Short, plain answers to the cruise safety questions we hear most. For more detail, follow the links to the topic pages.
Are cruise ships safe in rough seas?
Ocean cruise ships are designed for open-sea conditions and are fitted with stabilizers that reduce rolling. The captain routes around severe weather. Rough days can be uncomfortable, but the ship is built for them; if you are prone to seasickness, choose a lower, midship cabin.
What does the emergency alarm sound like?
The general emergency alarm is seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast on the ship’s whistle and alarm bells. It is demonstrated at the safety briefing. Crew drills in port use different coded announcements that guests can ignore.
What if I miss the safety briefing?
Attendance is required. If you miss it, guest services will arrange a make-up session. It is short and worth doing.
Is the water on a cruise ship safe to drink?
Yes. Ships produce or bunker potable water and treat it to strict standards; water quality is one of the areas the CDC Vessel Sanitation Program inspects on ships that sail from U.S. ports.
How secure is my cabin?
Cabins use electronic locks linked to your cruise card or app, and access to crew areas is controlled. Use the in-cabin safe for passports, cash and jewelry, and lock your balcony door when you leave.
Can I get medical help on board?
Yes. Every ocean cruise ship has a medical center with doctors and nurses. Care is charged to your onboard account, so travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended.
What happens if someone falls ill at sea and needs a hospital?
The medical team stabilizes the patient and arranges a transfer ashore at the next suitable port; in rare cases the ship diverts or an evacuation is arranged. Evacuation can be very expensive, which is why evacuation cover is worth having.
Are excursions safe?
Most are perfectly safe and great fun. Ship-sold tours use vetted operators and the ship knows where the groups are. Whatever you book, wear the life jacket provided on water tours and follow the guide’s instructions.
Who checks that cruise ships are safe?
The ship’s flag state certifies it under international rules, classification societies survey its hull and machinery, and port authorities such as the U.S. Coast Guard examine foreign-flagged ships carrying passengers from their ports.
Is solo travel on a cruise safe?
Many people cruise alone. Use common sense as you would in any resort: watch your drink, keep your cabin number private, and tell someone where you are going ashore.
Read More
- How cruise ships keep you safe — SOLAS, lifeboats, drills and screening.
- Health at sea — medical centers, norovirus and insurance.
- Safety in port — advisories, STEP and excursions.
- Hurricane season — how ships route around storms.
- Safety tips for families — pools, balconies and kids’ clubs.
Cruising with limited mobility, hearing or vision needs? Our sister site Accessible Ocean Cruises covers cabins, tenders and equipment.
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