Stay safe at sea

When we think “cruise”, we think endless sunny skies, exotic ports and the onboard activities we’ll be enjoying. However, the recent Costa Concordia disaster has once again brought the question of cruise safety back to the forefront. How safe is cruising — and what can we do to stay safe at sea?

Risks travellers could face

Cruising has come a long way in the century since the Titanic. Despite some incidents, experts generally agree that cruising is a safe way to travel. In 2011, an estimated 19.2 million people took a cruise, according to Cruise Market Watch. Most travellers didn’t experience any major problems.

However, no mode of transportation is completely risk-free, and there are potential risks associated with cruising including:

– Piracy. Forget what you’ve seen in the movies: modern-day piracy has touched the cruise industry — like the  Spirit of Adventure which was pursued by pirates in January 2011.

However, most pirates attack merchant ships — usually around Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, according to the International Chamber of Commerce’s Commercial Crime Services. In other words, you’re unlikely to encounter trouble on a big ship touring Europe or the Caribbean.

– Terrorism. Believe it or not, experts worry cruise ships could be the target of terrorist plots — just like any mode of transportation or place where tourists congregate. There have been some bomb threats in recent years, which have caused evacuations and delays — like the bomb hoax involving the Norwegian Sun. However, since 9/11, the biggest impact is increased security and stricter luggage screening.

– Nature. Cruise ships’ flexible routes and itineraries mean they can steer clear of major issues like hurricanes, but weather can be a contributing factor to maritime mishaps. For instance, “rogue waves”  heavily damaged a Spanish ship and killed two people in 2010. However, they’re called “rogue” or “freak” for a reason: they rarely happen, say experts.

– Mechanical error or fire. “Floating resort” is a bit of a misnomer: there’s a lot of powerful machinery propelling the ship. Ships can break down, experience power outages and even catch fire, like the Carnival Splendor in 2010. Again, fires don’t happen often and most passengers escape without injury — but the resulting loss of power and amenities can be a lasting inconvenience.  

– Human error. Ships are piloted by people, and, as the Concordia disaster reminds us, people make mistakes.

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True, you can’t do much to protect yourself against these risks. However, experts warn there are two risks we should take steps to avoid:

– Crime. Safety experts consider cruises to be “floating cities” for a reason: theft, fraud, rape, assault and even murder can happen on board. Tourists are often perceived as being wealthy, making them an ideal target for crime. Worse yet, they tend to let their guard down on vacation. While crime isn’t unique to cruises, international law and inadequate investigative facilities or personnel make solving crimes more difficult.

Incidences of crime don’t make world headlines, but advocates like International Cruise Victims are calling for better awareness of crime at sea and better protection for passengers.

Still, serious crime aboard cruise ships is relatively rare, say experts. Some even go as far as to say you’re safer on a cruise than in some major cities because cruise ships are “controlled environments” — and under the watchful eye of security cameras.

– Health. The most common health issue people face on a cruise is sea sickness, but food poisoning and gastrointestinal viruses are also a risk. Anytime you have a large number of people in close quarters, viruses can spread quickly. 

Still, come cruise companies have a better record than others when it comes to sanitation. Any cruise ships participating in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Vessel Sanitation Program are required to report any outbreaks – and you can check out their record online.

Tips to stay safe at sea

Again, any form of travel has some risk. While experts debate policies and regulations, there are some things travellers can do have a safer trip:

– Plan ahead for your health.  Even though you don’t plan to be in one country for a length of time, experts still recommend visiting a travel clinic to get any necessary travel vaccines and preventive medications. (You might need proof of a yellow fever vaccine to go ashore in some countries.)

Also, make sure you’ve got enough over the counter and prescription medications to last for your trip — you may not be able to get these medications on board or on shore.

– Get travel health insurance. Onboard medical facilities aren’t equipped to handle everything and you may need to be airlifted to the nearest hospital — a trip that could cost up to $150,000. Without insurance, you’ll also be on the hook for medical bills and transportation home. Experts advise to make sure you have at least $500,000 in coverage that includes accidental injury, hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation at sea.

– Participate in emergency drills. Do you know what to do in an emergency? By law, companies are required to offer safety drills within 24 hours of departure — make it part of your itinerary.

– Read the safety information. Another important safety measure: read through the safety information as soon as you arrive. Make sure you know evacuation routes and procedures, and check that your cabin has enough life jackets for your party.

– Help stop the spread of viruses. The same measures you use at home to avoid the flu can help on board too, like washing your hands often and staying in your cabin if you aren’t feeling well. Report your illness to medical staff on board too.

And while it’s not pleasant to think about, experts also warn to get out of the area if you see someone vomit or have diarrhea — you could inhale particles that could make you sick too.

– Take the same precautions you would in an unfamiliar city. Don’t be paranoid, but be wary. Experts advise to take the same safety personal safety precautions on a cruise as you would visiting a majority city — like keeping doors locked and not walking alone at night.

The same goes for ports: be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your cash.

– Keep your wits about you.  Many vacationers enjoy a few “adult beverages”, but a few too many can impair your coordination, inhibitions and judgment — making you vulnerable to accidents and crime.

– Secure your valuables. If you have to bring valuables with you, use the safe in your cabin or the purser’s safe to secure your cash, jewelry and electronics. A lot of people are in and out of your cabin when you’re not there, and these items are easy to grab.

– Stay out of “crew only” areas — especially if you’ve been invited. Unfortunately, crewmembers can also be in on scams. While you’re being entertained in a crew only area, their accomplice could be robbing your empty cabin. Be aware that staff members aren’t usually permitted to socialize with guests.

– Be cautious around strangers. Not opening your door to strangers is good advice anywhere you travel.

Also dangerous: getting into situations where you’re alone with a stranger, like on an empty deck late at night. 

– Practice safe sun. We know you’ll be outside a lot, but the water acts as a giant mirror reflecting and intensifying the sun’s rays. Be sure to apply sunscreen — and reapply it often — and wear a hat, UV protective clothing and sunglasses to prevent heat-related illnesses. 

– Book excursions with a reputable company.  Concerned about your safety on shore, or the safety of gear you’ll be using? Experts recommend to book onshore excursions through your cruise company or a reputable provider.

If you plan to go it alone, be aware that you may need a visa to get in — and you’ll have to apply for one well in advance.

– Know before you go (ashore, that is). How safe are those ports of call and what documents do you need to get in? Experts recommend checking travel alerts and destination information for any country you plan to visit. (Some good sources include www.vogage.gc.ca and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s Travel Advice.)

How worried should you be? You can find whole websites dedicated to maritime disasters and others praising the safety of cruises — take both with a grain of salt. Most travellers don’t experience problems, but with a few simple precautions you can reduce the risk of trouble even more.

ON THE WEB
For more information on cruise safety, visit:
Advice for cruise travellers (Canadian government)
Advice for Cruise Ship Passengers (UK FCO)
CruiseCritic.com

Additional sources: CruiseMates.com, Safetraveler.com.

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