Staying healthy on a cruise

How do you stay healthy on a cruise?

Staying healthy on a cruise mostly comes down to everyday habits done consistently: washing your hands well, drinking enough water, protecting your skin from the sun, getting enough sleep and not overdoing the food and drinks. A cruise packs thousands of people, rich food and late nights into a small space, so those habits matter more than usual.

Preparation matters too. Bring your medications, check that your insurance covers you away from home, and talk to your doctor before the trip about any health questions, including whether any vaccines or precautions are recommended for the places you'll visit.

Before you sail: health prep checklist

A little planning at home prevents most onboard headaches. Ship medical centers carry only a limited stock of medicines, and pharmacies in port may not have what you need, so bring everything with you.

• See your doctor a few weeks before departure to talk about your medications and any destination-specific advice. The CDC's Travelers' Health pages list recommendations by country.
• Pack all medications in your carry-on, not your checked luggage, in their original labeled containers, with a few extra days' supply in case of travel delays.
• Carry a list of your medications, dosages and allergies, plus your doctor's contact details.
• Bring spare glasses or contact lenses, and any medical devices with their chargers.
• Check what your health insurance covers outside the country and at sea. Many US plans, including Medicare, cover little or nothing, so consider travel insurance with medical and evacuation coverage.
• If you feel unwell in the days before your cruise, contact the cruise line; most ask health screening questions at check-in.

Handwashing and hygiene on a cruise ship

Handwashing is the single most useful thing you can do. Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the restroom and after returning from port. Public health agencies, including the CDC, recommend soap and water, with hand sanitizer as a backup rather than a substitute.

You'll see sanitizer stations at buffet entrances and gangways. Use them, but wash properly too when you can. Many ships also have crew members at the buffet entrance encouraging handwashing, and some have sinks right at the door.

• Use the serving utensils at the buffet, not your fingers, and take a clean plate on each trip.
• Try not to touch your face, especially after handrails, elevator buttons and casino machines.
• Wipe down the TV remote and door handles in your cabin if it makes you feel better.
• Stay out of pools and hot tubs if you have diarrhea, and keep diapered children out of regular pools; ships have rules on this for public health reasons.

Stomach bugs and norovirus on cruises

Norovirus is a contagious stomach bug that spreads easily wherever people are in close contact, including schools, hospitals, hotels and cruise ships. Cruise ship outbreaks get headlines partly because ships sailing to US ports must report gastrointestinal illness to the CDC, which publishes outbreak notices online.

Good handwashing with soap and water is your best defense. Be wary of shared surfaces and the shared serving utensils at buffets, and eat when your hands are clean.

If you develop vomiting or diarrhea, contact the ship's medical center right away, as cruise lines ask you to. They'll advise you on what to do, which may include staying in your cabin for a period to protect other guests. Keep drinking fluids and follow the medical team's guidance.

Sun, heat and staying hydrated

Sunburn and dehydration are among the most common ways cruisers end up feeling rough. Pool decks reflect sunlight, sea breezes hide how strong it is, and tropical ports can be hot and humid.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply it often, especially after swimming. Wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade in the middle of the day. Some destinations restrict the sale of sunscreens with certain ingredients to protect coral reefs, including Hawaii, so many cruisers pack a reef-friendly formula.

• Carry a refillable water bottle and fill it at the buffet or bars; water is free.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water, especially in the sun.
• Drink extra on hot port days and after time in the spa, sauna or gym.
• Pack a lightweight long-sleeve top for long excursions in strong sun.

Food, drinks, sleep and exercise

Unlimited food and drinks are part of the fun, but overdoing them for a week can leave you feeling sluggish. Try to keep a rough rhythm: eat regular meals, enjoy the desserts without making every snack a feast, and include fruit, vegetables and salads, which every ship offers.

Sleep often suffers on a cruise, with early port arrivals, late shows and clock changes on some itineraries. Build in a quiet sea-day afternoon or an earlier night or two.

Ships make staying active easy. Most have a gym, an outdoor jogging or walking track and plenty of stairs; taking the stairs instead of the elevator adds up over a week. Some fitness classes are free and others, such as spin or yoga on many mainstream lines, carry a fee. Port days are a great excuse to walk.

Colds, flu and other bugs in close quarters

Respiratory bugs spread anywhere crowds gather, and a full ship's theater or elevator is no exception. The same habits that help at home help here: wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and give people space when you can.

If you prefer, wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces like theaters and elevators, especially if you're at higher risk. Talk to your doctor before the trip about seasonal vaccines and anything else that's sensible for your health. And if you fall ill on board, the medical center is the place to go.

Healthy habits on shore days

Port days bring their own considerations. In tropical destinations, mosquitoes can carry diseases, so pack insect repellent and use it, especially around dawn and dusk. The CDC's Travelers' Health pages note any current concerns by country.

Ship water is treated and safe to drink, but follow local guidance ashore. In places where tap water isn't recommended, stick to bottled or sealed drinks and be cautious with ice and raw foods from street stalls. On beach and snorkel days, use the life jackets and flotation offered, swim where there are lifeguards when you can, and leave time to rehydrate before all-aboard.

The ship's medical center: what to know

Every ocean cruise ship has a medical center staffed by doctors and nurses who can treat common illnesses and injuries and stabilize serious cases. For major emergencies, patients may be taken off at the next port or evacuated. Visits and treatment are charged to your onboard account and can be expensive, so keep all paperwork for an insurance claim.

If you're pregnant, check your line's policy: most major lines won't carry passengers who will be 24 weeks or more pregnant at any point during the cruise, and some require a doctor's note. If you rely on oxygen, dialysis or other ongoing care, contact the cruise line well in advance, since arrangements need time.

Frequently asked questions