I had always wondered how they prevent anyone from coming on the ship at the ports that were not staff or guests. That is exactly why we are photographed when we come on board, why we have a key card, why we give our names to whoever asks as well as our stateroom. They know who is on board, how many are on board and if someone is missing. Noses are counted before that ship leaves port.
I am sure you know there are plenty of signs that say restricted access. I have noted the signs going up to the bridge for example. Another security measure to assure no one is "curious about how the ship is steered, or want the Captain's autograph."
I never saw any boats around us, I wondered why no one was choosing to race the cruise ship. In Seattle, often pleasure boats will wave at a safe distance or attempt to circle around the ferry boat, I might add unsuccessfully. There is an established security zone around cruise ships, I read to different distances 100 yards and 300 yards. But I began to think about the pilot boat that escorted one of our ships. I remember the pilot boat bouncing in the waves right next to the ship as the pilot stretched as far as his body would permit to anchor himself to the ladder and awaiting staff. Curious what type of security measures were determine for him to board the ship.
What about our luggage? Quick like the airport? Luggage is completely examined before it goes on the ship, all supplies are examined and unknown to me there is actually watches on the decks while in port. I do remember when our cruise ship pulled into Alexandria, Egypt. Looking out the window the dock was filled with armed military waiting for us, they were there the whole time the ship was in dock. There were also military on the buses as we went to see the pyramids. Needless to say none of that protection feels normal or comfortable, but it is a sign of reality and for the ship guests a sense of safety.
In the Gentleman Companion trilogy I wrote of a stow-away. An innocent character who had managed to work on multiple ships to eventually find his way back to his home. Well that is indeed fiction! Ship security is trained not only on the ship but in ports to recognize any unfamiliar faces, or guests wandering around where they should not be, or as in the airport bags/containers that are lying around.
And there are cameras everywhere. Embarkation, corridors, public areas, but not in your staterooms. True story about cameras, I was at a land casino in Washington state, I left my card in the machine by accident and went back within seconds only to find it gone. There was about $80.00 on it. Contacted security and with the camera that was on the row of machines they found the woman who claimed she used the card only "because she did not know what else to do."
I suggest that you do not take lightly any measures offered by the ship to assure your safety. No jokes about "throwing your wife overboard", or swimming with the dolphins, or threatening the crew in any way. You are a guest on the ships, but know that you are not only responsible for yourself but for the other guests that are sharing the cruise with you.
Although I gathered information from multiple sites, I would like to acknowledge Cruise mates
and Cruise Critic. I recommend you take a moment to review several sites.
As I have mentioned before do get travel insurance and do your homework before your book an excursion with a private company.