Cruise ship safety

I’ve received some mail about the question of cruise ship safety following the recent incident in which a honeymooner disappeared from a cruise ship on which he and his bride were sailing. In the press reports of that incident, there was mention of other crimes committed aboard cruise ships that go largely unreported.

Michael, for example, writes, “This told me that terrible things are happening on these ships that we never hear about, so we don’t expect it … (and) I don’t want my wife and me to wind up as sitting ducks for the criminals.”

There has been a renewed call for more security on cruise ships, and for rule changes that would make it mandatory for captains to contact the police as soon as a crime is reported. Meanwhile, here are some tips provided by colleagues who are frequent sailors.

•1. Part of the fun of being on a cruise is meeting people. But be smart: Keep your contacts with your new pals public. Do not invite them to your cabin or go anywhere with them that may be out of the sight of others.

•2. Don’t wear too much jewelry. One of the mistakes people make is to wear a lot of pieces at one time. You’re literally advertising your wares to a thief.

•3. There’s remarkably easy access to cabins aboard ship, so make sure your cabin door is locked, not only when you’re out, but also when you’re in. You don’t want a surprise “visitor.”

•4. Get to know the staff, but don’t get too buddy-buddy. The sad fact is that sometimes crewmembers are complicit in shipboard crimes.

•5. Finally, watch your alcohol intake. Just one drink too much can set you up as a potential crime victim.