By Duncan Whitehead
Don't let the recent Carnival Cruise disaster keep you from enjoying a cruise this spring. Most of the time, floating vacations are dreams come true. Still, you need to take some precautions to make sure you stay healthy and safe while at sea. Former luxury yacht purser Duncan Whitehead offers these ten tips:
*Wear layers of clothing and note the locations of lifeboats. Rescue could take longer than expected so keeping warm is paramount.
*Attend all mandatory pre-safety briefings and pay attention. These sessions will teach you how to put on a life jacket and what to do during an evacuation. The information can be life saving.
*Study evacuation routes posted on the back of your cabin door or in your cabin. Walk the route so you are familiar with it.
*If you have special needs or allergies, bring your own medications and supplies. Keep them in a waterproof wallet or holdall. First aid bags that are on board life rafts will not stock specific medications.
*Keep an “emergency kit’’ ready to go. It should include prescriptions, your cell phone, room key, glasses, and hearing aid if needed.
*Cruise ships are teeming with bacteria and viruses. Don't spoil your vacation by getting sick. Wash your hands often and thoroughly, and make use of the hand sanitizers that you will see around the ship.
*If you do get sick, most cruise ships have sickbays with at least one doctor and nurse aboard. Don't be afraid to verify medical facilities and staff aboard the ship before you book your trip.
*Cruise ships are floating communities full of people wanting to have a good time, but don't let your guard down. Treat the ship as you would a small, pleasant town. Remember, you don't know everyone on board or their backgrounds. Keep your wits about you, be careful what you drink, remember to lock your cabin doors, and don’t walk down darkened hallways,
*Always use the safe in your room and report anything suspicious to security or an appropriate crew member.
*Keep passports, money, credit cards and wallets in waterproof type wallets and make sure they're accessible so you can grab them in the event of an emergency.
Born in England, Duncan Whitehead has lived and travelled the world as a member of the Royal Navy and served as a Purser on some of the world’s largest super yachts. Eventually retiring to Savannah, GA, he began his writing career and recently released his first book, The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club, available on www.Amazon.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com and Net Galley<https://www.netgalley.com/widget/open?widget_id=24147_33086_135584284350...>.
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/TheGordonstonLadiesDogWalkingClub; Twitter - @DuncanWhitehead
