In the past several years, several popular indoor water park hotels have been built very near Cedar Point. Recently we’ve stayed at the Great Bear Lodge and Castaway Bay, which have large indoor waterparks.

Check out these hotels near Cedar Point.

Even before 9/11 cruise lines had strict Coast Guard approved security and emergency preparedness plans in place. Every piece of checked baggage as well as all carry on baggage is screened. In addition, cruise lines employ metal detectors, undercover surveillance and canine patrols. Government issued photo identification, passports, visas and/or green cards are all inspected whenever passengers or crew board a ship. All cruise line employees are subjected to strict pre-hire screenings including background checks. Cruise lines also have portions of their staff dedicated entirely to maintaining security.

Still, as in any environment, each guest should take personal responsibility for his/her own safety. Making sure that you are traveling on a reputable cruise line is one of the first and best ways to ensure a safe cruise. One of the main goals of ICCL is to “foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment” and it publishes a list of its member cruise lines.

Whatever the company with which you decide to cruise follow common sense safety practices. Just as you would when you travel by air, keep an eye on your luggage at all times. Much of the crime that occurs on any trip comes from stolen personal belongings. Even more important, be aware of your surroundings at all times and stay in public areas. Lock your door when you leave your stateroom and especially when you are in it, even if you are only making a quick trip to change clothes or pick up an item.

Even though ships are built with accidents in mind, don’t take foolish chances. Most injuries and deaths on ships are caused by avoidable circumstances rather than by highly publicized events like piracy or personal attacks. Wear the proper shoes for being on slick surfaces and don’t clown around near railings. Sightsee only from appropriate areas and never hang over guard rails. Report any unsafe or damaged equipment to shipboard personnel immediately.

Be wary of strangers particularly those who ask a lot of personal questions or who attempt to divide you from people with whom you are traveling. Meet with shipboard friends in common areas rather than inviting them back to your room. If you are cruising with friends or family have a plan in case you become separated or if there is a shipboard emergency.

Listen to all shipboard safety instructions. Take the time to read any legal and safety materials given to you. Participation in shipboard lifeboat drills is mandatory so pay attention to the directions given during this important procedure.

Don’t take being aboard a cruise ship as license to behave in a way that you would not behave at home. Cruise vacations are popular ways to spend a holiday. With a little forethought and effort they can also be amongst the safest.

Important things first:

Make three copies of your tickets, passports and itinerary as well as your health/trip insurance papers. Put one copy in the bag you carry, one in the bag that will be checked and leave one with a person at home whom you can easily contact.

Pack any prescription medicines that you take regularly. Do not take them out of the bottles that they came in from the drug store. Also, be sure to take a supply of any over the counter drugs you may need. Although most cruise ships have OTC medicines, they might not have the brands you prefer.

Take your driver’s license and auto insurance card if you think you will be renting a car.

Don’t forget your glasses (an extra pair if you have one is also a good idea) and your sunglasses. If you wear contacts be sure and take not just the lenses but enough cleaning supplies for the length of your trip.

If you are taking a cell phone along be sure to take the charger and a current adapter if you have one. Since some cell phones can’t be used in foreign countries, it is advisable to pick up an appropriate phone card, too. Buy a phone card even if you are not taking a cell phone along.

Hopefully, you won’t need to lug a laptop but if you do again don’t forget the charger and current adapter.

Sunblock, a trip length supply of your favorite moisturizer, band-aids, antibiotic ointment and medicinal spray are always good ideas.

A small sewing kit for unexpected wardrobe emergencies can be an outfit saver.

Now for the not quite essentials:

If it’s a warm weather cruise, take a sweater or jacket that goes well with your daytime and off the ship clothes and one for more formal on board events.

If it’s a cold weather cruise, a pair of light thermal underwear can make the difference between turning blue and enjoying your trip.

Whether it’s warm or cold, take at least one pair of shoes with skid resistant soles after all you will be on a ship.

Go through each outfit you plan to wear and make sure to take all of the required items. Try as often as possible to combine items to make multiple outfits. The same pair of pants can be worn for both day and evening wear by changing the shirt and accessories worn with it.

And, remember, you are going to be living in a small space with all your belongings for the whole time you are away. You will enjoy the whole cruise more if you can live in a relaxed, uncluttered environment and packing to come home will be so much less stressful the less you take. After all, it is a vacation.

When first planning a cruise think about the objective of the trip. Do you have a specific destination in mind? Are you looking for a cruise with multiple ports of call? In the mood for sunny climes or would you prefer an Alaskan cruise? How long can you be gone? What about a cruise geared toward learning a new skill or sport? There are spa specific cruises for those who want to be pampered and small ship cruises for people who to rough it.

The Bahamas and Baja Mexico make good choices for short cruises. Canada and some Caribbean locations offer four and five day cruises. Alaska and Hawaii generally require seven days or more. Trips through the Panama Canal, South America and Europe are also journeys of at least seven days. Remember to consider the time of year when choosing a destination. Locations in Mexico, the Bahamas and the Caribbean are generally served year round while other locales may have service only during specific periods.

Travellers looking for cruises geared toward children should always check out Disney Cruise Lines. Disney cruises can also be combined with theme park vacation packages. Carnival and Royal Caribbean are also excellent family choices. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have wide varieties of recreation and sports facilities. Many older cruise enthusiasts find their needs well met by the Holland America Line. Upscale tastes are well served by Crystal Cruise Lines voted World’s Best by both Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure. Cruises combined with golf vacations are also a Crystal staple. The Crystal Creative Learning Institute provides opportunities for personal growth while still enjoying all the amenities for which the cruise line is famous.

Cruisers looking for a bargain may find the best prices in December before Christmas. January, May, September, October and November can also yield discount cruises. Almost all cruise prices include cabins, food, entertainment, basic beverages and many onboard activities. Tips, alcoholic drinks, gambling, port activities and insurance are not included in the cruise package. Be sure to check cruise specific literature for a description of covered charges. A large variable in cruise price is cabin choice. Before opting for the least expensive cabin available remember that it will be your home for the whole trip and may govern your entire memory of your vacation. Destination and length of stay are also factors in determining price.

No matter what kind of vacation you seek, single or family, active or more leisurely paced, inexpensive or luxurious there is probably a cruise out there to fill your need.