Seattle is a home port for many cruise ships to Alaska. For most people, it is the trip of a lifetime, but there are extra perils on cruise ships that you don’t face at home. Keep the following in mind as you enjoy your trip!
ATTEND EMBARKATION DAY SAFETY DRILL
Of course on the first day of your holiday, you would rather be kicked back on deck with a drink in hand but it is VITAL to know what to do and where to go in the event of an emergency. Since the Costa Concordia ran aground in Italy in January 2012, safety measures have picked up and failure to attend the first day’s drill could result in you being kicked off the ship prior to departure. So don’t miss it!
Please note that any alarm sounded after your embarkation drill is complete is to be responded to as an actual emergency – do as you learned on the first day and follow all instructions given to you by crew members.
LISTEN TO ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Another seemingly obvious point, yet there are countless people who speak over the announcements. Staff share important updates that may pertain to your safety, such as weather updates or even potential threats.
KNOW WHERE YOUR GROUP IS
Of course this is a vacation and people from your group may go off and do their own thing, but try to keep tabs on each other, both onboard and in port, in case of an emergency.
DON’T THROW ANYTHING OVERBOARD
Ok, so this is not exactly safety-based, but it is extremely important NOT to throw things overboard. Not only could the cruise line be slapped with a MASSIVE fine, but by doing so you are disrespecting the environment, the local country and damaging the oceanic habitats of incredible sea creatures.
LASTLY, MANNERS ARE KEY
Cruise ships are filled to the brim with diversity – you don’t know the customs, cultures, or beliefs of the family sitting next to you, so it’s best to be overly polite as a sign of respect.
