Lately, cruise ships seem to be making headlines for all the wrong reasons. With cases of norovirus on board luxury ocean liners making waves in the travel community, it’s important to know how to stay safe and healthy on your next seafaring adventure. While norovirus actually affects less than one percent of all passengers annually, being living in close quarters with hundreds of strangers is the perfect recipe for colds, coughs and sniffles that could derail your vacation.
Here are some quick and easy ways to avoid getting sick on a cruise.
- Really scrub those hands.
Pexels/Pixabay We know, washing your hands isn’t exactly groundbreaking advice. But it really is the most effective way to keep healthy onboard a cruise ship, especially when warm and damp conditions on shared-use items like pool chairs and railings could be a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
- Make sure your food is cooked when you step off the ship.
Pexels/Robin Stickel When in doubt, have it cooked. High temperatures kill bacteria that may be present on raw fruits and vegetables. While you’re probably safe grabbing a salad on board, make sure to opt for cooked veggies at your port of call.
- Don’t skimp on your eight hours.
Pexels/Pixabay While it’s tempting to stay up into the wee hours taking advantage of all the fun things to do on board, your body will be more susceptible to illness if you’re sleep-deprived. Keep your family well-rested to avoid picking up any bugs.
- Be careful what you touch at the buffet.
Flickr/VIK hotels group Serving utensils are handled by countless people during the course of a mealtime, so it’s best to use hand sanitizer after you load your plate and before you dig in. Be wary of any self-serve drink and ice cream machines as well.
- Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes.
Pexels/Pixabay Even if you’re not normally the germaphobe type, these items are a good line of defense between your family and any bugs that may be circulating on board. Carry some in your handbag or backpack on board and off the ship.
- Drink bottled water and stay hydrated.
Flickr/Ricardo Bernardo If you’re visiting a foreign port of call, it’s best to be safe and just drink bottled water. Plus, while the drinking water on ships is filtered, you have no way of knowing how often the water tanks and equipment is flushed and cleaned. Plus, just like sleep deprivation, dehydration can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. Plus, off-ship adventures in the sun could lead to fainting spells or worse if you’re not hydrated enough.
- Apply sunscreen even if it feels breezy.
Pexels/freestockpro.com When you’re on the ship’s breezy top deck it’s easy to forget that the sun’s rays are still beating down. Make it a habit to slather on some sunscreen before you leave your room each day.
- Keep an eye out for sick passengers.
Flickr/Gord Mckenna If the guy next to you at the pool is a sickly shade of green or won’t stop coughing, get out of there. It would also be a smart idea to alert the crew so that the sick passenger can get medical help or be isolated if needed.
Employ these tips and stay healthy on your next cruise.
Pexels/Pixabay
We know, washing your hands isn’t exactly groundbreaking advice. But it really is the most effective way to keep healthy onboard a cruise ship, especially when warm and damp conditions on shared-use items like pool chairs and railings could be a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
Pexels/Robin Stickel
When in doubt, have it cooked. High temperatures kill bacteria that may be present on raw fruits and vegetables. While you’re probably safe grabbing a salad on board, make sure to opt for cooked veggies at your port of call.
While it’s tempting to stay up into the wee hours taking advantage of all the fun things to do on board, your body will be more susceptible to illness if you’re sleep-deprived. Keep your family well-rested to avoid picking up any bugs.
Flickr/VIK hotels group
Serving utensils are handled by countless people during the course of a mealtime, so it’s best to use hand sanitizer after you load your plate and before you dig in. Be wary of any self-serve drink and ice cream machines as well.
Even if you’re not normally the germaphobe type, these items are a good line of defense between your family and any bugs that may be circulating on board. Carry some in your handbag or backpack on board and off the ship.
Flickr/Ricardo Bernardo
If you’re visiting a foreign port of call, it’s best to be safe and just drink bottled water. Plus, while the drinking water on ships is filtered, you have no way of knowing how often the water tanks and equipment is flushed and cleaned. Plus, just like sleep deprivation, dehydration can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to illness. Plus, off-ship adventures in the sun could lead to fainting spells or worse if you’re not hydrated enough.
Pexels/freestockpro.com
When you’re on the ship’s breezy top deck it’s easy to forget that the sun’s rays are still beating down. Make it a habit to slather on some sunscreen before you leave your room each day.
Flickr/Gord Mckenna
If the guy next to you at the pool is a sickly shade of green or won’t stop coughing, get out of there. It would also be a smart idea to alert the crew so that the sick passenger can get medical help or be isolated if needed.
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