Tips for Healthy Cruising

At a glance

Help limit the spread of illness on cruise ships. Follow these tips for healthy cruising, including what to do if you get sick or see someone else get sick onboard.

Graphic of a cruise ship

Help keep germs from spreading

Help limit the spread of germs on your cruise. The high volumes of people and new environments that cruise travelers encounter can lead to illnesses onboard.

Illnesses can spread through contaminated food or water or from person to person. For example, touching handrails, elevator buttons, shared utensils, and other people can spread illness.

Wash your hands often

  • Why: Avoid exposing yourself and others to anything that may cause illnesses and spread germs.
  • When: Wash your hands often but especially after using the toilet and before eating or smoking.

Take care of yourself

Get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water.

  • Resting helps rebuild your immune system.
  • Drinking water helps you stay hydrated.

If you're sick...

Tell the ship's medical center if you are sick.

  • Call the center as soon as possible.
  • Follow their recommendations.

If you see someone get sick (vomiting or diarrhea)...

  • Leave the area.
  • Notify cruise staff if they are not already aware.

Learn more

Download our infographic on limiting the spread.

Did you know?

In 2024, more than 20 million passengers embarked from North American ports for their cruise vacation1. Traveling on cruise ships exposes people to new environments and high volumes of people, including other travelers. This exposure can create the risk for illness from contaminated food or water or, more commonly, through person-to-person contact.
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Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health
  1. Cruise Lines International Association