Travelling by boat

Safety on board

Be informed about safety procedures

Cruising is statistically the safest form of transport, but you should nevertheless be aware of potential dangers you might encounter when traveling on a ship. For example, it is very important that you familiarize yourself with the ship's safety equipment and emergency evacuation procedures to be sure what to do in case of an emergency. Likewise, participate in safety drills if this is possible on your ship.

Criminal risk

Keep in mind that many threats you might encounter while on land such as crimes or health risks are also possible at sea. Remember to minimize any signs of wealth and protect your valuables. If you have precious valuables, ask the crew if you can use the ship's safe to store them.

Health concerns

Be advised that illness and diseases that can occur on board are likely to be the same ones you would encounter on the shore. It is therefore important that you ask your physician for advice before leaving. Do not forget to purchase travel insurance, as you will likely have to be evacuated in the event of a medical emergency. If you have questions about local health risks, ask the ship's staff. Most cruise ships have a ship doctor you can visit if you are feeling sick.

Going off board

When on a cruise, you may get the opportunity to go on land and visit different countries when your ship makes stops during the journey. Keep the following in mind in order to ensure a pleasant visit.

Depending on your destination, your cruise line may be able to organize group visas for group tours or obtain a visa for you as it proceeds towards the port. In some circumstances, you will have to obtain your own individual visa, even if you do not intend to leave the ship. Be sure to ask your travel agent or the cruise line about this when you are booking your cruise.

Before stepping off board, familiarize yourself with local laws and customs to avoid possible difficulties with local authorities. Make sure to check the ship's departure time before going ashore, so that you can be sure to be back on time before the ship leaves.

Seasickness

What is seasickness?

Seasickness is a common form of motion sickness that occurs when traveling by sea and is characterized by sensations of nausea and vertigo. Though seasickness is not dangerous, it is unpleasant and can ruin your enjoyment of the trip. It is more common with people who are not used to traveling by sea and are thus very sensitive to the swaying motion of the boat. Furthermore, it is more common in adults and women.

Normally, the human body perceives its position in space through the inner ear, which checks the relationship between the body's mass and gravity. Visual references to surrounding objects are used as a control of this information but because of the motion on a ship, visual confusion can occur, thus causing seasickness. The rocking motion can also affect the movement of the diaphragm and thus cause irregular pressure on the bowels.

Avoiding seasickness

Avoid going below deck. If the weather is too bad and you do not have a choice, sit in front of a window or porthole and gaze at the horizon (avoid staring at a precise point). You also should not look through binoculars for too long or keep your eyes fixed on objects your brain could interpret as being stable. Reading or doing any kind of detailed work is likely to make you seasick.

What can you do against seasickness?

First of all, try to get fresh air. Focus your sight on the horizon, instead of the waves, as their motion is likely to confuse your visual senses as to where your body's center of gravity should be. At night or when sleeping, lie on your back and close your eyes. Certain medications can also be helpful, as they can normalize the condition of the body and thus help you to adapt to sea travel.