Each year, millions of people enjoy cruise vacations. Being out at sea around the world can be a truly magical experience for boat tour lovers and sea-enthusiats. While most trips run smoothly, accidents and crimes do occur.

Take precautions to ensure the best safety and security on the ship. Participate in mandatory safety drills, and always lock both cabin doors (including balcony door) when leaving. Here are other helpful cruise tips to help in every situation, from night cruises in Paris to weeklong cruises in Africa:

Know Your Cabin Number

As part of booking your cruise, you have the ability to select your cabin type (inside, balcony or suite) as well as room location. Selecting an optimal room can make all the difference between peaceful slumbering conditions and noisy or awkward berths.

On cruise ships, cabin locations are assigned numbers. Lower and more central cabins tend to experience less swaying and rolling while those located towards the bottom and at the back (aft) may be noisier, especially if above service areas, bars, nightclubs, or theaters.

Once booked, cabin numbers often aren’t known until approximately one week prior to sailing – particularly if a guarantee cabin was booked; when this occurs, you agree to let the cruise line select your cabin in exchange for a discounted rate.

Wear a Lifejacket

While on a cruise, it’s wise to travel in groups. This is especially important when traveling with children as leaving them unsupervised puts them at risk of sexual assault – the leading crime on cruises.

Avoid overindulgence of alcohol on any cruise; doing so increases your chances of accidents and can put you more at risk from theft or assault.

At the start of every cruise ship journey, a safety briefing must take place, often prior to setting sail. Listen in carefully so as to learn where your muster station and other emergency protocols are located and any water warnings posted around the ship.

Don’t Walk Alone

Vacation is often associated with relaxation and forgetfulness when it comes to safety and health concerns, but cruise ships should be treated like floating cities; to stay safe while enjoying yourself safely. Take the same measures you would when on land to keep safe on board as well.

Alcohol is one of the primary culprits behind personal safety incidents on cruise ships, so consume responsibly and always remain aware of your surroundings at all times. Furthermore, crew-only areas are restricted for good reason as they could become hazardous if entered.

Your ship is likely to conduct a safety drill known as a muster drill before leaving port. Listen carefully during its briefing and don’t ignore it like many do: talking or texting during muster drills, using cellphones during them or trying to gain entry through closed bars in search of drinks while hiding away in their cabins in hopes of sneaking by unscrupulous crew members or getting away with something illegal.

Don’t Drink to Excess

While cruise travel does pose risks, such as the potential spread of infectious illnesses in confined spaces, it should also be remembered that cruise lines follow an extensive set of regulations in order to ensure passenger safety.

Alcohol can impair judgment, so it is wise to drink responsibly during cruises. Furthermore, strangers should never accept drinks for you without first first checking with you first as their intentions may not include protecting your safety.

Never lean against or climb on the railings of a ship – their purpose is to prevent passengers from falling overboard, not as an opportunity to climb. Finally, smoking is only allowed in certain areas on board; any violation could incur a fine.

Don’t Go to Crew-Only Areas

Cruise lines frown upon passengers who breach crew spaces on multiple occasions and may ask them to disembark before the cruise is finished. Guests should avoid entering areas which are restricted for crew only and particularly avoid going near railings or machinery.

On the first day of every cruise, passengers must undergo a mandatory safety briefing and muster drill. These essential sessions provide essential information regarding where they should assemble in case of emergency and how best to don life jackets.

Many cruise lines host meet-and-greet events at the start of a trip, which provide great opportunities to meet fellow travellers and form friendships – which in turn reduces your risk of pickpocketing or scamming by becoming easy prey for scammers or pickpockets.

Don’t Open Your Door to Strangers

Cruises provide an enjoyable and stimulating experience that many people look forward to; however, there are also risks involved with cruising that should be observed for a successful and enjoyable voyage. Here are some important safety guidelines that should help ensure a fun-filled and safe vacation cruise experience.

Cruise ships can be like mini cities with hundreds of people packed into close quarters – this creates many opportunities for accidents and crimes to occur on board.

Always lock your cabin door (and any balcony doors, if applicable) when sleeping or away from the room. Also be mindful when giving out information about your cabin number to others and do not leave valuables unattended. Finally, avoid leaning against or climbing on railings during rough seas as this is dangerous and could result in falling overboard.

Don’t Leave Your Valuables Unattended

As soon as you step on a cruise ship, it can be easy to focus on enjoying umbrella drinks by the pool and tanning your skin, or even leaving the boat to go on a boat tour in the destination of the day. Though safety and health may not immediately cross your mind, they should.

Although it may seem obvious, be sure to listen attentively during your first day onboard for mandatory safety briefings. They provide invaluable information such as where lifeboats and evacuation procedures can be found as well as valuable safety tips.

Make sure that when storing valuables, the room safe is used – otherwise your cabin steward may not be able to find them when cleaning your room! Furthermore, never leave your door unlocked for strangers, particularly if you’re alone on your balcony.