Cruises....Any advise on keeping safe?

Question

My daughter and I are going on a Carribean cruise during March break. I've been hearing horror stories....rape, missing, murder. She's 16. We are going with my brother and his wife. How can I make sure my daughter is safe. They have an O2 lounge only for teens and she won't be able to accompany us to the casino.

Answer 1

We cruise often with our teen and tween as well as with other younger family members.

We use the 2-way radios to keep in touch while on board.  You can buy them at Wal-Mart, Target, Radio Shack.

Spring Break is a zoo!  But your daughter will likely find vacation friends very quickly.   Same rules apply while on board as while on land...manage your drink, avoid going to cabins alone, be in places with other people, avoid deserted areas...

Answer 2

I travel alone with my 12 year old ofter, twice on cruises. Like anywhere else being aware is the most important step in being safe. I have never had any fears while on any of the 6 cruises I have been on. The o2 lounge is fun, my older sons participate , but the kids do tend to run in packs which can be good or bad. Make time to spend with your daughter. Don't waste wonder time at sea in the casino. Its dark and like any other casino. There are activities for the older kids when you could go to the casino but make memories with her. Have fun

Answer 3

I cruise every year and is real safe

horror stories happen anywhere just

make sure that your daughter  make

friends with people her age and she will

be fine she is going to make many many friends you will have a blast

Answer 4

Being on a cruise ship is safer than most big cities.  However, you still have to use some common sense.  Your daughter should not go into anyone else's cabin (unless you are with her) and she should not allow anyone else into her cabin (unless you are with her).  Also, she does not get off the ship without you.

When she is with others her age in Club O2 she will be fine.

Answer 5

Since your daughter cannot go into some of the places like the Casino, have her escorted to and from your room with someone.  If it's a cruise employee, see if you can get the same person each and everytime she needs to be escorted to be with her when you can't, and make sure it's a woman.  Tell them you don't want them to leave until the room has been checked for someone who could be hiding and waiting while you're out of the room.  Tell your daughter not to leave or go anyone unaccompanied and if she protests, tell her about the couple who went on a cruise and the groom has been missing for the last 3 years (I think she had someone throw him overboard) and of the young college student who hasn't been seen in 2 years.  Many of the people they hire might not speak english and alot of them also have criminal records, just do not trust the cruise line to protect you especially if you are in international waters.

Answer 6

You could try doing things she could share with you. That way you would be together. A casino is pretty much a casino, which you can visit any time you have some extra money to donate to casino owners.

Answer 7

cruises are very safe. those events do happen but at a much lower rate than even the smallest town in the US. Do what you do anywhere else, keep in groups until you get to know people, do not go out late alone, do not go into any elses cabin. If you have any problems all cruise lines have security, tell them. In ports keep to your group no matter what, and be very careful in shopping areas they will try to seperate you and that is where problems come from. The O2 club is going to be very safe with cruise line people there all the time.

Answer 8

Cruises are safe for everyone. Just use common sense. Cruises are probably the safest way to travel anywhere.

Answer 9

There will be lots and lots of teens on board your cruise.  Just talk to your daughter about being sensible and not going to someone elses cabin for a "party" or something else.

She is not going to want to stay with Mom and Uncle all the time.  You just have to impress upon her what has happened to other teen girls on rare occasions while on cruises.  Do not let her go without you while on shore, by all means.  She could accidently miss the ship's sailing just by being a normal teen and not paying attention to the time.  A ship will set sail at precisely the given time - no matter if a passenger is not back on board.

On the whole, a cruise is extremely safe.  Just encourage your daughter to use her common sense and everything will be fine.