Is the Miami cruise port safe?

In the past few days, the Miami cruise port has been the subject of two terrorism false alarms. While the incidents raise questions about the possibility of a terrorist attack on a cruise ship, the actions taken by port security indicate that procedures exist for dealing with potential threats.

According to the AP, three men apparently tried to slip past a security checkpoint at the port on Sunday and could not produce proper paperwork and identification. A bomb squad investigated the truck and its contents, and determined they posed no threat. The incident was deemed a miscommunication, and a judge dismissed all charges against the men.

Then on Monday, a package intended for Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas tested positive for explosives. After multiple tests, all with positive results for the C4 explosive, the package was destroyed. Ultimately, authorities determined that the package was not a bomb. The contents were sprinkler parts that contained materials resembling the explosives.

Though ultimately harmless, these incidents are scary for the thousands of cruise vacationers who pass through the Port of Miami each day. Could a port or cruise ship be the target of a terrorist attack? Even if something malevolent were planned, port authorities have procedures, such as cargo and passenger screenings, for thwarting an attack. Perhaps, cruisers will see stricter security measures at ports in the future as a result of this week’s events. The most important thing to remember is that many people are at work to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable vacation at sea.