143 more days...

SAFETY FIRST!

Safety is the most important part of any fun voyage. If the trip isn't safe, it will not be fun. You need to be aware that there are thousands of people from all walks of life, that may be on your cruise. With the growing popularity of cruises, you will find ship mates now reflect every cross section of society. You can count on coming into contact with levels of society, you have never even seen, much less dined with. Common sense is key when considering the following:

• Never wander around the ship alone. Stay with someone from your party at ALL times.
  

• Never go ashore alone. Stay with somebody from your party.
  

• When traveling ashore, do so in congested, well lit tourist areas.
  

• Never walk on the beach late at night.
  

• Never socialize with the locals or go anywhere with them for any reason.
  

• Never flash money, open a handbag or wallet, when others can see the contents.
  

• Never wear expensive jewelry. Keep it back at home, in a safety deposit box, or other safe.
  

• Never socialize with the hired help. Do not share personal information with them.
  

• Never go anywhere with the hired help, onboard, or on shore, for any reason, alone.
  

• Never use the public restrooms. Use the restroom in your cabin. This is for health reasons as well as personal security reasons. It is easier to catch the Norovirus there.
  

• Never drink to excess in public areas of the ship. Limit drinks in the lounges and casino to 2 or 3.
  

• Never accept a drink from people you do not know.
  

• When you can, get your drink directly from the bartender.
  

• Watch your drinks carefully. Do not leave it unattended, or for others to watch.
  

• If you get up to dance, do so with an empty drink, and when you come back get a fresh drink.
  

• Never play high stakes games in the casino. Big winners are targets. Big losers get depressed.
  
  
• Be careful on decks when underway, especially the higher decks. Wind gusts can reach hurricane force and blow you off deck, even holding onto somebody else.


• Only wear shoes with adequate tread when on deck. Slick bottom dress shoes are for inside.

• Mind your own business. Don't be a busy body. You don't want to know some things about some people. What you know can kill you.


• Never make eye contact with the locals when you are ashore.


• Never carry a handbag ashore. If you have to, don't use one with a shoulder strap, hold it in your hand. Place money and credit cards in your front pant pockets, or within the inside pocket of a jacket. Keep this in mind when choosing the voyage ensembles.


• In rough seas, stay off deck at all times, stay away from windows, and large movable objects.


• During an emergency, never rush to your muster station alone. Wait for your party. Go together.
  


• When speaking with others in your cabin, remember the persons in the cabins on either side of your cabin can hear you, as can people walking by outside your cabin, or on nearby balconies. It is only private, when spoken softly, with all doors closed, and music or a television softly playing.

And Most Important.....

The following link briefly explains safety basics, but first, a brief commercial...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6icfibgvng



I'm sure you can all come up with additional safety tips to keep this cruise a safe and enjoyable one...please feel free to share your ideas and comments!


I wonder if they serve ham & cheese on rye at the muster station....hmmm

Cruise along and enjoy...^_~

Karen