Safety at Sea

The best way to avoid problems is to take responsibility for your own safety by following these simple guidelines:

1. Stay skeptical. Don't assume you can trust every fellow passenger. Crooks take vacations, too -- working vacations.

2. Stay sober. Don's overindulge in alcohol, which will impair your judgment.

3. Keep an eye on kids. Know where they are at all times, and make sure they don't drink. Report any crew members you see giving alcohol to minors.

4. Don't socialize with the crew. It's against every cruise ship's rules, and it could get you into a situation that's out of your control. If you're traveling with teenagers, make sure they know that crew members and crew areas are off-limits.

5. Dress down. Leave expensive jewelry and watches at home. Fancy duds only make you a target for thieves.

6. Be prepared. Bring phone numbers for FBI offices and for U.S. consulates in the places on your itinerary. Should anything untoward happen, you'll have contact information you need.

7. Be sensible. Don't stand or sit on the the ship's railing.

8. Be alert. If someone in your party is missing, report it immediately.