The three shocking reasons so many people are falling off cruise ships - and what to do if it happens to you, revealed by the Mail's holiday guru

Lots of people seem to be falling from cruise ships at the moment. I’m going on a Mediterranean cruise soon – should I be worried?

Joan Walters, via email

The Holiday Guru replies: In short, the answer is no. However, you are right to raise concerns as it has indeed been a busy period for overboard incidents.

Only last month a video went viral of a passenger tumbling from the edge of an infinity pool on the Icon Of The Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Fortunately they landed on a narrow gutter, rather than in the sea. As this had occurred just days after an employee jumped to his death from the same ship, passengers were jittery.

And earlier in the summer a five-year-old girl somehow – it has not been established exactly how – fell into the sea from the fourth deck of the Disney Dream ship returning to Florida from the Bahamas. Her father leapt in after her and they were rescued by crew on a tender boat.

It’s estimated that 19 cruise ship passengers and crew members fell overboard worldwide last year, with 422 since 2000. However, three factors are usually involved: drunkenness, suicide or foul play. As railings on most ships are typically chest high, genuine accidents are nigh on impossible.

Andy Harmer, UK and Ireland managing director of the Cruise Lines International Association, says there are ‘no known cases of someone acting responsibly’ who has fallen from a cruise ship.

In the extremely unlikely event of it happening, passengers are recommended to float and wait to be rescued, rather than swim towards the ship.

Chances of survival depend on the water temperature and whether hitting the sea has broken any bones. There is also a possibility of cold shock response – when the body is suddenly immersed in cold water – which can lead to drowning within a few minutes in waters below 5C, or dying of hypothermia within an hour.

Lesley Bellew, our cruise columnist, says that the rare falls from ships get a lot of publicity as maritime law requires they are reported, whereas in other parts of the travel industry – such as hotels and package holiday companies – mishaps are often dealt with individually and do not usually see the light of day.

Cruise holidays, she insists, are free from risk and an extremely enjoyable way to see the world.

My husband has severe mobility problems following a stroke and now uses a mobility scooter. Can you recommend any four or five-star hotels on the South Coast that can accommodate his scooter in the room? We would prefer a hotel with a good reputation for its restaurant.

Linda Bunker, south London

The Holiday Guru replies: Try the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel, which has such a room, but check availability (01202 557702, marriott.com). At the moment it costs from around £250 a night.

The hotel has two good restaurants: Brasserie Blanc (serving steaks, sea bream and crab dishes) or there’s Tiien Thai, a well-regarded Thai restaurant. Both are accessible.

The hotel has a pleasant terrace with a pool and lovely coastal views.