Safe sailing
A cruise can be the perfect opportunity for a dream getaway. However, just like any vacation there are safety threats on board. In order to protect yourself from robbery, illness, and other un-wanted surprises, follow these 9 safety tips as provided by Dr. Terry Riley through MSNBC.com.Check before you deckIn order to find the most sanitary vacation, make sure you read up on a ship’s report card. The grades are issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention through their Vessel Sanitation Program. Visit the website to see how clean and sanitary your dream cruise really is.Don’t let too looseYou’re on vacation, so naturally it’s time to let your hair down and unwind. However, the same risks apply on a cruise ship as do at home. Be conscious of any suspicious persons and make sure to take the most public route back to your cabin.Keep your valuables safeInstead of relying on the safe in your cabin, use the ship’s instead. While this seems strange at first, some of the ship’s staff knows the safe codes for emergency cases. To avoid the risk of losing something important, Dr. Riley recommends you “keep most of your cash and valuables (especially your jewelry, return tickets and passports) in the ship’s safe.”Be careful of the cuisineWhile it may be a popular, high-class cruise, don’t be too trusting. Always check that your food is fully cooked and served right. As far as water goes, your safest bet is asking for bottled water (particularly on land). Just make sure it’s sealed when received.Be a careful drinkerTip 5 is pretty self explanatory. You’re out on open water and don’t want to risk getting so drunk that you fall overboard.Gamble wiselyIn accordance with tip two, it’s better to show caution than flaunt what you’ve got-especially in a Casino. To keep the thrill of gambling fun, Riley suggests you “cash-in your winnings periodically and take them to the ship’s safe; if you win big, ask for an escort.”Don’t forget the crewNot to say they aren’t trustworthy, but when you leave your room, don’t leave valuables lying out in the open.