Planning for an Enjoyable Day in Port – Part 2 – Tips for Staying Safe While in Port

A day in a cruise port can provide you with unforgettable memories and experiences, but it is important to keep in mind you are visiting a foreign country. Consequently, it’s critical that you follow a few basic steps to ensure your pleasant port day does not turn into a safety issue.

First, let’s discuss whether cruise parts are actually safe to visit. The simple answer to this is that, generally speaking, yes. The local economy in and around cruise ports is highly dependent on tourism. Obviously, if crime is rampant, travelers will stop coming, ships will no longer stop, and that reliable source of income will dry up very quickly. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the local port to ensure the safety of travelers. With that said, there is always the potential for crime and fraud wherever you are so it’s a good idea to exercise due diligence.

Advise Others of Your Plans

Make a point of letting someone else know what your plans are when disembarking the ship to visit a port. I always give my daughter back home a basic run-down of what I’m doing while in port and when I plan to be back on the ship. I also provide her with contact information for tour operators, just in case there is a problem.

Make Yourself Aware of Any Local Scams or Crime

The U.S. State Department provides safety updates regarding travel locations. Take a few minutes before departure to familiarize yourself with those updates for the location where you will be traveling.

Keep Valuables Secure and Don’t Flaunt Money and Valuables

Leave any expensive jewelry on the ship, preferably in the safe in your cabin. Wearing expensive jewelry while in port only makes you a target. Plan to wear a fanny pack or a belt bag for keeping cash and cards secure.

Avoid Areas That Are Isolated

There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting away from the immediate terminal area and exploring the port. In fact, you should plan to do precisely that to make the most of your experience and fully appreciate the local culture. However, it’s important to stay vigilant and avoid putting yourself in any type of risky situation. Always make sure you are aware of your surroundings.

Don’t Hesitate to Utilize Public Transportation When Properly Researched

Many people are hesitant to use public transportation in a cruise port for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons for hesitating to use public transportation in a cruise port include communication concerns, cost factors, and fears over safety. As with anything else when traveling, proper research goes a long way. It is usually quite safe to use public transportation in many cruise ports. In fact, you will find that most cruise ports will have a line of well-marked taxis waiting to safely deliver you to nearby destinations. Additionally, many taxi drivers operating in port areas speak very good English, making it easy to communicate.

· If you plan to take public transportation, always make sure you use a taxi that is clearly marked and labeled. Never get into an unmarked vehicle.

· Discuss and agree on a rate before you get into the vehicle. Taxi rates in many port areas are highly regulated and there may even be signage nearby in English to let you know how much you can expect to pay.

· Always double-check the vehicle when you exit to be sure you are not leaving anything behind.

· Do consider tipping your driver.

· When properly handled, taking public transportation can provide you with a quick and efficient way to get between locations in a port while actually getting outside the immediate terminal area so you can actually see more of the local area.

Consider Hiring a Private Driver

As is the case with taking public transportation, hiring a private driver can be a good way to see more of the local area while staying perfectly safe. There are a few guidelines to keep in mind, however.

· Always research the driver or tour company and look for positive reviews. If you do not see many reviews or much of an online presence, exercise caution and select another driver or tour company.

· Confirm the price ahead of time in writing and confirm what is specifically included in the price, including the number of passengers. Also confirm pickup details, including location.

· Make sure you are aware of the type of vehicle that will be operated.

On a recent trip to Roatan, we hired a private driver for the day at a cost of $100 for the two of us. We booked with a well-known tour company that has been in business for many years. Our guide had lived in the United States, spoke excellent English, and drove us in a newer model vehicle with air conditioning. We felt perfectly safe the entire time. Our driver took us the locations we asked to visit and even showed us some of the best viewpoints on the island. We were on our own timeline the entire time and were able to see and do exactly what we wanted without being at the whims of an overcrowded tour bus. The cost was less than the cost of an excursion booked through the cruise line.

Use Wisdom when Booking Excursions

When you book your cruise, the cruise line will provide you with the opportunity to book all kinds of excursions. You can also usually still book these tours from the cruise line app or a kiosk once on the ship, although availability may be limited. It’s usually fairly easy to access these excursions after you enter the port area. The benefit of these excursions is that the ship guarantees you will be back on time. The drawback to such excursions is that they are usually more expensive than independent tours.

If you do opt for an independent tour, take the time to research ahead of time and select a tour company that has been in business for a while and that offers a return to ship on time guarantee. Always read reviews before you book.

Be Aware of Local Cultural Traditions and Laws

When traveling to any foreign locale, it’s important to be aware of local cultural traditions and laws. For instance, civilians in many Caribbean countries are forbidden to wear camouflage, as it is associated with law enforcement or military personnel. This includes all colors and types of camouflage. Therefore, if you are planning to visit Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, or Trinidad and Tobago, plan to leave your camo at home.

Your cruise line will usually do a good job of advising you prior to departure of any relevant laws you need to be made aware of. On a recent cruise to Mexico with port calls in Costa Maya and Cozumel, passengers were reminded ahead of time not to bring e-cigs and/or vapes into port.

Be prepared for the fact that the local military and/or law enforcement may have a different presence than what you are accustomed to seeing. The first time we were in a cruise port and I saw a truck marked as policía with uniformed men riding in the back with rifles, it was honestly a bit disconcerting. Now, I don’t think anything of it when in Mexico.

Support and Engage with Locals

Don’t be afraid to get away from the terminal area to support and engage with locals. As long as you exercise caution and due discretion, you can easily develop a greater appreciation for the local culture while still remaining perfectly safe.