After Costa Concordia disaster: 8 safety tips for cruise ship passengers

The recent cruise ship disaster in Italy has prompted travel industry experts to advise the public about safety steps they can take, not only aboard ships but also in hotels. When the Costa Concordia ran aground off the shore of Tuscany on Jan. 13, roughly 160 yards from the shore of Giglio Island, many of the more than 4,200 passengers and crew on board the ship were reportedly unprepared for the crisis and the evacuation that followed.

Nancy Dunnan, publisher of TravelSmart Newsletter, urges cruise ship passengers to take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. She suggests the following:

7. Gather together important items

Once on board, when unpacking, place all your key documents and items in one drawer and in a waterproof zippered tote. Should you need to leave quickly, it will be easy to grab. Suggested items:

Passport (or a copy, if the ship’s purser is holding it)

Driver’s license

Credit card

Phone card

Cash and travelers checks

Medications

Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses

Address book, cell phone, and/or iPod

Flashlight

Sweater

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