Eight Easy Ways to Protect Your Belongings on a Crowded Cruise Ship

If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you already know that they’re usually heavily crowded. Being around lots of people may be something you enjoy, but there’s always a risk that your belongings may get stolen through theft or even pick-pocketing.

From ensuring your valuables to locking them up safely, here are the eight easiest ways to protect your belongings on a crowded cruise ship.

Take Copies of Your Essential Documents

You rarely need to carry your original documents around with you on a cruise ship. Wherever possible, make copies of your documents and keep them instead. Losing your originals is much worse than having copies stolen, so opt for copies and keep your originals at home.

Yes, some thieves are after your information, but having your originals safely tucked away will protect you in identity theft cases.

Make Sure You Have Adequate Insurance on Your Valuables

Did you know that if you have renters insurance your personal belongings are even covered from theft while you’re abroad?

This cover isn’t just limited to the property you’re renting but often extends to all your valuables when you travel. Take out a renters insurance policy that includes your jewelry, devices, and other valuables while you travel.

Stay Observant When in Public

Public places like restaurants, casinos, and shops will often be the most crowded while you enjoy your cruise. You need to be more diligent about who’s around you. Take note of people who are standing too close to you or even those who “accidentally” bump into you.

Pickpockets use distractive tactics to take your attention off your pockets or bags, so if you’re carrying around valuables, invest in a lockable bag that’s difficult to penetrate. If your wallet is in your pocket, keep your hands close to it to avoid being snatched.

Opt for a Ship Safe Facility for Easy Lockup

Speak to your cruise director about paying a little extra for a safe. Lock your items in the safe, especially those you don’t need to carry around. Also, avoid carrying items around when you don’t need to. This includes devices and expensive jewelry & watches.

If it can be locked up, use the ship’s facilities to keep your expensive items safe so that you can enjoy your vacation without being concerned about thieves.

Leave Valuables in Your Cabin

Your cabin will be a lockable area where you can easily leave valuable items. Yes, the ship’s staff will clean your cabin regularly, which can put your items at risk. However, most cruise ship theft takes place in an open view in a way that is usually not noticeable.

If possible, leave your valuable items in your cabin when walking through the ship and lock them in a cabin safe.

Tag Certain Items with Tracking

RFID tracking allows you to tag some items you simply cannot afford to have stolen. These items can subsequently be tracked if they get lost or stolen.

Research RFID tracking and add this safety measure to your devices and credit cards so that you’re not stuck on a ship with no way to pay for your amenities. This is one sure way to prevent theft and also a great way to catch thieves if they have targeted you somehow.

Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight

As proud as you might be about that new iPhone or those gold earrings, this is no time to show off. Making others aware of your nice items may tempt fate.

Thieves are always looking for valuable items to steal, which are easy to sell for quick cash. Consider what you take on your cruise vacation and leave those valuable items at home if possible.

Work as a Team

Chances are you’re not going on this cruise alone. Work with your companions, friends, and/or family to look after each other. Consider assigning one person to be the designated lookout to keep valuables safe while others are swimming, gambling, or enjoying ship amenities.

If everyone you’re with is aware that theft is a real risk to avoid, thieves will feel less lucky when they consider targeting your group.

Final Thoughts

You want to have fun on your cruise without worrying about losing your stuff. But crowded places like cruise ships tend to be hotbeds for pickpockets and phishing scams, so be careful.

Also, remember that your information is valuable, so if you’re in a Wi-Fi hotspot, keep your devices up to date with the latest security software or VPN to ensure all aspects of your vacation are secure.