Sometimes you just want to get away from it all, and one of the most luxurious ways to do so is to take a cruise to some place exotic that you’ve never been before, all while being pampered in the lap of luxury. Before you book your cruise though, there are a few things that a good to know for safety before you can fully relax and enjoy yourself.

There will always be a safety briefing, usually on the first day of the cruise, and as boring as you or your kids may find it, it does pay to pay attention. This briefing will include information on what to do in the case of an emergency, and will let you know how to get from your cabin to the emergency grouping area. This is very important information, don’t miss it; you don’t want to be the only one who doesn’t know where to go!

Try to use your private restroom as opposed to the public ones as much as possible. Also take hand sanitizer with you or antibacterial wipes. All of this will lessen your likelihood of catching any disease or illness. You are in a finite space with a large group of people and contagions can spread easily so take care.

Wear shoes that have good traction or grip, flip flops and the like won’t cut it. Even though for the most part cruise ships are very stable, you want to take extra precautions to prevent injury. Ladies, this means no heels – at all.

Most of the other warnings are common sense: Leave anything of high value at your house, make sure to stow your money out of sight and in a secure place, use some sort of buddy system and never travel alone on the ship, and of course, drink responsibly; many of these cruises are stocked with adult beverages, but keep in mind you are in the midst of strangers so don’t get too carried away at the bar, even if it is free.

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