A cruise offers everything a person could need onboard and is a great way to see multiple destinations in one trip. However, there are always risks and possible dangers associated with traveling. For example, a 14-year-old American boy was on a European vacation with his grandmother. However, he didn’t return to the ship after stopping in Germany. He’s finally been found, but his absence has prompted a safety reminder for others when traveling.

A 12-day Cruise Adventure

Aydin Brown, a 14-year-old from America, went on a European cruise with his grandmother. The pair were on a Caribbean Princess ship for a 12-day cruise, a gift from Aydin’s mom. The cruise began in Southampton, England on June 30th. They would make several stops along the way including Copenhagen and Stockholm. However, Aydin disappeared when the cruise ship docked in Germany on July 4th. He was last seen at 7 am that morning leaving the cruise ship.

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A Dark Turn for a Cruise Ship

The teen and his grandmother went in separate directions to explore Rostock-Warnemünde, the port where the cruise ship was docked. Following his disappearance, he was seen on a security video speaking with an unidentified man. Additionally, the 2 had been seen 45 minutes later walking to Warnemünde church square, according to a police statement. Consequently, his mom flew in, courtesy of Princess Cruises Line. Meanwhile, his grandmother left the ship to be nearby, following the announcement of Aydin’s disappearance.

Found and Safe

Aydin was found nearly 120 miles from the port on Saturday night around 10 pm. Purportedly, the teen had plans to meet with a 19-year-old and the police didn’t find any “evidence of a criminal offense.” He is safe and has been reunited with his family. “We are delighted that Aydin Brown has been found safe and sound,” Princess Cruises stated. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to German authorities for their swift response and exceptional efforts in locating Aydin after he disembarked in Warnemünde last Thursday morning.”

Tips for Safety

Although Aydin Brown’s story has a happy ending, not everyone who disappears on a cruise is found. Sadly, numerous missing people have been investigated but were never found. While cruise ships and other forms of travel are meant to be fun, they can be hazardous if one isn’t using caution. Here are some ways to ensure safety for yourself and others in your party.

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The Buddy System on a Cruise

Firstly, most of us have been taught the buddy system since childhood. This often pertained to exploring somewhere new, wandering off to the bathroom, or on a camping trip. Similarly, the buddy system is a great way to ensure you’re never alone or isolated and that someone can alert others if you’re severely injured or in danger. The buddy system is a good strategy on the cruise ship to ensure safety, but it’s arguably more important when you leave the ship and venture out alone, particularly in a place you’ve never been to and may not speak the language.

Punctuality Matters on a Cruise

A cruise ship is often large and full of people all expecting to meet a schedule. From staff who want to get back to their families to ports that have other scheduled arrivals and departures to passengers needing to get back to work on time, there’s no way to halt a cruise ship’s schedule to accommodate one or a few people who didn’t make it back on time. As such, you’ll likely get left behind if you’re late to board the ship after exploring.

Preventing this is uncomplicated and almost effortless. First, double-check the itinerary and ask someone on the staff to ensure you know the correct time; keep in mind that your phone may die, and watches don’t always have the option to update timezones automatically. Second, set a timer or alarm to help you arrive on time. Third, map your day to ensure you’re close by toward the end of the day.

Leave Valuables on the Ship or Home

Most people know that traveling light is the optimal way to travel, including leaving any unnecessary credit cards, documents, or cash at home. Similarly, it’s a good idea to plan the day’s spending and only take what you’ll for that day before leaving the ship. Doing so may prevent you from being the victim of robbery or tourist traps.

Drink Responsibly

While we all know it’s a bad idea to drink and drive, it’s also a bad idea to drink and explore. Having a glass of wine or a beer with lunch is perfectly acceptable. After all, you are on vacation. However, drinking too much can lead to numerous disasters. You might get caught up in the fun, forgetting to go to the cruise ship on time, or worse. You could fall and get a serious injury or make a mistake that’ll cost you a fine (and in some cases, you may be banned from the rest of the trip). Perhaps you might even fall from the ship and plummet into the ocean where, unless you have a buddy, it could take hours or days to discover you’re missing.

Get to Know the Cruise Ship’s Staff

Lastly, take time to get to know the staff. Not only will they likely have great tips for entertainment and places to dine or shop. They’ll be major allies in ensuring your safety. For example, they’ll notice if you don’t come to the dining hall for dinner or don’t come to the pool one afternoon. They can quickly alert other staff if you might be missing. They might also recommend ways to stay safe after you’ve left the cruise ship for the day and are enjoying exploring.