If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Peace of mind starts at just $15.
Hence why it’s essential that travelers beaware of their belongingsand surroundings.
Credit:Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez
Cruising presents two different opportunities for theft: onboard and ashore.
Although it is rare to be a victim of theft while onboard, it still happens.
And as such, pinpointing global statistics for cruise ship incidents can be tricky.
Amazon
And, your travel bag should be equipped with smart accessories to help ward off would-be thieves.
Portable Lock Box
Amazon
Most cruise ship cabins come equipped with a personal safe.
But, these electronic safes all have master codes that unlock them.
Amazon
And, it’ll give you peace of mind to pack in your tote when you’re docked.
Nevertheless, you should still have some emergency cash and your passport on you.
I recommend keeping these essentials as close to your body as possible, ideally in a zippered pocket.
Amazon
Pickpockets are called that for a reason; theyre adept at snagging items from open, accessible pockets.
Personal Safety Alarm
Most theft comes up whenever a traveler isnt paying attention.
But on rare occasions, thieves can get more confrontational, especially if theyve cornered you alone.
Amazon
A loud personal safety alarm may be enough to send the thief running for fear witnesses may soon appear.
This is a wallet you carry with a few expired credit cards and a small amount of cash.
Cruise ships dont allow door locks due to ship safety (in case of fire, etc.
Amazon
), but a luggage lock is your next best bet for securing your belongings in your room.
VPN
Many travelers forget that some of their most valuable travel belongings are invisible.
Our personal data is at risk any time we connect to a public Wi-Fi connection ashore.
A VPN will provide you peace of mind for surfing the web safely no matter where you are.
Portable Charger
Phones are a travelers no.
If youve been a victim of theft, you dont want to be stranded with a battery-sapped phone.
You may need it to call for help, or to navigate the nearest police station.
Thats why its essential that you keep it full of charge.
Anti-theft Backpack
Backpacks are a great bag to take ashore for all-day exploring.
But, be careful wearing a backpack in a busy, crowded destination.
The chaos of crowds makes it easy for an opportunist to dip into your bag.
Alternatively, invest in a backpack with little to no accessible exterior pockets and zippers.
You could also use luggage locks looped through your backpacks zippers for extra safety.
A bag strap thats hefty and hard to slash through could save you from motorbike trickery.
Also, practice wearing your bag on the side of your body away from the street.
Extra: Travel Insurance
Travel insuranceon a cruise can come in handy for a number of scenarios.
Look into plans that willspecifically reimburse youfor the value of your stolen items.
Cruise passengers have their locked cabin to stow luggage, and most staterooms have in-room safes for high-value items.
Amazon
Every cruise ship also has a team of designated safety and security officers.
Everyone leaving and entering the ship is scanned using an electronic system.
No unrecorded people can enter the ship.
Whatsmore, most ships are equipped with video surveillance in public areas.
Every public space [is] constantly monitored by CCTV cameras, Cole tellsTravel + Leisure.
Pickpockets can be found milling in bustling destinations where the chaos makes it easy to get close to someone.
If you are a victim of theft while ashore, your first point of contact should be local police.
Redmond reminds travelers: Common sense rules still apply.
Most theft is theft of opportunity."
This means that crimes occur when travelers are negligent of their personal items.
Even savvy full-time travelers can be victims of theft.
