In this post today, we talk about important cruise ship safety tips for families. Cruise ship travel has grown in popularity because it offers a cost-effective vacation to interesting destinations with a variety of activities to enjoy on board.
Some cruises are specifically geared toward families, which can provide the best experience for members of all ages. However, keeping your kids safe while on the cruise should always be a prime concern.
Important Cruise Ship Safety Tips for Families
Here are a few points to keep in mind for keeping children safe during your cruise experience.
Be Ready to Supervise Children at All Times
Although a cruise ship is essentially a closed system, there are certain hazards that being on the water and on the move entail. Pools and hot tubs pose safety risks, and a number of areas on the ship are off limits.
People do fall overboard and are lost at sea, so keeping a close eye on children is a necessary part of your duties while on board.
One adult in the group should be on duty at all times to supervise younger children’s activities and to be available to check on teen’s activities.
Talk To Your Children About Safety Before Your Trip
You can look at books and magazines with your younger children to explain and emphasize the need for safety on board the cruise ship.
Older children are more mature and can understand the need for safety measures. You can also discourage roughhousing and horseplay that could lead to accidents.
Use the Buddy System
Have your children stay with their siblings or friends at all times, to ensure they aren’t on their own. This measure can help prevent getting lost and wandering into areas where children can’t be properly supervised.
No Alcohol
Cruise ships generally do not serve alcohol to teens under the age of 18. However, it’s presence all around the ship can make it tempting for young people to take advantage of the situation. Make sure teens know you will not tolerate alcohol use while on the ship.
Have Kids Wash Hands Frequently
Cruise ships hold thousands of people in a relatively small area. As a result, germs are transmitted easily, and in some cases, outbreaks of norovirus or COVID-19 can occur.
Remind children to wash hands frequently and keep plenty of hand sanitizer available to help prevent the spread of pathogens while on board.
Provide a Curfew Time
Activities on a cruise ship often go on well into the night. Give teenage children a reasonable curfew time, when they are expected back in their cabins for the night.
Check in on a Regular Basis
Teenagers in particular are more likely to spread time out of the vision range of parents. The best way to stay in contact is to have them check in every few hours to ensure they are following agreed upon procedures and limits.
What to do if Someone is Injured On A Cruise Ship?
If an injury were to occur on your trip, it is important to take the following steps:
- Seek medical attention: emergency services are available on your ship and should be staffed by qualified medical professionals who can provide care until a passenger is evacuated to shore if necessary.
- Documentation: be sure to ask any cruise doctors or staff for documentation of the incident and any medical care you received. Be sure to photo document any injuries or circumstances yourself.
- Report the incident: immediately report the incident to staff and management.
- Witnesses: obtain contact information for any passengers or staff who witnessed the incident or injury.
Cruising can be a fun and entertaining way for families to enjoy vacation time together. Although the long period of time on the water presents certain hazards, you can ensure that your children are prepared to conduct themselves in a manner that is safe and appropriate for the journey.
You, too, will be better prepared to enjoy your cruise experience, knowing your family have been given the information to safely maximize their time on board. I hope you learned a few important things from my post about Important Cruise Ship Safety for Families.
Have you ever gone on a cruise with your family? Do you have any tips you would like to share? If so, please leave me a comment below!