Lessons Learned from Sinking of Costa Concordia

Costa Concordia sinks off coast of Italy  
(A Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Image)

We've been on a few cruises...make that over 70 cruises. In fact, we are off on another cruise next week. After watching the sinking nightmare on the Costa Concordia, we know that what we once thought was 'impossible' can happen.

To be better prepared for 'what could happen,' we've put together a list of lessons we learned from Costa Concordia disaster:

1. If the ship doesn't have a life boat drill within the first 2 hours after the ship sails, have your own drill. Find your muster station. Check out the life boats.
2. Once on board, determine what to do in an emergency. Make plans with fellow travelers on where to go, where to meet, what to do.
3. Pack a flash light...preferably a water proof one.
4. If the lights go out for over 15 minutes, worry.
5. Try on your life jacket and make sure you know how to tie the ties and snap the snaps.
6. Keep your passport and a credit card in one of those 'wearable' wallets that strap on the waist or hang from the neck.
7. Don't book a room on Deck 2 or 3. While the rates are cheaper for the lower decks, paying extra could be a life saver.
8. If you see the Captain at a bar drinking while you are sailing, stop and ask him, "Who is driving the ship?"
9. Even though you're sailing in the Caribbean or other warm waters, pack long pants and a sweater. It gets cold in a life boat at night!
10. And finally, brush up on your swimming skills...you might literally have to "swim for your life."