A passenger who reportedly jumped off a balcony on the Carnival Sensation was rescued by the crew of Disney Wonder last week. He was treading water for about 90 minutes before he was rescued. (There is a You tube video, but listening to someone scream for help in the dark freaked me out a little, so I'm not linking it.)
In July, a vehicle accident during a RCCL shore excursion sent several people to the hospital in St. Thomas. Notice in the cruise critic report at least one couple had to stay behind on the island for treatment. Why is this important? The most obvious point is of course ALWAYS GET INSURANCE. No matter your age or general health accidents are possible anywhere. Know what your policy covers, and make sure you save receipts and contact the insurer as soon as possible.
The next maybe not so obvious point is about passports. I hope you already have yours,but if not just do it! Then you'll be ready to travel whenever the mood strikes...not 6-8 weeks later once your passport arrives. The rules on passports and cruising have been so confusing in the last few years. There's passport books, passport cards....do you need one if traveling by sea and not air, blah blah, blah. Always check the current regulations with the State Department for requirements before traveling.
Although, St. Thomas is a U.S. Virgin Island, what would have happened had this couple needed to fly from a non U.S. Port...and they did not have a passport book since they were 'only going on a cruise'? It is a bit more expensive to get the book vs. the card, but it's worth it in my opinion. You never know when you'll need it.
