Don't Let Anything Stop You From Enjoying Your Cruise: Safety

Although most people see security as being just another thing which is often ignored, cruise lines take safety and security extremely seriously. Cruise ship rules are NOT made to be broken. All passengers are required to follow the ship's, cruise line's, and international maritime laws. In fact, breaking a rule just may give you a free pass off the ship. Indefinitely!

Although you may see cruise horror stories, and that infamous capsizing cruise ship movie, you really don't have to be worried about the ship sinking in a storm. It might bob around a bit during a storm, today's cruise ships were built to survive some of the worst storms at sea.

Safety

The captain will not risk the lives of his crew or passengers, so sometimes he will take the ship off course and adjust the ship's itinerary as necessary. It might be inconvenient, but it is very much for the safety of all onboard.

When you get to your rooms and start unpacking, make sure to check your life jackets, which are probably in your closet. Make sure there are enough, and that they all have a whistle, ties, and a light. If one is defective, please tell your cabin steward immediately.

Although it's very unlikely, if someone were to fall overboard, throw him the nearest floating ring and contact a crew member immediately.

Yes, everyone has to attend the mandatory fire drill. You may not have to wear your lifejacket, but everyone in your cabin should know where they can be found. They don't schedule any activities during the drill, and all stores and restaurants are closed at that time.

Never ever ever throw your pipe ashes, cigarette ashes, or cigar ashes or butts overboard. They could blow back onto the ship and start a fire. Onboard a ship in the middle of the ocean is the last place you want to be during a fire! There are only certain places where you can even smoke, so be sure to stay there if you so feel the need.

Leave your high heels home. Wear rubber sole shoes as often as possible when onboard. They will prevent slipping, and heels make you more likely to fall during a larger wave.

Use the handrails at all times. In the hallways, on the decks, and especially on the stairs. It's much better to be safe than sorry.

Kids have their own procedures and areas onboard, so they will be directed what to do and where to go. Don't worry, if you ever need the lifeboats, your children will get to you at your lifeboat!

NEVER make jokes about bombs or fires. You just may find yourself answering some very uncomfortable questions from security, and possibly receive a fine and criminal prosecution!

Walk, don't run, especially around the pool areas. And make sure your kids know not to run around the ship. It's not only a danger to themselves, but also a danger to other passengers.

The gangway, that metal walkway you get on and off the ship by, isn't very steady. Take your time and hold onto the railings as you get on and off the ship. Don't worry about the people behind you.

Security

Common sense is the first line of defense onboard cruise ships. Don't do things you wouldn't normally do at home. Lock your doors. Don't leave your wallet unattended. Things like that.

No guests are allowed onboard, except for weddings, and then they have to leave immediately afterward, unless they are sailing on the ship with you. Yes, that means your cousin Joe can't see you off on the deck, and he can't see your balcony stateroom on the 9th floor. Gives you more reasons to take video and still pictures, though.

If you are unfortunately harassed by a passenger or crew member, contact the hotel manager and ask for help. Cruise lines take harassment very seriously, and will never tolerate such behavior, by passengers or by crew.

If you, or your children, get lost, contact a crew person. He will surely help lost people get to where they are going. The reception desk can also page people if necessary.

Use your room safe, or safety deposit box at the reception desk if your cabin doesn't have a safe, to hold your valuables and travel documents and passports.

So, when you are ready to book that cruise, and have the time of your life, look through www.kingarthur.myttn.com and book today! I can hardly wait to see you onboard a safe and secure cruise ship on the oceans of the world!