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If you are going ashore at the ports of call, you should at least think about the security issues, even if the risks are no greater than at home. Theft is by far the greatest risk with pickpocketing and bag snatching becoming commonplace while violent crime is rare. You can minimise these risks just by doing a little homework and taking a few precautions.

Firstly find out what risks there are:

• Visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office web site (www.fco.gov.uk ) for all the latest travel information about the countries or cities you are visiting. Security issues are covered
• Ask the Excursion Desk about the risks in the port you are about to visit
• Attend the Cruise Director's Port Presentation and ask questions there if security is not covered.

Secondly take precautions:

• Make sure you have the telephone number to call and an address for the Cruise Line's Agents just in case you have problems
• There is safety in numbers - take the shore excursion or travel in groups of two or more
• Dress for the location - remember some countries have strict dress codes
• Don't overtly display too much jewellery and fancy cameras
• Take the minimum of cash and only one credit card ashore
• Keep your valuables in a pocket or bag you can close and see at all times - backpacks and wallets in back pockets are easy targets for pickpockets
• Hold on tight to your bags and carry them on the inside away from the road so they cannot be snatched by passing scooters
• If you are required to take photo identification ashore with you get a photocopy of your passport to take rather than the real thing.