Pirates
Security
Ship Safety
Cruise ships have high security. Cruise lines will do a background check on passengers before they embark on their journey. Right before passengers board the ship they check in by showing their passport and other forms of identification. They will also snap a picture of each passenger at this point in the boarding process.
Passengers have to leave their luggage behind for the first part of the day on the ship until it goes through security. After luggage has been cleared through security, staff members will deliver it to the appropriate room. In addition, all cruise ships have trained security staff onboard to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff.
Cruise Lines are not only responsible for the safety of passengers on the ship but also off the ship while at ports. Cruises offer passengers with excursions they can book through the cruise line. Many passengers feel safer booking excursions this way because it means they are seen as safe by the cruise line. Recent events that have taken place at a cruise port in Jamaica are forcing cruise lines to reconsider choosing Jamaica as a cruising destination. Many cruise lines are eliminating Jamaica from itineraries because it is being seen as unsafe. This is due to visitor complaints of being harassed as well as unsafe driving on tour buses (Waller 2017). In 2016, a tour bus crashed due to reckless driving and left one cruise passenger dead and many others injured (Waller 2017). Many other popular cruise ports, such as Mexico, are known for robbery, theft, and pickpocketing. Cruise goers are recommended to stay near the port and book excursions with your cruise line to stay safe. (Pictured is the port at Falmouth, Jamaica)
A pirate is a person that attacks and robs a ship. Pirate attacks are very unlikely, but cruise ships still take necessary safety precautions in areas known for pirate activity such as the Gulf of Aden.
In August of 2017, passengers on the Sea Princess were restricted from any on deck activities for 10 days due to possible pirate threats (Kabani 2017). The passengers and crew made it through a safe cruise with no pirate attacks.
Perhaps the most serious pirate attack happened in 2008 when pirates chased and shot at a U.S. cruise ship sailing in the Gulf of Aden (New York Times 2008). The ship escaped the attack with all passengers remaining unharmed and no done damage to the ship.
Norovirus
Norovirus is an extremely contagious and fast spreading virus that is common on cruise ships. The virus is not limited to cruise ships, but it tends to go around on cruise ships because of the high population of people in close proximity. You can become infected with it by coming in contact with a contaminated person or surface and by eating contaminated foods. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea and it usually lasts from1 to 2 days (Mayo Clinic).
Being in close proximity to so many people puts passengers at a high risk for not only norovirus, but many other viruses. Cruise lines take viruses and sanitation very seriously because of this. There are sanitation stations located at all youth activity areas that passengers are required to use before entering. As passengers enter all dining areas, they are handed a hand wipe to sanitize with before eating. If a passenger is ill upon boarding the ship they may not be allowed on board or if they become ill during the trip they may be kept quarantined to prevent it from spreading to other passengers and staff.
Cruise ship malfunctions are always a possibility but are very uncommon. The first night of a cruise there is a mandatory muster drill for passengers to attend. They discuss where lifejackets are located, how to use lifejackets, and other emergency protocols. All cruise ships are equipped with lifeboats in the event that passengers must evacuate the ship. In addition to safety equipment, cruise ships also have safety personnel onboard such as safety officers, doctors, and lifeguards. All crew members working onboard are trained and evaluated on safety protocols. Cruise ships are regularally inspected and must follow all U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
As mentioned earlier, cruise ship accidents are unlikely but do happen. On October 14, 2017, on a cruise ship in Miami an 8-year-old-girl fell over a railing from a two story deck and died (Kunkle 2017). In 2015, Royal Caribbean had a ship catch fire in a mechanical space (Sloan 2015). Passengers were sent to their muster stations, but the fire was quickly put out and no passengers were harmed.
CNN. (2008, November 2). U.S. cruise ship escapes pirates. Retrieved
from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/world/africa/02iht-pirates.4.18339268.html
Kabani, M. (2017, August 11) A cruise ship banned late-night revelry because of pirates. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/11/asia/princess-cruise-ship-pirates-trnd/index.html
Knuckle, F. (2017, October 26). Girl's fatal fall aboard cruise ship in miami raises concerns over safety. Retrieved from http://www.myajc.com/travel/girl-fatal-fall-aboard-cruise-ship-miami-raises-concerns-over-safety/XIHFlxfu7vZlvAOcc2b2DL/
Norovirus infection. (n.d.) Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/norovirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20355296
Sloan, G. (2015, July 22). Fire breaks out on royal caribbean ship. Retrieved from http://www.myajc.com/travel/girl-fatal-fall-aboard-cruise-ship-miami-raises-concerns-over-safety/XIHFlxfu7vZlvAOcc2b2DL/
Walker, J. (2017, July 8). Royal caribbean to pull some of its cruise ships from falmouth, Jamaica. Retrieved fromhttp://www.cruiselawnews.com/2017/07/articles/caribbean-islands/royal-caribbean-to-pull-some-of-its-cruise-ships-from-falmouth-jamaica/.
Have you ever felt unsafe while on a cruise ship or at a port?
- I never felt unsafe. There have been a few emergencies while I was on board. There was a pleasure vessel that needed assistance and the cruise ship stopped to help. Another time the staff believed a passenger went overboard. I wouldn't say I ever felt unsafe at a port but instead uncomfortable. In the Bahamas, the guards are equipped with machine guns and have tanks out on the streets. It is just not something we are used to. It makes you aware that you are not in your own country and how many rights we have as Americans.
Have you ever become sick with Norovirus while cruising?
- Only once out of my 8 cruises.
SAFETY CONCERNS ON A CRUISE SHIP
