Traveling by cruise ship can be a wonderful experience, especially if you take the time to learn some important safety tips before your trip.

After arriving aboard your ship, you will be required to take part in a muster drill, also commonly referred to as a lifeboat drill. These important exercises given by the ship’s crew will teach you proper safety procedures for an emergency evacuation, help you become familiar with escape routes and emergency exits, and show you where life jackets are located and how to secure them properly. A muster drill must take place within 24 hours of departure, but typically takes place 30 minutes before the ship is scheduled to depart. It is extremely important to pay attention to all safety information, ensuring you are properly prepared for an emergency. You will also learn the ship’s evacuation signal which is seven short horn blasts followed with one long horn blast.