4 Safety Tips to Keep in Mind before Embarking On a Panama Canal Cruise

International cruises are one of the most convenient and safest ways to visit exotic locations, but like any form of travel, cruising the Panama Canal does come with some potential risks. According to the most recent U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory, Panama is considered a Level 1 destination, meaning that travelers should exercise normal precautions during their trip. However, there are some regions that authorities have identified as high risk, including parts of the Mosquito Gulf and the Darién region. The good news is that cruise lines do not make stops in these areas, but passengers should still pay attention to their surrounding both on and off the ship. Here are four safety tips to keep in mind before you embark on a Panama Canal cruise:

While some cruise lines continue to operate in the Panama Canal throughout the summer, many close down in anticipation of hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th in the Atlantic and May 15th to November 30th in the Eastern Pacific, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If you choose to book a cruise during this time frame, it's important to pay close attention to any tropical storm warnings and sign up for weather alerts on a mobile device. It's unlikely that your cruise ship will be caught by a severe storm while it's at sea, but preparing for the worst can give you significant peace of mind.

Whether you're relaxing onboard or disembarking for a land-side adventure, it's important to store your expensive belongings in your cabin, including any unneeded credit cards, jewelry or high-end electronics. Nearly all cruise lines provide passengers with electronic safes, so be sure to lock up your valuables before heading off for the day. This not only minimizes the risk of theft, it can also prevent you from forgetting your personal items by the pool, on the beach or at the dinner table.