A concern on cruises?

[autism4me]

You hear news about people disappearing, getting sick from Nora virus (?) ,falling overboard etc. Is there visable security on board? Do they have their own police force? Who do you go to if you need help or have been robbed etc? This will be our first cruise, so I have worries.

[ScurvyDog]

Originally Posted by autism4me

You hear news about people disappearing, getting sick from Nora virus (?) ,falling overboard etc. Is there visable security on board? Do they have their own police force? Who do you go to if you need help or have been robbed etc? This will be our first cruise, so I have worries.

Many of the stories you hear or read about people going overboard are caused by alcohol or suicide. Use common sense and you will be fine. Security is visable on the ship. Carnival has a security force but they are rarely needed for anything more than watching for safety issues. Just use the same precautions you use on land and you will be absolutely safe. As for Noro it can happen anywhere there is a large number of people in a confined space. Frequent and thorough hand washing will usually keep you safe. Just don't touch things when you don't need to and wash hands thoroughly before eating. Hand sanitizers and papers to keep you from touching the handle on the bathroom door are available...use them.
The Holiday is an older ship. I have been on it several times and always had fun. It is a great value from a local port and I would not hesitate to go again. That said if you are looking for total luxury this may not be the ship for you. It is not representative of the newer ships and if you are looking for minor issues you may find them. As for Camp Carnival they are usually great but I have no idea if they are trained to deal with special issues. Thoroughly explain the situation with your GD and then make a decision. Hope this helps answer some of your questions.

[David West]

Originally Posted by autism4me

You hear news about people disappearing, getting sick from Nora virus (?) ,falling overboard etc. Is there visable security on board? Do they have their own police force? Who do you go to if you need help or have been robbed etc? This will be our first cruise, so I have worries.

I have been on 7 cruises with Carnival. Never had a problem . Service has always been great, with no complaints from any part of the ship. You are really, pretty safe on the ship.

One thing is for sure, you can't just fall off a ship. You either have to be thrown, or its suicide.

As Scurvydog stated, use good common sense, as you would at home, and you should be fine.

Happy Sailing to all;
David

[mehawk]

You will be fine as long as you don't act stupid like those unfortunate souls did. Accidents don't just "happen".

[scubapete]

I have yet to go on my first cruise, but I cannot imagine getting robbed onboard ship. Who would pay money to go on a tropical crime spree? Where would the robbers go hide out after the deed? Has anyone even heard about someone being robbed, or vicitm to other crimes apart from the few who go over the rail?

[Sammy1954]

I have cruise several times and if you pay attention to whats going on around you you will have no problems.
If you use common sense you will have no problems.
You keep your money locked up in a safe in your room cause you
cant spend it on the ship any way unless going to the casino.
You can't fall off the ship unless you want to or some one can pick you
up and throw you off.
if you wash your hands alot you wont get sick or should not.
The carnival ships are very clean.
If you are worried on the islands then stick with carnival tours so
you are back to the ship on time. They wont wait for you if you are
out on your own.
Take a old gift card to lock your safe in your room. Dont use your
room card to lock it.
Most of the ships you use a card to lock the safe some may have a
key pad . Then you would make up a set of numbers.
Your first stop if you have any problems on the ship is the pursers
office. Just remember common sense and do things in pairs not alone
and you will be fine.
Carnival wants everyone to have a good time and enjoy them self and
for no one to get hurt, robbed or get sick.
Just go have alot of fun ...
Sammy

[lhp]

All I can do is relate our families experiences. After 26 years and more cruises than that on most of the ships that Carnival has sailing ....

never even close to an incident where I felt unsafe. Not even in the least.

We started sailing with our sons when they are 5 and 8. Camp Carnival was always perfect with them. Our youngest son has autism, so I am UBBER OCD on his care. They have exceeded our expectations time and time again.

Yes, you can get the Norwalk Virus....but you get it at schools, hospitals, nursing homes, restaurants and colleges too. That does not mean we stop using these institutions.

Wash your hands. We also use Bayer's Daily Defense that lasts for 3 hours.

Common sense is all you need to pack to have a fabulous vacation on a cruise!

[john august smith]

There is a problem with the virus, but most ships are very careful about cleanliness. on our last trip to trinidad the ship sprayed the passengers hands when they entered any place serving food. just be careful with your own hygiene. we have cruised 30 times and never heard of anyone being robbed. first time cruisers should take the off boat tours thru the ships operators. wandering around on your own is not a good idea.

[Snoozeman]

Originally Posted by lhp

We also use Bayer's Daily Defense that lasts for 3 hours.

I googled it, didn't find anything

[venice]

just curious the meaning behind your screen name ?

[misguidedangel]

I cruise solo and I have yet to have a problem. Ok, there was one problem, but it was all my own fault. I left my change purse in the casino and someone was kind enough to return the EMPTY change purse to to pursers desk without the change (under $4) and keys to my luggage locks....The luggage locks are what I missed because now each suitcase has two locks, but only one has a key that works......

The security is around, and they are there if anything happens, so don't worry. Go, have a good time!

[lhp]

Originally Posted by Snoozeman

I googled it, didn't find anything

Oops....

Vicks...not Bayer.

It sprays a foam into your hands that lasts up to 3 hours.
(Cucumber Mint Scent....)

[huffca]

Relax and enjoy. I usually travel with one of my girlfriends and we have always felt very safe. I think the things you hear in the news have possible some link to alcohol and drugs. Like everyone said use the common sence you would use when ever traveling anywhere and you will be fine.

[ShotoJuku]

Originally Posted by autism4me

Is there visable security on board? Do they have their own police force?

You're not planning anything now - are you?

[NancyB]

We have sailed 5 times and each time has been wonderful. My 3 teenage girls (16,18,19) decided one night to "run around all night" and the only people they ran into were secuirity guards who told them to GO to their rooms." I was quite happy about that.
We are going again in July.
Just as stated before, be smart. The ships are Floating cities, with a very small percent of crime.
Have Fun,
Nancy

[cruisecouple]

I sailed on Liberty on May 4th and for the first time I noticed the overabundance of security cameras all over the ship and when I was in port I happened to notice all of the exterior security cameras. Truthfully, this made me feel very secure. Two things it meant, monitoring for people who might want to do something foolish and preventing people from trying to board that shouldn't be boarding....

[Cop5101]

Although I'm a newbie to the world of cruising (my first cruise was on the Conquest and I leave June 19th on the Fantasy) I think the cruise ships are probably safer than a lot of places on land. There are security officers on board within screaming distance and they are most helpful. Pay attention to your surroundings and you should be okay. As for the virus, you can catch it any where there is a large group of people. Since I'm a public school teacher and am exposed to every and all viruses and diseases known to man, I'm probably immune to it Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizer. I hope you have a great cruise, just be warned - CRUISING IS ADDICTIVE! 8)

[Cassandra]

Don't believe the Media - they blow EVERYTHING out of proportion.

It's amazing how much people get suckered & believe to a religious fault of everything the media says!

[Joe323]

I remember one time I tripped on the Lido deck of The Sensation and before I could look up Security was on top asking if I was OK. The ships are very safe as others have said just use common sense.