I always do this 1 thing as soon as I get access to my cruise cabin — here’s why you should, too
I've been cruising the world for more than 30 years, so you might expect me to be able to tell you a harrowing tale or two about how a stolen wallet, lost passport or misplaced keys totally messed up my trip.
But the fact of the matter is, none of those things has ever happened to me on a cruise. Why? Because I always do this one thing as soon as I get access to my cruise cabin. Here's why you should as well.
Being a victim is no fun
First, a backstory.
In 2001, my wallet was pickpocketed on the subway in New York City, where I've lived for more than 35 years, and a few months later, I was targeted again after checking out of a hotel in Miami. Both my luggage and my laptop were stolen from the trunk of my locked rental car after the thief was tipped off by a parking valet at the hotel.
At least, that was the working theory of the Miami Beach police when I told them the valet had asked me if I was heading directly to the airport. No, I'd told him. I had several stops to make before my flight.
Word to the wise: If you're ever asked the airport question by a parking valet, say, "Yes."
But we're talking about cruising, so here's the scoop. The first thing I do when I get access to my cruise cabin is secure my valuables.
Lessons, both learned and shared
I like to think that I'm a cautious person by nature — and now I know that I am also wiser by experience.
After the Miami incident, I began paying more attention to my surroundings. But if you ask my closest friends, they will tell you that it was after I lived with a man who was obsessed with security for around five years in the early 2000s that caused me to seriously up my game.
His precision when it came to locking doors, luggage and hotel room and cruise cabin safes was meticulous — and, almost as if by osmosis, his obsession rubbed off on me.
It is thanks to him that I have a security routine that I stick to at the start of each and every cruise, as well as a strategy for what I carry ashore. The steps I take are quick, easy and foolproof because I leave most of my valuables locked up at all times.
My embarkation day routine
Upon entering my cabin on embarkation day, I immediately open the safe and stash my passport, wallet, house keys and the small zippered bag that holds my jewelry. If my laptop doesn't fit, I place it in my carry-on and lock it before slipping it beneath the bed.
Before heading out to explore, I lock the safe using a code that is not my birthday or birth year but is easy to remember if I have someone traveling with me.
That leaves me with just my cabin keycard. Rather than having it sitting loose in a pocket in my small crossbody bag or belt bag — two travel essentials I swear by since they're more pickpocket-proof than a shoulder bag or backpack — I place it in a slender keycard holder.
Over the years, I have amassed a collection of keycard holders from premium and luxury cruise lines. My favorite one folds and has two clear plastic sleeves on the inside and a pocket on the outside. It's the only "wallet" I use once I board a cruise ship since it can hold everything I need.
My port day routine
On days when I'm going ashore, I keep my cruise card in the outside pocket of the keycard holder so it's handy at the gangway and then slide just one of my credit cards into one inside sleeve and some money, either local currency or dollars, for tipping guides into the other.
Once I'm on the cruise pier, I make sure the keycard holder is tucked into an inside pocket of my crossbody bag or belt bag.
What if the port requires showing a photo ID? If a driver's license will suffice (you can inquire at the shore excursion desk), I slip my license behind my credit card. If I need to bring my passport, I carry it in a leather holder that fits next to my phone.
Consistency is key
If my cruise itinerary has multiple port days in a row, I leave my credit card and cash in the keycard holder since it will always be with me as I enjoy drinks, dinner and entertainment around the ship. That means I don't have to keep moving my shore essentials into and out of the safe.
I make an exception for sea days, however, when I bring a canvas tote to the pool area and keep just my keycard in the holder. That way, if I end up soaking in a hot tub for a while, I know there's nothing valuable in the tote I've left on my lounger.
Bottom line
Yes, I have totally become like my ex when it comes to security protocols, but I've taken more than 90 cruises and have never had anything stolen.
While I believe that the hardworking cabin attendants who have access to my stateroom are honest, I also know that doors are occasionally left open during cleaning and anyone walking by could possibly spot a laptop or jewelry left on a desk or do a quick rummage through drawers.
In my experience, sticking to this simple routine means that I am not setting myself up to become a victim again. It has also made me more organized.
After all, knowing exactly where everything is when you're scrambling to get out of the cabin for an early morning shore excursion is just as valuable as knowing your cash, credit cards and favorite jewelry are secure.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
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- The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- Top ways cruisers waste money
- The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin
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