Okay, so I’ve been on a few cruises, and honestly, staying safe is always on my mind. It’s supposed to be a fun, relaxing vacation, right? So, here’s what I did to gear up for my last cruise trip, and how I made sure everything went smoothly.

Did Some Digging First
Before I even booked anything, I started looking into cruise lines and their safety records. Not in a super intense way, just casually checking out some online reviews and news articles. I wasn’t trying to freak myself out, but I did want to get a feel for which lines had a good reputation.
Got Myself Covered
Next up, travel insurance. I used to skip this, thinking it was a waste, but no way anymore. I made sure to find a plan that covered medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and even lost luggage. That was a huge relief, knowing I had a backup plan for the “what ifs.”
Played it Smart with Documents
I made copies of my passport, ID, and all the cruise documents. I kept one set in my carry-on and another in my checked luggage, just in case. And I also snapped photos of everything with my phone, so I had digital copies too. I also sent them to my own email, to make sure I can easily check them in case I lost my phone.
Checked In with the Doc
I scheduled a quick check-up with my doctor before the trip, to make sure I was all good to go, especially because of all the different places we’d be visiting. I also got any necessary vaccinations and refills for my prescriptions. Better safe than sorry!
Packed a Little First-Aid Kit
I put together a small first-aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, motion sickness meds, and antiseptic wipes. It turned out to be super handy, even for minor stuff.

Kept it to Myself
On the ship, I was careful about what I shared with strangers. I mean, I was friendly and all, but I didn’t give out my room number or detailed personal info to people I just met. You just never know.
Locked Up My Stuff
I made sure to use the in-room safe for my valuables – passport, extra cash, jewelry. It’s there for a reason, right?
Stayed Aware of My Surroundings
When we went ashore, I stayed pretty alert. I stuck to the main tourist areas, especially when exploring on my own. I also kept an eye on my belongings and didn’t flash around a bunch of cash. Basic street smarts, really.
Watched My Drinks
At the bars and parties, I made sure to watch my drinks being made and never left them unattended. Again, it’s just about being cautious.
Kept in Touch
I made sure someone back home had a copy of my itinerary and I checked in with them regularly. It was easy to stay connected with the ship’s Wi-Fi, even if it was a bit pricey.

By taking these steps, I felt way more relaxed and secure throughout my cruise. It’s not about being paranoid, just prepared. And because of that, I had an amazing, worry-free vacation!