10 Things to Know Before Your First Cruise

As the date of your first cruise approaches, you may feel excited as you pack and think of all the fun you’ll have onboard. Cruises are a great way to explore a destination where getting there is part of the experience. 

Unfortunately, there are some bad experiences that happen to cruise passengers. It’s important to know these 10 things before your cruise to keep safe. 

1. Be Prepared For a Medical Emergency 

Illnesses and injuries can occur on your vacation. If you have a medical condition, be prepared with your medications. Keep your travel documents organized if you need to get off the ship and catch a flight home. 

2. Plan for Seasickness 

Seasickness can quickly sour your seafaring vacation. If you’ve never been on a cruise before, prepare by staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and packing supplements that prevent you from feeling queasy on the water. 

3. Watch for Dangerous Conditions 

Believe it or not, it’s very easy to get hurt on a cruise. The deck often gets slippery when wet, and dim lighting can make it easy to take a tumble downstairs. Suffering a cruise injury is the last thing you want to happen on your first cruise. 

4. Check for Cleanliness 

All cruising vessels must undergo regular inspections, but that doesn’t mean they follow the rules. Check the water quality and look out for any pests. 

5. Pay Attention to Travel Warnings 

Cruise companies should be vigilant about avoiding travel to dangerous areas. So, if you’re worried about the path to your destination, check the government’s website for travel advisories to specific regions. 

6. Learn More About the Doctors on the Ship 

While you hope you don’t have a medical emergency onboard, knowing about the doctors on your ship is important. Some may not be licensed to practice in the U.S., meaning they may not provide the standard of care you need. 

7. Listen to Emergency Protocol 

Before leaving port, cruise ships must inform you of their emergency protocol. It’s not exciting, but this information is critical in an emergency such as a fire or when you need to get on the lifeboat. 

8. Be Careful About the Food 

The endless array of food is one of the biggest attractions of cruising. However, be cautious about food at the buffet that has been sitting out for a long time. Anything with mayonnaise or seafood could make you sick. 

9. Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

Crimes can happen on cruises, from rape to assault. Your guard may be down on vacation but you should stay alert just as you would when wandering through another country. 

10. Research Shore Excursions 

When choosing your shore excursions, research the company first. While the cruise line will vet the vendors they use, this isn’t always a guarantee. The shore excursion provider may not follow proper safety procedures, leading to a serious injury. 

Most articles about your first cruise will talk about how to save money, enjoy the best of the ship’s offerings, and packing tips. However, these safety tips are just as important to your journey. By avoiding these pitfalls, you will have a better chance of having a happy and memorable time while onboard the vessel.