Cruise Safety Tips for Seniors

Cruising is statistically much safer than flying and even driving. However, the recent cruise ship tragedy off the coast of Italy has brought attention to the rare occasion when a peaceful cruise can end in sudden disaster.

Why Seniors Cruise

Cruises are very attractive to seniors, because once aboard, everything is conveniently just a few steps away. You experience entertainment, pools, spas, and unlimited fine dining. When visiting ports, there are excursions, shopping, and other diversions. My wife and I have taken many cruises and always enjoy the experience. We plan to continue cruising, despite the recent tragedy.

The pleasures of a cruise vacation can be even more enjoyable when totally aware of safety throughout your cruise. These five key tips help make our sailings a pleasant experience:

Take All Daily Medications x 2

I always check with my physician before I sail and be sure I'm packing the correct prescription medications. I stock up for double the number of days of the cruise. This allows for unexpected delays that could keep me from returning on schedule.

In case of emergency illness or injury aboard, I carry proof of insurance, Medicare, and other applicable IDs. If you take special medical equipment, be sure it's in good working condition and with supplies to last throughout the cruise.

In My Cabin Aboard the Ship

Getting to the cabin involves ramps and metal decks. I always wear comfortable clothes and rubber-soled shoes for continuous safety whenever walking the decks. I get to know the cabin features, such as bathroom, life vest, security, and storage. If you use a cane or are in a wheelchair, be sure your companion is qualified to help you in your cabin and everywhere aboard and ashore in ports.

Lifeboat Drill

I always memorize the cabin location and how to get to it from stairways, elevators, and passageways. That information is posted inside the cabin, along with instructions for lifeboat drill and location of the assigned on-deck lifeboat station.

There's usually a lifeboat drill once all passengers are aboard and the voyage begins. I take it very seriously, and when I arrive at my lifeboat station, I listen carefully to information given by the crew member in change.

When It's Not a Drill, But the Real Thing

Be prepared if any emergency should happen and you hear the ship's siren alarm. Be ready to leave your cabin quickly with life jacket on. Keep your wallet, jewelry, keys, and other valuables on you or ready to take at a moment's notice. Several times throughout your cruise, practice going to your lifeboat station from other areas of the ship.

Maintain Your Health and Awareness

A popular attraction of cruises is the availability of food, with continuous buffets and other dining from early morning to midnight. Enjoy the food, but overeating and too many rich foods while on a rocking ocean can result in seasickness.

When the ship docks in foreign ports, we're careful of water and food offered, especially from street vendors. We take bottled water ashore with us, and try to be sure everything we eat has been thoroughly cooked.

For safety ashore, always be with at least one companion, and confine sightseeing to daylight in well-populated areas. We leave major cash and jewelry locked in the cabin safe, and carry ashore only money we expect to spend that day. We keep cameras, purses, and wallets close, and are always alert for pickpockets and other unexpected dangers.

Conclusion

After years of work and raising my family were completed, cruising can be a pleasant and convenient way to spend some leisure time. When you take the steps necessary to assure your safety, the cruise experience is that much more enjoyable.

You can follow travel writer Ted Sherman on Twitter @travel4seniors and check out his blog, travel4seniors.com.

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