Sight Seen

With the growing popularity of cruise vacations, more Canadians want to ensure a problem-free voyage. Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada recommends that you take certain precautions to ensure your well-being during a cruise: Purchase travel and health insurance, including coverage for accidental injury and medical evacuation. Your provincial health plan may not cover anything or only a portion of medical expenses. Carry a valid Canadian passport when transiting through another country to join a cruise. Be prepared to hand over your passport to ship authorities, in accordance with administrative regulations. Keep a photocopy of your passport's identification page. Leave a copy of your itinerary, passport identification page, and travel and health insurance policy with family or friends in Canada. Avoid becoming the target of an assault or robbery by being aware of your surroundings at all times, never opening your door to strangers, and not allowing yourself to be isolated with someone you do not know or trust. Always check the ship's departure time before going ashore. Protect your safety during shore excursions by confirming that tour guides are reputable and insured. Contact a travel medicine clinic well before departure to determine your need for immunizations and preventive medication as well as measures to avoid disease. Watch what you eat and drink: alert the cruise line of special dietary needs in advance and insist on bottled water while ashore. If you are handicapped or chronically ill, enquire before booking whether your needs will be met aboard the ship. Remember to bring an extra pair of eyeglasses in case of breakage or loss. Stay safe by participating in lifeboat drills, ensuring that there are enough life jackets in your cabin, and becoming familiar with evacuation procedures.