Are You Safe on a Cruise?

Over the years, numerous reports of injuries, attacks, deaths and missing persons have been documented on board cruises and on shore excursions. Understandably, this fact causes some considerable consternation among potential cruise passengers, both first timers and repeat customers. It certainly does raise the question, are you safe on a cruise?

Most people have never given a thought to safety when they board a cruise ship. The vessel creates a feeling of being part of a small community; various people with a similar goal in mind, to simply have a great vacation. How could this possibly pose any dangers? Yet the documentation shows that dangers do lurk upon a cruise ship. So how can a passenger be reassured that they will be safe while on a cruise?

There are a number of safeguards that cruise lines have put into place to ensure the safety of all of their passengers to the greatest extent possible. Security personnel, clearly identifiable through uniforms, are dispersed throughout the ship; enabling passengers who either seek help for their own or for others to gain their assistance. If a security personnel member is not readily available to a passenger, one can quickly be summoned by any staff member of the cruise line. Guests are encouraged to bring any and all concerns to the attention of the purser’s office.

Despite reports of incidences on board cruise ships, in reality there are far less problems than successes. Carnival Cruise Lines, in fact, reports a 98% satisfaction rate among passengers; this out of over 3 million guests in one year alone. Nonetheless, the low frequency rate of actual occurrences is still given serious attention by cruise line administrators. Strict policies and training procedures are implemented by cruise lines to ensure full compliance with a number of possible situations.

Each passenger must take responsibility for their own actions on board a cruise ship, as well. Being attentive to surroundings and avoiding situations that are conducive to problems can keep them safe while on the seas. In short, while no venue is an absolute guarantee safe haven for anyone, cruise ships still carry the reputation of being one of the safest modes of travel that exists.