PC Cruises

Guide

Health and safety at sea

Cruising is a common and generally safe way to travel. A few habits and some checks before you leave go a long way. This page gives general information only; ask a doctor about your own health.

This is general information, not medical advice. For your own health, talk to a doctor or pharmacist before you travel. For safety and entry rules, follow your government's official travel advice and your cruise line's instructions.

Official sources to check

Advisories and health advice change, sometimes quickly. Check these close to your departure date and again before each port if anything changes.

U.S. travel advisoriesCountry safety levels, entry rules and how to enroll for alerts (STEP).travel.state.govCDC Travelers' HealthVaccine and health advice for each destination, and guidance for cruise travel.wwwnc.cdc.gov/travelCDC Vessel Sanitation ProgramInspection scores and illness outbreak reports for ships calling at U.S. ports.www.cdc.gov/vessel-sanitationUK foreign travel adviceThe UK government's country-by-country safety and entry advice.www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-adviceCanada travel adviceAdvisories and entry rules from the Government of Canada.travel.gc.ca

The safety briefing

Every ship holds a required safety briefing, often called the muster drill, around the start of the trip. It shows you where your assembly (muster) station is and how to respond to the emergency signal. Some ships now let you watch a video and then check in at your station in person. Take it seriously, find your station on the first day, and note the route from your cabin.

Stomach bugs and handwashing

Illnesses spread easily wherever many people share space, and ships are no exception. Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, is the best known. Public health guidance stresses washing your hands with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the bathroom, since alcohol hand sanitizer works less well against norovirus. If you fall ill, tell the ship's medical center and follow its advice; ships may ask sick guests to stay in their cabin for a short time to protect others.

In the U.S., the CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program inspects cruise ships that call at U.S. ports and publishes the results, which you can look up through the link above.

Seasickness

Most people feel little motion on a large ship, but some are sensitive. Things that commonly help:

  • Choose a low cabin near the middle of the ship (see the motion grid).
  • Get fresh air and look at the horizon.
  • Eat light, plain food and go easy on alcohol.
  • Ask a doctor or pharmacist before the trip about remedies that suit you, since some cause drowsiness or do not mix with other medicines.

Sun, heat and water

Sun reflects off water and white decks, so you can burn faster than you expect, even on cloudy days. Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and drink water through the day, especially if you are also drinking alcohol. In port, follow local advice on tap water.

Medical care on board

Most ocean ships have a small medical center that can treat common problems and stabilize serious ones. It is not a hospital, and serious cases may need evacuation to shore. Care on board is often billed separately, and many home health plans pay little or nothing at sea or abroad. Check your cover, and consider travel insurance that includes medical care and evacuation. Bring enough of any prescription medicine for the whole trip plus a few extra days, in original containers, in your carry-on.

Everyday safety on board

  • Never sit or climb on balcony railings or lean over them.
  • Keep children supervised around pools and on open decks.
  • Wear shoes with grip; decks and stairs get wet.
  • Use the cabin safe for documents and valuables.
  • Report anything that worries you to guest services or security.

Before you go

  1. Read the travel advisories for each country on the route.
  2. Check vaccine and health advice for each destination, ideally six weeks or more ahead.
  3. Enroll in your government's traveler alert program if it has one.
  4. Check your insurance covers medical care at sea and evacuation.
  5. Pack medicines, a copy of prescriptions and emergency contacts in your carry-on.