Cruise Safety Tips

These Safety Tips are not here to make you feel uneasy but rather just the opposite -
After you learn these things you can feel at ease knowing you're prepared!

1. Once on board the ship, attend the lifeboat drill and pay attention to the information given. The lifeboat drill usually takes place about thirty minutes before departure time.

2. Remember that adult life jackets are located in all cabins; children's life jackets are usually kept in lockers on the open decks adjacent to boat stations. Know how to fasten your life vest and find the whistle and light attached to it. In a real emergency have in a handy place your medicine, a hat and clothes to protect you from the sun.

3. Find the fire alarm nearest your cabin and learn how to use it by touch.

4. Note how your cabin door lock works. If you're on an older ship, a key is needed to unlock the door from the inside. Leave the key in the lock, so you don't have to hunt for it in an emergency. Most newer ships simply use a deadbolt and handle that's easy to turn.

5. Locate the exits nearest your cabin. On many new ships, exit signs are located just above floor level. On older vessels, exit signs may be above your head, where they are likely to be obscured by rising smoke.

6. Learn the quickest route from your cabin to the open decks and lifeboats using the stairways - in an emergency, elevators may not function. Information about your lifeboat station or "muster station" and how to reach it is posted on the back of your cabin or bathroom door. The notice is readable in the dark. If you're disabled and would need help to climb the stairs be sure the Guest Services Desk or "Pursers Desk" knows in advance.

7. Ship interiors can be confusing. Count the number of cabin doorways and other distinguishing features between your cabin and the exits in case the passageway becomes filled with smoke. Knowing whether cabin numbers increase or decrease between your cabin and the nearest stairwell can help you find your way.

8. Do not hang anything from the fire sprinkler heads on your cabin ceilings. Do not have any open flames in your cabin such as aroma candles.

9. In the event of a fire, take a wet towel with you in case you need to open or close hot doors or cover yourself.

10. Do not wear slippery shoes or go barefoot. The deck is often wet.

11. Don't forget to put plenty of suntan lotion on if lying out. The sun is hot in the tropics.

12. When on the islands never go sightseeing by yourself and never show your money.

13. When on the ship always make sure your door closes completely when you leave the room.

14. If you have valuables keep them in the safe.