Cruise into cruise season safely with expert tips from Baylor College of Medicine
Cruises are a popular vacation option for many people but concerns about viruses that can spread quickly among passengers and other illnesses may keep some people from walking the plank from shore to ship. A Baylor College of Medicine infectious disease doctor offers health precautions to take before a cruise, on the boat and during excursions on land.
Pre cruise precautions
“Anytime people are in close quarters for extended periods of time, things that transmit between humans have an opportunity to spread,” said Dr. Stacey Rose, associate professor of medicine – infectious diseases at Baylor. “This is not unique to cruises – it’s similar in dormitories, college campuses, military barracks and even religious travel where people are together in close proximity for periods of time.”
Before embarking, Rose recommends connecting with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have an underlying medical condition or are immunocompromised. There may be certain considerations based on your health history or in countries you will be visiting.
- Plan ahead for “what if” scenarios: Bring more medication and medical supplies than the length of your trip in case travel is delayed. Never risk being without medications.
- Be proactive about vaccinations if your cruise involves international travel, even if you will spend most of your time on the ship. Some illnesses are locally present at ports, and some countries require certain vaccinations even for short visits.
- Review information on international health risks, including guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or State Department, based on where you are traveling.
- Bring essential over the counter medications such as antihistamines (Claritin, Benadryl), antidiarrheals (Imodium), Pepto Bismol plus electrolyte packets to help with hydration.
“Some people may want to reconsider cruising depending on medical circumstances. For example, it is generally not advised to travel during periods of profound immune suppression, such as immediately after chemotherapy when white blood cell counts are expected to be very low,” Rose said. “This should be discussed with a healthcare provider. It is a balance – cruise ships can have advantages for some people with disabilities. Risk tolerance varies, and personal situations matter.”
On board cruise precautions and actions
Once on the cruise ship, practice good health hygiene, just as you should in any setting.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before and after meals and using the restroom.
- If you have respiratory symptoms, mask when possible or isolate to avoid coughing in public spaces.
- When sneezing, sneeze into a tissue, dispose of it and wash your hands.
- If you develop gastrointestinal symptoms, isolate as much as possible. Use your private restroom rather than public restrooms. In addition:
- Focus on hydration using electrolyte solutions and fluids.
- Treat fever to reduce fluid loss from sweating.
- Be mindful that vomit and stool are infectious; dispose of waste in toilets rather than trash cans when possible.
- Isolate in your room as much as possible.
- Practice frequent handwashing.
- Clean contaminated surfaces, especially after vomiting or diarrhea, as virus particles can spread easily in small quarters.
Alert cruise ship medical staff if you become ill. They can assist with care and, if necessary, help coordinate transfer to local hospitals or clinics at ports. It’s also a good practice from a public health standpoint to identify potential sources of infection and protect other passengers.
Off cruise precautions
- Be mindful about food and water consumption: Avoid street vendor food, non-bottled water and fresh fruit unless you can peel it yourself.
- Follow the same health hygiene off the ship as you would on board.
With these health tips in mind, Rose has one last bit of advice … go and enjoy your cruise!
