The dark side of dream vacations: FBI warning to cruise ship travelers. Photo: Shutterstock A cruise vacation is a fantasy of peace, scenery, and pampering. However, it is a "floating city" that is home to thousands of strangers, and like any city, criminal incidents can occur. Among other things, the FBI notes that common crimes on ships include assaults, robberies, thefts, and suspicious deaths.
To ensure that the vacation remains safe, the FBI publishes precautionary rules.
Always lock your cabin door with the internal security lock. Do not open the door to people you do not know, even if they introduce themselves as staff, unless you have ordered a service (such as room service).
Do not leave cash, expensive jewelry, passports, or valuable electronic devices lying around in the room. Only use the safe inside the cabin.
Similar to spending time on land, do not leave drinks unattended in ship bars or clubs, and avoid accepting open drinks from strangers.
Do not allow small children to wander around the ship, on the pool decks, or in the elevators alone. Set a regular "meeting point" in advance in case someone gets lost.
If you feel in danger, have been harassed, or have been injured - contact the ship's security officer or the main reception desk immediately. Do not wait to return to shore.