Since September 11, 2001, the cruise industry has been operating at a high level of security. Being nervous about travel is normal, but the safety and security of the passengers is the number one priority of all of the cruise lines. With today's sophisticated communication tools, you can easily stay in touch with loved ones back home and still enjoy your cruise. Email, Internet chat, international cell phones, and satellite telephones enable passengers to contact home immediately. Satellite television (for those who HAVE to know) is available to keep up with the news.
I've cruised many times both domestically and internationally since 9/11/01 and plan to travel many more. The major difference between pre-9/11 and now for cruisers is the need to have acceptable proof of citizenship and proof of identity. These two pieces of documentation cannot be stressed too much. A passport will prove both citizenship and identity. Be sure to check with your cruise line as to exactly what is required for the locations where you are traveling. If you do not have a passport, this is extremely important.
Since 9/11, getting onboard a cruise ship is somewhat more time consuming, and you will most likely need to pass through a metal detector and have your carry-on bag or ashore purchases hand-checked each time you re-board the ship. Under an orange alert, expect to see even more security enhancements at the ports such as more guards and more close scrutiny of identification.
Although the "routine" threat level has been "yellow" the last few years, passengers will notice changes with a code orange alert. Cars entering the airport will be stopped and randomly checked under the orange alert, which is not done under a yellow alert. Carry-on baggage may be severely curtailed, or even eliminated. Security precautions will vary at each airport, and wait times will be longer. The best way to be prepared is to ARRIVE EARLY and BE PATIENT. If you are flying out of Atlanta on a Monday morning, the lines to pass through security are horrendous, with waiting times of an hour are common. Travel any other time out of Atlanta, and the wait is almost non-existent. Other airports have similar stories. If you have to travel on a Monday morning, arrive early; you can read a newspaper or a book while waiting in the queue.
Cruise lines want their ships to be safe and are taking all of the precautions necessary to continue to make cruise travel a wonderful vacation experience. Airlines want their planes to be safe and are taking all of the precautions necessary to continue to help you get to your destination safely. For cruise passengers this means -- continue normal activities, including travel, but be vigilant and be smart. You are much more likely to be the victim of a pickpocket or a mugger than the victim of a terrorist. The best thing you can do if you are planning to travel is to be an informed traveler.
