Smooth sailing: Essential tips to stay healthy on a cruise

Author(s):  Dr Sherilyn Houle

Over 37 million cruise vacations were estimated to be taken in 2025.¹ While cruises offer relaxation and adventure, their close quarters, shared facilities, and high-touch surfaces can facilitate the spread of illness, with recent headlines about hantavirus and norovirus outbreaks as examples. Here, we discuss strategies travellers can be counselled on to help protect their health on board.

Travellers should be advised that hand sanitizers are generally ineffective against norovirus² and should not replace effective handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when available.³ It would be wise to pack non-prescription anti-emetics, anti-diarrheals, and tablets or sachets to prepare rehydration solution should gastrointestinal illness occur.

In crowded indoor areas like theaters or dining rooms, respiratory illnesses can also spread easily. Travellers should be advised to pack masks to use as a preventive measure and/or to protect others should they develop respiratory symptoms. Those with a history of respiratory illness exacerbated by viral infections should ensure they pack a rescue inhaler or other standby treatment should it be needed.⁴ Practicing good respiratory etiquette, maintaining a healthy diet on board, engaging in exercise, and being vaccinated against respiratory infections can further reduce this risk.

If illness occurs, cruise ship staff should be notified for advice on isolation or cleaning precautions to reduce the risk of spread, and to facilitate access to medical care if needed.

While very rare, outbreaks on cruise ships may result in delays in docking or other altered travel plans. Travellers should pack an additional two-week supply of necessary items including medications, supplies (e.g., diabetic testing supplies), sunscreen, and infant formula, and ensure electronic monitoring devices have fresh batteries or have a charger packed. Travel medical insurance including medical evacuation coverage is an important consideration.

By combining good hygiene practices, awareness, and proactive health measures, cruise ship passengers can greatly reduce their risk of illness and enjoy a safe, comfortable journey at sea.

References

[1].  New 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report Shows Cruising is a Vibrant Tourism Sector Growing Steadily to Meet Rising Consumer Demand and Delivering Significant Global Economic Impact..  Cruise Lines International Association [Link]
[2].  How to prevent norovirus.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Link]
[3].  About handwashing.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [Link]
[4].  Travelers with Chronic Illnesses.  Coronado F, Hynes NA. ‐ CDC Yellow Book 2026 [Link]