Cruising it up!

What you need to know whether it's your first or eight time on a cruise. Although I haven't been a cruise before and we've heard many accidents on cruises lately, there's some proactive precautions we can all take to be an informed and prepared traveler.


Here are the five simple steps to remember when you're on your cruise, courtesy of AAA.

1. All cruise passengers, even seasoned cruisers, should actively participate in and pay full attention during the ship’s muster drills as evacuation procedures vary by cruise line. Currently, ships are required to hold safety drills within 24 hours of boarding new passengers. If the ship’s emergency muster drill is not scheduled prior to departure from the embarkation port, take personal responsibility for safety by locating life vests and identifying assigned muster stations.
2. Register all international travel with the U.S. Department of State's free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This will enable the State Department to provide better assistance in an emergency.
3. Travel with a small waterproof pack that can be easily secured around the body in the event of an evacuation. The pack should include, passports, cash including local currency, credit card, medications, small flashlight, cell phone, nutrition bars, and a bottle of water if possible. Prepare the pack upon boarding the ship so it is immediately accessible in the event of an emergency.
4. Don’t let common sense take a vacation. Avoid participation in risky behaviors like excessive consumption of alcohol and admitting strangers to your cabin, and report any concerns to ship security. Personal safety is a consideration while on a cruise vacation, just like it is while at home or when traveling on land.
5. Book all cruise vacations through a trusted travel counselor. In the days following an emergency, the travel counselor can be a trusted ally providing critical, timely and valuable assistance. A travel counselor can provide guidance to customers already booked on future cruises that may be affected by the original cruise ship emergency.