safety on cruise ships

[78232]

Has anyone ever experienced an unsafe or frightening incident while walking down the corridors among the cabins? I am trying to determine how much freedom to allow a teenage grandaughter.

Thanks

Marcia

[Kween Karen]

I have never experienced anything even close to frightening. I walk all over the ship alone....however I am not a teenage girl and I only travel HAL. HAL ships are not known as "party ships" and, to me, seem to be very safe. However.......I would guess that each cruise has its own combination of passengers and one can never be too careful.

Yours is a hard question to answer.....I would guess that after you get on the ship and get a feel for it and think about your daughter's level of "good judgement" you will be able to answer the question.

[rugbypopsie]

How teenaged? I have often cruised with my then teenagers only the 17 year old at home now...no problem at all. If your child is sensible and reliable I would let them have the run of the ship with pre agreed meeting times.

 

Generally I would encourage them to stick with the other teenagers.

 

Probably safer at sea than at the local mall.

[Copper10-8]

Has anyone ever experienced an unsafe or frightening incident while walking down the corridors among the cabins? I am trying to determine how much freedom to allow a teenage grandaughter.

Thanks

Marcia

 

The answer to your question is No, I haven't. However, it pays to have a sit down chat with your teenage grandaughter before you set foot on your ship. I would imagine, by you posing this question, that talk has already taken place in "real life" (on shore). Give her some ground rules as to what to do if, in the unlikely event, she finds herself in an "uncomfortable" situation by herself onboard a ship.

If in a corridor, have her start yelling for help, loud, plus start pounding on cabin doors, loud! Show her where the manual pull fire alarms on the walls are located, to be used only in an emergency. When in the ship's elevators, show here where the intercom or telephone is located (both go directly to the officer of the watch, on the bridge 24 hrs a day). On any "house phone" on the ship, just like on land, dialing 911 gets you assistance.

Make sure she understands not to go up on Sports (on the Vista's) and/or Sky (on the other ships) Deck (the very top deck, outside forward, by the ship's mast) late at night by herself! It's dark up there plus extra curricular activity has been known to go on out there. For that matter, the "Oasis" teens area at the rear top deck also can get very quite at night

Like others are saying, the HAL ships are not known as the party ships, and the type of incidents you are worried about do not happen 99.9% of the time. It always pays to be prepared however! Have a plan! Enjoy your cruise!:)

[RMLincoln]

With our grandchildren (girls 10 and 15, boy 13) the rules were:

 

#1 Don't fall off the ship - so NO climbing on railings EVER, not to sit, not to see better, not to take a picture! No horsing around, no joking, no daring each other.

 

#2 No visiting in other peoples cabins without one of US - not just any adult, US. Period.

 

I think Copper 10-8's advice is very good, and I added to those things that if you need help ask an officer, someone who's wearing an official jacket, not the bartenders if possible. They were quick to catch on to who were officers, who were in charge and who would better understand them, language wise.

[TracieABD]

I sleep poorly, and often get up and walk around the ship late at night or very early in the morning. I have never seen anything questionable.

 

Teaching our children logic and safety are two of the greatest gifts we can give them. Also, I tell my son the same thing that my mother always told me, "If it does not feel right, find home (a safe place)".

Best wishes on a wonderful cruise.:)

[78232]

Thanks for all the good info. I would never have thought of all the ways to get help and things to tell her.

We travel on HAL so I hope its sedate atmosphere will continue, I just consider it a group of people who know how to act right and use good manners.

Marcia

[MrsMuir]

All good advice -- except I don't understand why the bartenders would not be of help, RMLincoln. DH and I make friends with them right off the bat in the Ocean Bar and the Crow's Nest, our favorite watering holes. If any passenger, teenaged or not, were being bothered by someone, I'm sure a bartender or a waiter would assist her in some way if she asked for help.

 

The Beverage Staff are top-notch professionals and caring individuals. And how I miss Nestor, Nino, Jay, Ron, and Bisteck!

 

Mrs M, homesick for Zaandam.

[Winters in NZ]

While cruising during the American/Canadian school holiday times, when there are more teens on board, I have noticed some situations where individuals have put themselves at risk, particularly near the ship's railing. Perhaps in an effort to impress fellow teens and the current desire to capture such incidents on video, some of these incidents are becoming more brazen and daring. Hopefully your teen has the street/ship smarts to deal with these possible circumstances.

[sevenseasnomad]

We travel on HAL so I hope its sedate atmosphere will continue, I just consider it a group of people who know how to act right and use good manners.

Marcia

 

Most of us who love HAL would agree, but there is always that tiny less than half a % who can ruin a good thing. While we have never experienced any problem, we wish you and your granddaughter smooth sailing all the way 'round. We used to escort our son to the children's venue each day and pick him up later, but a teenager might be mortified to have an adult "tagging along." You have to do what you feel is in her best interest, and she should respect and love you for trying to keep her safe.

[RMLincoln]

All good advice -- except I don't understand why the bartenders would not be of help, RMLincoln. DH and I make friends with them right off the bat in the Ocean Bar and the Crow's Nest, our favorite watering holes. If any passenger, teenaged or not, were being bothered by someone, I'm sure a bartender or a waiter would assist her in some way if she asked for help.

 

The Beverage Staff are top-notch professionals and caring individuals. And how I miss Nestor, Nino, Jay, Ron, and Bisteck!

 

Mrs M, homesick for Zaandam.

 

The children had more trouble with people's language accents than we did, I guess because of lack of experience. I know I'm not being fully fair here, but it was our experience that officers were more open to dealing with the children, bartenders better for adults. It was the advice I gave them and you may disagree. I'm not putting down the bartenders, who have alwyas been friendly and excellent servers.

 

Here's an example from our experience.

 

One of the emergency situations we found ourselves in was a medical issue: My husband came upon a gentleman who had fallen in a doorway to the Lido, who was unconscious and just lying there. My husband was alone so went first for 911 help. Just a few steps away there was a bar just outside the door but the bartender couldn't leave there, didn't have a phone and didn't speak English well enough to communicate clearly in an emergency. My husband spotted an officer, caller to her and she got the message immediately, ran to a phone for 911 while my husband attended the gentleman.

 

That incident taught us to learn on the first day on a ship where the phone are. They are usually near the elevators, for example, as well as other places. Good to take note

[MrsMuir]

Thanks for clarifying, Maureen. Good point about the phones, too. I'll look for them next time.

 

Mrs M (still homesick for Zaandam)

[CowPrincess]

The reality is that your g-child is probably at more risk from people she won't consider as a threat. So you really need to discuss with her that going into anyone's cabin is absolutely off-limits, that going anywhere with just one other person (regardless of who that person is -- a new friend's parent or sibling, or a crew member, or anyone else) is absolutely forbidden. That just because that boy is "Janey's brother" (hence somehow perceived as someone she knows) does not mean the rules are suspended.

[room010]

It depends on the teenager. Some of them are pretty "street smart" and know the obvious ways to avoid putting themselves at risk, while others need to have it spelled out very clearly. As usual, alcohol is usually to blame for most "incidents" :(

[CowPrincess]

As usual, alcohol is usually to blame for most "incidents"

 

Oooooh, gonna disagree with you on this one. Opportunistic or manipulative creeps are to blame for most incidents, IMHO :( Those creeps may use alcohol as a tool, but it is the creep who has the plan and the "tools".

[Cruise4Sunshine]

Has anyone ever experienced an unsafe or frightening incident while walking down the corridors among the cabins? I am trying to determine how much freedom to allow a teenage grandaughter.

Thanks

Marcia

 

My 3 beautiful teenage daughters have traveled the seas many times as they grew. As blondies, there were more uncomfortable moments ashore than on the ship from gawking locals who somehow feel American girls are cheap and easy. However, as another poster suggested, the "stargazing" evenings on the top decks are code for "teen get togethers," sometimes involving an older brother who bought some beers. My kids were always honest and didn't want to get into any trouble. That's probably because we once saw a family offloaded mid-cruise in a Caribbean port, suitcases piled high, because of the teen's behavior. Be sure you establish an ABC (Activity Based Curfew) for the young lady, and know who she is hanging out with. Good luck!!!!

[tomc]

I saw a creep (seemed like a DOM) chatting up a tween in the Lido. She went over to her parents. Never saw the guy again and would have recognized him; I suspect he had a short cruise.

[serendipity1499]

How teenaged? I have often cruised with my then teenagers only the 17 year old at home now...no problem at all. If your child is sensible and reliable I would let them have the run of the ship with pre agreed meeting times.

 

Generally I would encourage them to stick with the other teenagers.

 

Probably safer at sea than at the local mall.

 

I disagree with your last statement (which I bolded)... Having retired from the travel business, I would never allow my children to have the run of the ship..A ship is actually a small city..We once made a mistake with our 14 year old & permitted him to go into an arcade alone next to our hotel in Europe.. Thank God he was back within 15 minutes, after having been approached by a deviant, who was interested in this cute little blond with a baby face...:mad: Since then we were much more vigilant while on vacation with him..

IMO a must read Paperback book for Passengers especially Parents/Grandparents would be "Unsafe on the High Seas" by Charles R. Lipcon, a veteran maritime attorney from Miami...He's been practicing law since the cruise industry started up..Mr. Lipcon says a "cruise ship is not a play land for children" & the "number one crime on Cruise Ships is sexual assault"..... He states that there were 206 reported crimes between 2003 & 2006..Of these 86% were sexual assaults & the majority of crimes are committed by crewmen assaulting passengers.. Many crimes are unreported & can't be prosecuted by Land based authorities, only because ships Officers want to get rid of the person (passenger or crew) who committed the crime..They are often disembarked at the next port of call & sent home...This book is actually a guide to a safer cruise & has excellent advice to help you protect yourself & your family while on a cruise..

 

The reality is that your g-child is probably at more risk from people she won't consider as a threat. So you really need to discuss with her that going into anyone's cabin is absolutely off-limits, that going anywhere with just one other person (regardless of who that person is -- a new friend's parent or sibling, or a crew member, or anyone else) is absolutely forbidden. That just because that boy is "Janey's brother" (hence somehow perceived as someone she knows) does not mean the rules are suspended.

 

Completely agree with your entire post..

To the OP, as others have said, I believe that HAL is probably a very safe cruise line to take children & teens on...Agree it's usually not a party ship..Also I'm not trying to scare you, but suggest that you take the advice of Copper10-8, Cow Princess & others who suggested that you prepare her before your cruise & also when you board..You can never be absolutely sure that you & your Granddaughter is completely safe...However, if you take all their advice with several meeting times & places in addition to not being alone & give her a reasonable curfew, hopefully you will have a wonderful worry free cruise...I've often returned to our cabin alone, but I'm always aware of my surroundings & have a plan, even on cruises..

Also if you go ashore, please don't leave her on board alone, even if it's in the "Oasis" (teen club)..You can never be sure that an accident will prevent you from re-boarding the ship & you certainly would be worried sick if the ship sailed without you with her on board..

 

Enjoy your cruise...:)Betty

[Davidson Duo]

I personally would not let any of my teen grandkids (male or female) wander the ship without me in the evenings, but during the daytime while at sea, I would certainly allow them some freedoms as long as we had discussed expectations before hand. Giving them the tools to be able to respond to threats and uncomfortable situations is a must - we set rules at home, and they know which neighbor houses they can run to for help, how to yell (loudly) for help, and how to dial 911. They also know that it isn't just a stranger that can pose a threat - well known friends and even family can be inappropriate and they know they should strongly leave any situation that makes them feel uncomfortable. It would be no different on a ship for us - you don't leave the room or us without the knowledge on how to remain safe.

 

Another reminder to your teens who might not realize the seriousness of the issue is that under no circumstances are they allowed to throw ANYTHING overboard. Many kids don't think about what they are doing, and have been known to toss bits of garbage (straws, paper, beverage cans, food, etc.) overboard either because they aren't paying attention, or because they are fooling around with a new friend and just follow what actions others around them are doing. Depending on the incident, this can result in up to the whole family being kicked off at the next port. Once we saw a couple of young teens having a great time making paper airplanes in a corner. Sounds harmless, but then one of them decided they should start throwing them and one almost went over the railing. An officer stopped it just in time, but the two kids were quickly taken to their respective parents and a serious discussion was had about their actions. Not something we think of often, but a good reminder.

 

Also remember to set down the rules of pool usage with the kids. They should never be in the pool unsupervised, should not be running, jumping off the edge, or splashing in the pool. Also letting them know they should be aware of others in the pool so that they don't cut in front of someone who is swimming laps, etc. Also, depending on the level of development a female teen is at, make sure her swimsuit is appropriate, especially if she is going to be at the pool or on a lounger without you. Just common sense reminders keep them safe and so they aren't getting into a situation where a passenger might take offense or advantage and put the teen in an uncomfortable position.

 

Most teens are fine with some freedom on board, but unlimited freedom should not be an option, for their safety and your ease of mind. I agree with the previous poster who said to talk about expectations before hand, and to get a feeling of your comfort level over the first couple of days then decide the freedoms you both feel happy with.

 

We have seen many teens on board who were having an awesome time and with some simple rules were able to remain safe without causing their parents undue worry. We hope you enjoy your cruise together - I'm sure you will both share some awesome memories! :)

[Chrislynn55]

On the Carnival Board there is a current thread about a bartender who was arrested for the rape of a 14 year old female passenger. Check it out. Having sailed both lines, there is, in our opinion, a huge difference between HAL and Carnival, but there is always the possibility that something could happen.

[TracieABD]

On the Carnival Board there is a current thread about a bartender who was arrested for the rape of a 14 year old female passenger. Check it out. Having sailed both lines, there is, in our opinion, a huge difference between HAL and Carnival, but there is always the possibility that something could happen.

Oh no... that poor girl...:(

[2cruisecats]

On our Med cruise I saw a young girl (10 or 11?) crying in the lounge. The bartender stopped what he was doing and went to the girl. He talked to her, took her to the bar, called someone and sat with her until they (quickly) arrived. That someone was one of the onboard medical staff. Several were annoyed that their drink orders were missing but the bartender did the right thing. I was impressed with him and how he handled the situation.

 

HAL ships are smaller, are not party ships, and the staff is well trained. I'm sure by following much of the advice from the previous posts, the kids will be safe.

[serendipity1499]

On the Carnival Board there is a current thread about a bartender who was arrested for the rape of a 14 year old female passenger. Check it out. Having sailed both lines, there is, in our opinion, a huge difference between HAL and Carnival, but there is always the possibility that something could happen.

 

The bartender was interviewed by the FBI & was just arrested earlier this month..He is being arraigned this week.. The assault was committed in April 2009, but the girl never told her Mother until several months later..She probably was scared & blamed herself.. IMO that's probably why so many assaults go un-reported.. This is the story of his arrest in Cruise Law News:

http://www.cruiselawnews.com/articles/sexual-assault-of-minors/

 

Here is another article about a 12 year old who was raped on another line: http://www.cruiselawnews.com/2009/10/articles/sexual-assault-of-minors/sexual-assault-of-children-on-cruise-ships-a-problem-the-cruise-community-wants-to-forget/

These articles are scary & only reinforce what many have said in this thread..Kids should be prepared in advance & should not be permitted the run of the ship without restrictions & plans to protect themselves..They should also be told that if something should happen they should not be afraid to report it...

Betty