Debo Hobo

There was an incident of attempted murder on board Cunard cruise ship Queen Mary 2. German police detained a ship crew member after he allegedly tried to strangle to death his girlfriend whom was also his boss. The crew member has since been released from police custody.

Here are some tips to keep you safe on your next cruise:

1. Keep your guard up -You need to be aware of your surroundings on a ship just as you would in a big city. Don’t walk down darkened hallways; keep your distance when tempers flare; don’t accept drinks from strangers. If your gut tells you something is wrong, it probably is. And don’t keep it a secret, either; notify the Purser’s Office the minute you suspect trouble.

2. Use the ship’s safe -The lightweight safe in your cabin is fine for storing small everyday items like your address book and tip money, but never put anything in it that you can’t afford to lose. Do you know how many of those cabin safes are left locked when passengers disembark at the end of a cruise? Now guess how many crew members know the bypass code for opening them.

3. Watch out for the crew -Most ships don’t allow crew members to interact with guests outside of their regular duties. The exceptions tend to be the cruise director and the captain’s staff. While you may be tempted by that cute little honey from Serbia named Irena (or that hunk from Hungary), never agree to go to a “crew-only” section of the ship — the invitation may be a set-up to ensure that your cabin is vacant.

4. Be careful on your shore excursions -Cruise lines organize the shore trips because they are moneymakers for them; in return, you get some assurance of quality and security. You can save a buck (or many) by going it alone, of course, but beware. Make sure you negotiate any fares and fees upfront. Most cab drivers are honest when the cards are on the table, but if you do not agree in advance, the sky will be the limit and you may find yourself in a police station for failure to pay the fare.

5. Report anything suspicious -Keep your eyes and ears open. If something looks odd to you, it probably is. Is there a creepy guy hanging outside the teen club? A man who is asking dozens of single ladies to dance? A couple that is fighting in public left and right? Take a walk to the Purser’s Office and let the staff know. They will appreciate it, and you might just head off tomorrow’s top story.

Cruising is a fabulous experience, and it’s probably a lot safer than crossing your own street. Just think safe, and it will be smooth sailing all the way.

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