Ensuring safety is crucial when embarking on a cruise.
Despite traveling to fairly secure nations, it remains crucial to keep in mind that you’re not in the United States anymore—not that every part of the U.S. is entirely safe either. Regardless of where tourists venture, risks persist, so staying alert is essential.
In truth, numerous cruise port destinations feature enclosed zones designed to be extremely secure. While you might encounter aggressive salespeople, these areas boast robust security measures, and the local presence is limited to just the merchants.
After stepping beyond those zones, it becomes crucial to make wise decisions. Despite secure harbors having their risks, it’s essential for you to stay informed.
Related: Passengers on Royal Caribbean cruises call for extension of key ban to encompass all cruise lines
Most of the time, maintaining safety comes down to using good judgment. Remain in well-populated zones and strive to not be isolated.
Arrange tours through the cruise line or with trusted, reliable operators.
It isn’t difficult to stay safe, but it’s crucial to keep being mindful.
Executive Editor Dan Kline of Come Cruise With Me and Dennis Post from PostCard Travel Planning offer some safety advice for downtown areas in Aruba.
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Ways to remain secure when visiting cruise port destinations
Transcript:
Dan Kline:
Greetings, cruisers! I’m Dan Kline, the Executive Editor at Come Cruise With Us. Next to me is Dennis Post, who is one half of the ownership team at our travel agency collaborator, Postcard Travel Planning.
Dennis, you’ve been hearing quite a bit about how some areas of the Bahamas can be risky. Currently, we’re in Aruba, which is known for being particularly secure. However, earlier today when you went up, you managed to get us a taxi.
How can you tell if you’re in Nassau, Cozumel, or Aruba? And how do you determine which taxi is safe to use?
Sure, you’re ex-military; you can handle just about anyone. As for me, I lack those skills. It would be simple for me to end up as a captive and get dismembered before being sent back to my family in bits and pieces.
What steps should one take to determine which taxi is reliable and which is not?
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Dennis Post:
Therefore, most of the ports, including all those we typically visit, usually have a taxi service managed by the government. This should be your primary option. It’s best not to venture onto less-traveled roads for transportation purposes as that could lead to issues with taxis.
That’s the initial point then.
The second point is that they typically come with licenses and stickers. We once encountered an issue where someone fell victim to using a taxi without proper licensing; this happened at a port I can’t recall specifically.
Kline:
It could occur anytime, anywhere. Yes. Additionally, I would suggest not being alone as another point to consider.
Unless you consider yourself too rugged for such inquiries, avoid being solitary and find out the cost. For instance, say, “I’m interested in going to this beach. Could you tell me approximately how much it would cost?”
I am currently in Cozumel. My plan is to head over to Mr. Sancho’s. They mentioned going to Paradise Island will cost X per person or X based on the distance traveled.
That’s right. The specifics might differ depending on the location, but avoid taking a taxi. It’s similar to choosing not to go to a restaurant.
Either they display question marks for the prices or mention ‘market price.’ Lobster tends to cost even higher with this approach. Always inquire beforehand, be aware of your destination, and apply good judgment.
Aruba is considered safe and poses no danger; however, it’s advisable not to flaunt your wealth. Similarly, avoid discussing the valuable gems you recently acquired.
Avoid wearing your golden crown. No matter what happens, stay wise and cautious. I’m Dan Kline. This is Dennis Post. Join our sailing trip soon.
(The Arena Group will receive a commission if you make a reservation for a cruise.)
Schedule a complimentary meeting with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, at your convenience.
, or send an email to Amy Post at
amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com
or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
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