Questions about cruise safety are commonplace for cruise newbies and veterans alike, and with the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns and queries about safety, hygiene, and public health have only increased.
Safe cruising is the number one priority for every cruise line. Even at peak capacity, cruise ships have an exceptional safety record, and the return to cruising post-pandemic has been conducted with the highest possible consideration for health and safety.
However, a belt and braces approach never hurt anyone, and nothing beats taking your own precautions and being mindful of the risks when it comes to staying safe on your vacations.
So whether you are cruising from California or setting off in search of gorgeous beaches in the Caribbean, here are some tips on how to enjoy your vacation to the fullest by staying safe while cruising in 2022.
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6 Tips for Safe Cruising:
#COVID safety precautions
Due to the pandemic, cruise ships have stepped up their public health precautions, and there are a few COVID-specific new regulations in place, as well as a number of things you can do to reduce your own personal risk.
Cruise ships follow a color-coded approach in order to be approved to sail. Ships must submit a comprehensive COVID response plan, as well as daily reports on crew and passenger health. Heightened cleaning and sanitization protocols are in place, as well as reduced capacities on board. Passengers are required to be tested before embarking and on return to the home port.
To reduce your own personal risk, you can continue to wear a tight-fitting N95 mask in crowded areas or enclosed spaces, as well as avoiding close personal contact with other passengers.
Of course, it’s not just COVID that presents a risk when on board a cruise ship! All ships have to be hurricane-ready, particularly for itineraries in the Caribbean. Recent years have seen an increase in the number of hurricanes, and an expansion of the hurricane season itself, so knowing what to expect is key.
The best advice for hurricane safety is to avoid cruising during hurricane season – typically August through November, although this obviously varies depending on where in the world you are cruising. For Caribbean cruises, choosing an itinerary that passes through the southern Caribbean – islands like Aruba and Curacao, the Riviera Maya of Mexico, and the Colombian coast – where hurricane season tends to be lighter and more predictable.
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#Safe Cruising – General safety tips
Finally, a few general safety tips to keep in mind, and help you enjoy your cruise vacation fully without concerns, worries, or trepidation.
Take the muster drill seriously
The muster drill is your cruise ship safety crash course. The crew will show you everything you need to know to stay safe abroad. Whether you are a newbie or a cruise veteran, paying attention to the muster drill is a must!
Buy travel insurance
This goes for every vacation and all forms of travel, but good, comprehensive travel insurance is vital.
Take normal vacation precautions
It can be incredibly easy to relax and switch off on a cruise, where everything is taken care of for you. But it is worth staying on top of your personal health and safety. Treat it like any other vacation, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t do anything you wouldn’t normally do!
