A new poll that surveyed about 1,440 U.S. cruises found that cruise passengers are most concerned about illnesses and injuries just before or during the trip.
Falling ill or getting injured right before or during a cruise was the greatest worry for 42.2% of the respondents. The two other major concerns were bad weather (37.3%) and missing the departure of a cruise (20.5%).
This survey also found that medical issues were one of the reasons why cruise passengers filed travel insurance claims for cruise-related issues. On the whole, the findings of the poll tell us that staying healthy is probably the biggest priority for anyone who goes on a cruise.
Which makes sense. After all, if you’re going to shell out money to sail to an exotic location, you want to be able to enjoy the experience. So, how can you stay safe and healthy?
Ensure You’re Covered by Insurance
Before you get into a cruise ship, first check to see that your health insurance coverage includes injuries outside of the country. In this same light, it’s also wise to get travel insurance before taking a cruise.
Don’t just choose any policy, though. Take a look at several to make sure you’re getting one that fits your needs.
Ensure You’re Ready for Treatment
Before buying tickets to a cruise, do some digging into the level and standard of medical care onboard the ship. For starters, all onboard doctors must be fully licensed.
Be sure to bring all of your prescription meds and have them with you at all times. This makes it easier for the medical staff to treat you in the event that you do fall sick.
Beyond seeking onboard treatment, though, it is also advised that you should contact your doctor back home. This will enable him or her to communicate with the medical officers onboard and relay any information that’s crucial in helping you recover and/or prevent further injury.
Buddy Up
Cruising solo has pros and cons. However, in matters of safety, two is sometimes better than one. You, for instance, will be less of a target when in the company of others.
Therefore, try to find a friend early on during the cruise and set up some sort of buddy system. For example, you could develop a plan where you meet up at certain times and places.
As a nice little bonus, your buddy may also serve as a reliable witness if you ever have to file a cruise ship injury claim.
Be Responsible in Your Alcohol Consumption
For many people, one of the best parts of cruising is the ability to drink without worrying about getting from point A to point B. As long as you can stumble back to your room, not big deal, right?
Unfortunately, alcohol has a significant role in compromising personal safety on cruises, so you have to know your limits. It’s easy to get carried away with the excitement of being onboard, try to be mindful of what and how much you are consuming.
It also goes without saying that drinks from strangers are a big no-no. Also, don’t let a stranger walk you back to your cabin – especially if you are feeling inebriated.
These aren’t the only tips out there, but they are a good start. If you have specific safety concerns, do what research you can on those topics and brainstorm ways to prepare. In general, that’s the biggest thing you can do to stay safe – be prepared, and be aware.
About the Author:
Andrew Winston is a partner at the personal injury law firm of Winston Law. For over 20 years, he has successfully represented countless people in all kinds of personal injury cases, with a particular focus on child injury, legal malpractice, and premises liability. He has been recognized for excellence in the representation of injured clients by admission to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, is AV Preeminent Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, enjoys a 10.0 rating by AVVO as a Top Personal Injury Attorney, has been selected as a Florida “SuperLawyer” from 2011-2017 – an honor reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the state – and was voted to Florida Trend’s ”Legal Elite” and as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida and one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the Miami area for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
