Part 2 - How to Have a Safe Mediterranean Cruise Vacation

This article is the continuations from part 1 where I discuss the first two steps on how to have a safe Mediterranean cruise and avoid become a crime victim. Here are the last three steps.

Step 3: While in Port

If you are going to be a crime victim while on a Mediterranean cruise trip, it is most likely to occur when you are ashore. Most crimes committed against cruise passengers are those of opportunity. I will tell you my friend’s experience while she is on her Mediterranean cruise vacation. There were at least three men on her cruise whose pockets were picked. Two men had their wallets in their back pocket - the worst place to carry it! One of these men was in the elevator of her pre-cruise Barcelona hotel, and another was waiting to cross the street at a busy intersection. The third man was on a crowded subway in Rome, and had his wallet in his front pants pocket. All three of these crimes could have been avoided. So I suggest you better wore an under-the-clothing bag for your money and credit cards.

You can't put your camera inside your clothing and have it ready to snap that special picture. Don't put it in a backpack, unless you wear it in front! I have a small camera bag that I can attach to a belt. If you want to carry it in a waist pack, put the strap through your belt loops.

Step 4: In Your Cabin

When you first get to your cabin, check the bathroom and closet while the cabin door is still open. While a ship is in port, many more people have access to it than you might imagine. Being cautious never hurt anyone. In addition, sometimes the locks on Mediterranean cruise ship cabins are not changed as often as hotel locks. Don't leave valuables lying around in your cabin. Put your wallet and valuables in the cabin's safe or the purser's safe. Be sure to use all the locks on the door when you are asleep. Don't open the door to strangers. Protect your cabin key and cabin number.

Step 5: On the Ship

Although Mediterranean cruise ships are relatively safe, common sense is needed even at sea. Stay in the public areas, and remember that a Mediterranean cruise ship and its crew and passengers are like a small city, not like your family.

If you are cruising with your children, set rules just like at home. Establish curfews for your teenagers, and caution them to not accompany crew members to non-public areas. Don't give your children "the run of the ship" while you are in the club, show, or casino.

These tips on how to have a safe Mediterranean cruise are all common sense. Use the tips to make your next Mediterranean cruise vacation a safe one!