwise to accept invitations from strangers, especially to their room or to a secluded part of the ship. There’s a chance they’re harmless, but there’s also a chance they intend to commit assault.
If you trust someone you’ve met enough to take them up on an invitation, make sure someone in your party knows where you’re going.
6. Limit Your Alcohol Consumption
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few drinks at the bar, but just as you should on land, be mindful about how much you consume while aboard the ship. Overconsumption of alcohol on a cruise ship comes with many potential risks, such as:
- Alcohol poisoning
- Falling overboard
- Being targeted for robbery or assault
- Injuries from falls
Additionally, drinking while in the sun can lead to dangerous dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water.
7. If Food Seems Questionable, Don’t Eat It
Cruise ship kitchens have food safety protocols, but that doesn’t mean kitchen staff always follow them. Don’t second-guess yourself if something tastes funny or seems “off.” Food poisoning is relatively common on cruise ships, and it’s a quick way to ruin your vacation.
8. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
If you’ve gotten hurt, are sick, or are feeling threatened by someone, the ship’s crew can help you. Don’t wait for an illness, injury, or other issue to get worse before you reach out.
9. Invest In Travel Insurance
Cruise ships have some medical staff onboard, but if you experience a severe medical event, you may need to be taken ashore. Before you leave for your trip, consider purchasing travel insurance that will cover the cost of a flight home if you become seriously ill or injured.
10. Research Your Options Thoroughly
If you plan to partake in some excursions at the cruise’s various destinations, make sure to look into local laws, customs, and potential safety issues beforehand.
Get Ready For A Safe And Memorable Vacation
You may have heard horror stories of dangerous cruise lines and severe injuries occurring aboard these ships, but bear in mind that these instances are relatively rare. There’s indeed no way to guarantee that you won’t get sick or injured completely, but following the safety tips above will greatly increase the chances that your cruise is memorable for the right reasons.
Contact The Law Firm Of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers For A Free Consultation With A Galveston Premises Liability Lawyer
If you were injured or became seriously ill while on a cruise, you may be entitled to compensation. Let us help you understand your legal rights. Contact The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Galveston premises liability attorney today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas:
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
(409) 207-9299
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
