Viruses and bacteria can spread rapidly on ships due to the close quarters and shared facilities, but experts suggest that maintaining good hygiene and planning ahead can significantly reduce the risk of getting sick.
Cruise ships are notorious for being breeding grounds for gastrointestinal illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a useful database of reported cases, organized by year.
While most cruises proceed without incident, the confined spaces on ships mean that even one ill individual can trigger a significant outbreak, explains Tullia Marcolongo, former executive director of the nonprofit International Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers. «It’s the domino effect, and you have nowhere to go,» she notes.
What Cruise Companies Do to Minimize Risks
Cruise companies implement various measures to minimize the risk of illness onboard. These efforts include stringent cleanliness protocols and health monitoring:
- Carnival Cruise Line: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Carnival has expanded its health and safety protocols. These include enhanced onboard sanitation measures using non-toxic materials and pre-boarding medical evaluations when necessary.
- Royal Caribbean Cruises: Royal Caribbean emphasizes its comprehensive health and safety program on its website. Key components include regular internal and external inspections, frequent testing of water systems, and strict food handling regulations.
These measures are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew, reducing the likelihood of illness spreading on board.
How to Protect Your Health Onboard
Passengers can take proactive steps to safeguard their health while on a cruise. Tullia Marcolongo emphasizes the importance of hand hygiene. «The first thing I would say is that the power is in your hands,» she says, quite literally.
- Frequent Hand Washing: Regularly washing your hands is a critical preventative measure against norovirus, colds, and other illnesses. To ensure thorough cleaning, Marcolongo suggests singing «Happy Birthday» twice while scrubbing, paying special attention to the areas between your fingers.
- Hand Sanitizer: If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Many cruise ships provide sanitizer stands for passenger convenience, Marcolongo notes.
- Awareness of Surfaces: David Parenti, an infectious disease specialist in Washington, D.C., advises passengers to be mindful of touching surfaces like handrails. Until you can wash your hands, avoid touching your face, especially your eyes and mouth.
Despite these precautions, Parenti acknowledges that some risks are beyond passengers’ control. «It all has to do with luck. If you’re on a ship with norovirus, that’s bad luck. If you are on a cruise ship, you will need to eat. Those risks are something you don’t have a lot of control over,» he says.
By combining personal hygiene practices with the cruise companies’ safety measures, passengers can significantly reduce their chances of falling ill on board.
Give Yourself a Pre-Cruise Check-Up
To stay ahead of potential health issues, travelers should consider a pre-vacation doctor’s appointment to ensure their immunizations are current. This can be particularly important depending on your cruise destination.
- Immunizations: Make sure your vaccines are up to date. Even if you’re cruising during the summer, a flu shot might be necessary. “Keep in mind that the U.S. influenza season is the opposite of the Southern Hemisphere,” says David Parenti. Additionally, consider vaccines for Hepatitis A and check your immunity to measles—you might need a booster shot.
- Medications: Given the limited number of medications available on board, it’s wise to bring any medications you might need. Tullia Marcolongo suggests packing first-aid basics and standard over-the-counter supplies like Loperamide (Imodium) for gastrointestinal issues and oral rehydration salts.
- Trip Insurance: Miami-based attorney Jack Hickey, who has experience both representing and suing cruise companies over personal injury claims, advises getting trip insurance that covers air ambulance services. “What I tell people is get trip insurance and make sure it covers an air ambulance.” This can prevent exorbitant costs if you need emergency transportation during your cruise.
By taking these proactive steps, you can help ensure a healthier and safer cruise experience.
If You Do Get Sick
When illness strikes on a cruise, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the medical care available on board. Here’s what to consider:
- Limited Medical Care: Cruises are renowned for their hospitality but often fall short in medical care. “If you get sick or injured, get back to the U.S. as quickly as possible,” advises Miami-based attorney Jack Hickey. Cruise ships, despite carrying thousands of passengers, typically have limited medical staff and facilities. “It’s not a hospital, but a ship carrying 3,000 to 6,000 people and going to isolated areas of the world,” Hickey notes. The onboard medical team might not be able to handle serious medical issues effectively due to inadequate equipment and staff. For instance, while ships usually have X-ray machines, they often lack high-quality equipment and skilled radiologists.
- Mental Health Concerns: Being quarantined in a small cabin for an extended period can exacerbate anxiety or claustrophobia. “Travel insurance doesn’t necessarily cover that,” warns Tullia Marcolongo. It’s crucial to consider the potential impact on mental health when preparing for a cruise.
- Ventilation Systems: According to infectious disease specialist David Parenti, ventilation systems on ships might come under scrutiny as more is learned about virus transmission. Unlike hospitals, which have rooms with frequent air exchanges for respiratory isolation, most cruise accommodations lack such options. Parenti’s recommendation? “I would take a window, personally.” A cabin with a window can provide fresh air, which may help reduce the risk of airborne illnesses.
By understanding these limitations and preparing accordingly, you can make more informed decisions about your health and safety while cruising.