Safety on Board:

We've all heard the news, someone falls off a ship or otherwise disappears; but why? I am not about to attempt to guess at the answer, so this is strictly my own opinion. However, one thing is for sure; there are many documented accounts of passengers that deliberately jump overboard. From my experience on the ships, there is no way you could accidentally fall overboard, as the railings are quite massive and secure. Ships that sail into US ports are subject to not only international law, but also to USCG regulations, and they are frequently inspected. I have always felt as safe on a ship as anywhere else. During the cruise, you'll also see the crew conduct an evacuation drill, complete with the lowering of lifeboats and driving them around for awhile. This has to enforce your feeling of safety.

Yes, people do get sick on ships, and occasionally they die; whether from natural causes such as a heart-attack, jumping overboard, accidents, or perhaps other reasons. Is there crime on ships? I am sure that it happens from time to time as well. However, you need to put it into perspective. Considering all of the cruise lines in operation, and all of the ships, what is the estimate of how many people and crew are aboard at any one time? Its not unconcieveable to me that there could be as many as 100,000 people on board all of the world's cruise ships on any given week.

While the 100,000 figure is just a guess on my part, I'd challenge you to find any city in the United States with a population of 100,000 or more that has zero crime, zero suicides, and zero deaths from illness and accidents over a year's time period. My point is, people on cruise ships come from all walks of life, and more or less, represent a cross-section of the population as a whole. Things that happen on land probably happen on the ship as well. So in reality, statistics on a cruise ship merely reflect's society. But i'd venture to guess that you are probably actually safer on a cruise ship than you would be on shore, as people are on vacation, and tend to be on their best behavor.

When you consider the typical cruise, including the crew, there may be people from over 100 countries, with everyone living aboard in relatively harmony. I think everyone gets along quite well, and the cruise lines usually make it a point to emphasize this, but its true.

Cruise ships also typically have a medical staff on board, with modern facilities. If warranted, a cruise ship can also medivac someone; well at least in the Caribbean. Fact is, even though the ship may be cruising on a round trip itinerary of 2,000 miles or more, the ship is often fairly close to shore, at least compared to a trans-atlantic voyage. But life is life, and people have accidents or become ill every day, whether they are on a ship or not.

Still, it is wise to be prudent, especially when you are visiting an island. You are no longer in the United States, and I am sure there are areas on certain islands that you simply should not visit. So be mindful of your surroundings, and if you do go out on your own, be sure that the area youi want to visit is safe.

Cruise ships also steer well away from hurricanes and other bad weather. This means you may be on an alternate route, but the primary goal is to stay safe, and have a good time; neither of which can be done if everyone is seasick.