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You have booked your dream vacation. A great cruise to some special ports where it is warm or exotic or both. The good news is that unless you are particularly fussy about things, there is no such thing as a bad cruise if the ship stays afloat. While cruises are among the very safest ways to vacation, some precautions are in order to assure the personal safety of you and your loved ones.

Do not carry or flash large amounts of cash or valuables.

With 3,000 or more passengers on most cruise ships, there are likely to be at least a few undesirable people on board. Use the same care in this instance that you would use at all other times when you are in an unfamiliar place. It would be highly unlikely that anyone would attack you on the ship, but why invite trouble? Lock up your valuables in the room safe and leave them there except for a special time or two.

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Store anything that you will need for returning home in the safe.

Your passport, car keys, wallet, checkbook, credit cards, and other personal materials like these should be locked up in the safe. You will need them when you get back to the home port. You will not really need them until then. So, put them where they cannot be lost or stolen. You will only need cash when you are off of the ship. So, store it here, too.

Stay away from unlit areas when you are alone.

Everyone is trained to avoid dark alleys and unlit streets. The same is true for the cruise ship if you are alone. It is probably safe, but it is a risk that you do not have to take. As long as you are a couple or small group, it will be safer.

Keep all small children accounted for at all times.

You can take advantage of children’s programs on the ship to watch your children during the day and early evening. If they are with you, make sure that they stay with you and do not wander off. The same potential risks exist everywhere for small children. Take care of your kids.

Take extra cautions when you are away from the ship in a foreign port.

Always remember that nearly every port that you exit the ship is not your native country. They have different laws and customs. You are not a citizen and have no real rights there if you are arrested. The United States government will not always rush to your rescue. Act like you are a guest. Also, think of yourself as a target. It is not just the merchants that are trying to pick your pocket. If you get in personal trouble from danger, you will not know how to call for help. Those who hear you may not even understand your language. Most ports cater to the cruise ships. However, that does not mean that all of the locals will love your presence in their city or their country.

Keep your cruise ship ID with you at all times when you are away from the ship.

You have to use your ID to exit and re-enter the ship. You may need a picture ID besides. Keep these on your person always. Those who are unsavory at ports of call will be looking for people who seem lost or stranded to turn into their victims. Even when you are on the ship, you need to keep this card handy. It serves as your room key and an on board credit card for the ship. All purchases are made with this card. It is backed by a credit card or cash that you have deposited with the cruise line for this purpose.

Put you name and ID tags on everything.

This will help assure that you get your luggage and other items delivered to your room. It can also help with their recovery if they are mishandled or lost. Let those that you are cruising with know anytime that you will be out and about so that someone is looking for your return. This will help them to come looking for you quicker if you have an issue develop like a heart attack.