Tips You Need For A Safe And Fun Cruise Vacation

I have mentioned often that we love cruising and Disney resort vacations are a close second. Have you thought about taking a cruise but wonder if cruise ships are safe?

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We have only cruised on Disney ships, but I have always felt perfectly safe.

Falling Overboard

According to recorded statistics, the odds of dying on a cruise ship are very low, about 1 in 6.25 million. The chances of dying in a car crash are 1 in 645. Of course, any deaths are more than anyone wants.

We sometimes hear about people going overboard. From my experience, it would be very difficult to fall overboard. Sometimes a passenger going overboard is suicide, excessive drinking has been involved, or from a bad dare.

Most cruise ship railings are at least 42 inches tall, which would make it very hard for a child to fall over. A lot of our Disney cruising has been in a veranda room where we had a deck and railing. First, the door going out to the veranda is heavy and has a lock high up on the door. The actual railing has clear plexiglass that prevents a child from climbing the rail. All railing on the ship is like that. One possible hazard is the veranda has chairs and a table. A child could stand on the chair and be in danger – but children should never be left alone on the veranda anyway! If the furniture is a concern, you can have it removed, but then you will miss the wonderful ocean breezes you will experience while sitting out there.

Disney and MSC Cruises have state-of-the-art man overboard systems that will alert the ship crew if there is an overboard situation. I could not find definite information on other cruise lines having the same safety systems, but I assume many of them do.

Are cruise ships safe? Get these tips for a safe and fun cruise vacation. #Cruising #CruiseSafety Share on X

Storms At Sea

After sailing 15 times, I can say that only one time did stormy weather affect us. Disney, like most modern ships, has stabilizers that help to keep the ship steady. Much of the time, you may not even realize you are sailing. The one cruise where we did have rough water only bothered me at dinner when I looked out the porthole windows at water level. I got a little queasy, but it didn’t last. Thankfully! The outside decks were very windy – almost where you could not walk. The best thing to do during any inclement weather is to stay inside and take advantage of indoor activities. All ships have entertainment that will keep you busy. For me, it is a perfect time to take a nap!

Again, my experience is only with Disney, but I am sure other major lines operate similarly. They have modern satellite weather tracking equipment and can plan accordingly. Ships can usually sail around storms. We have often cruised during hurricane season because it is less expensive. We have never been disappointed. There are times a cruise line will rearrange the port stops or perhaps skip one altogether because of the weather. Off the weather subject, but the possibility of missing a port is one reason we book all excursions with the cruise line. If Disney must skip a port, all excursions are reimbursed. If booked independently, you might be out of luck getting a refund.

This weather information, of course, can vary based on where you are sailing. I believe the cruise lines plan accordingly for location and forecast. They don’t want any bad storms any more than we do!

Fire On A Cruise Ship

A fire on a ship is rare but can be devastating and life-threatening. Cruise lines do many things to prevent fires, including limiting some things you can bring onboard. I used to take an iron (yes I am weird), but Disney banned that and the last time I tried, it was confiscated. There is a laundry room where they have irons.

They also limit other things you can bring on board. Power strips are not allowed because power is generated differently on a ship than your home and if a power strip is overloaded it may cause a fire. USB power ports are a great alternative. You will find that power outlets are very limited in your stateroom.

Smoking is not allowed in any cruise cabins for obvious reasons. In years past, Disney allowed smoking on your private veranda but that is no longer allowed. Ships will have designated smoking areas.

Burning candles or incense are also fire hazards and not allowed.

Use common sense. Ships have fire suppression systems, but I hope we never have to see it in action.

Stay Healthy On A Cruise

No one wants a bug while on vacation wherever you are. Practice good handwashing and overall hygiene. This is especially important before and after eating. Disney has crew staff at every restaurant location that gives you antibacterial hand wipes. If everyone adheres to this policy, the chance of getting a virus will be lessened. If your cruise line does not offer this, I would suggest taking your own. I am happy to say we have never gotten sick while onboard.

It is also good practice to be up to date with vaccines. Your cruise mates, crew, or people you meet onshore excursions may not have been vaccinated.

I have never had seasickness, but if that is a concern for you, check with your doctor before going and they may be able to prescribe medication or get over the counter patches.

Also, remember the ship will have a medical facility with professional staff.

Evacuation Drills

Ships have an evacuation drill before sailing. For Disney, it is a requirement that every passenger attend.

You are assigned a meeting location that is posted in your room and on your key. Life jackets are in your room and on deck. They take the drill very seriously. Sometimes it has seemed like a waste of time and if your station is in the hot sun, it’s a bit uncomfortable. However, in the off chance, you would ever need to evacuate it is important to understand where to go and what to do. If traveling with older children that may not always be with you, be sure they understand the procedures.

Lifeboats carry survival kits with food and water, first aid supplies, and signaling and communication devices. The crew performs lifeboat drills frequently. On one of our cruises, we watched as the crew lowered a lifeboat and I saw it opened. It is huge inside! Although I know I would still be claustrophobic, it beats the alternative.

Pools

Be careful around the pools. Children should always be supervised. Disney started staffing lifeguards in 2013, but not all cruise lines do.

Don’t let children run on deck. If they are wet, they will be very slippery.

Stay safe on your next cruise vacation. #CruiseVacation #Cruising Share on X

General Cruise Ship Safety Tips

• If your cruise line offers it, have your child wear a wristband equipped with an electronic tracking device, in case they go missing. Some lines like Disney Cruise Line offer this amenity for free while onboard.

• In your cabin, keep your door locked and deadbolted.

• I suggest using cruise line vetted excursions and when off the ship, use common sense and safety sense.

• If you are traveling with older children, be sure they understand the safety drill and how to get back to their cabin. Cruise lines offer programs for children and are equipped to care for them, but as your children reach a certain age, they may roam around the ship with newly made friends. Stress the importance of safety and being mindful of their manners 😊 Disney offers mobile “wave phones” where your child can be in contact with you as needed.

The U.S. Department of Transportation records all cruise line incidents.

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