It is impossible for large cruise ships to sail into port unnoticed and in some places there are unscrupulous criminals who try to take advantage of unwary passengers. They know that relaxed holidaymakers with nothing but sun and fun on their minds can regularly be found strolling through a town. The various countries visited by cruise ships have differing levels of crime and a little research into which crimes are prevalent in your ports of call could well save you from becoming the next victim.
Where to Find Information
You can check online for warnings about
crime in different locations. If you perform some basic searches
about your destination you should be able to view a whole host of
information on crimes committed there.
There are also updates and warnings on
official sites. The US State Department (for American travellers) and
the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (for British travellers) will
provide information which is country-specific.
You can also look at online versions of
local newspapers. These will give you an excellent insight into the
types of crimes recently committed in the area you are visiting.
Some Common-Sense Tips
Never go ashore alone because there is
safety in numbers. If necessary, ask a group if you can join them. A
criminal will easily spot and isolate lone travellers, making them
easy targets. Even if you are travelling with a group of friends,
make sure that you do not wander off or lose the group while ashore.
Do not draw attention to yourself by
wearing expensive jewellery or openly carrying cameras, video cameras
or mobile phones.
Do not carry more cash or credit cards
than necessary and leave behind what you do not require. In the event
that the worst happens you will at least have some money or cards to
take you through the rest of your holiday.
If you must carry cash, credit cards or
your mobile phone then do not put them all in one bag that can be
pulled off your shoulder or out of your hands. If possible, keep them
in separate pockets on your person.
If you are a woman do not dress
provocatively when going ashore. While women should, of course, be
able to dress however they please, in some places it's a good idea to
be cautious.
Do not drink alcohol excessively or
take drugs. When you are drunk you may not be able to think logically
and you are likely to be less aware of safety issues. Never accept
drinks from locals, however friendly they might seem, as you will be
a much easier target when you are drunk.
Do not take valuables to the beach as
thieves are just waiting for you to go for a dip in the sea so they
can make off with your bag. Also never go for a walk on the beach
alone at night.
Most of the ports visited by cruise
ships are safe places and the chances of anything bad happening are
slim as long as you use some common sense and don't take any
unnecessary risks.
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