Cruises and Your Health
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Should I be Concerned About Health Risks During My Cruise?
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Yes. Large cruise ships can become a melting pot of passengers and crew from various countries, cultures, and health care standards, potentially exposing you to diseases rarely found in the United States. And because of their size, many ships are crowded, leading to prolonged interpersonal contact during activities, shared food and water, and increased exposure to and transmission of communicable diseases.
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How Safe is the Ship?
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It depends. The U.S. Center for Disease Control conducts a cruise ship inspection program including both scheduled and unannounced checks of ships with U.S. ports and foreign destinations. Use the CDC's Inspection Query Tool to obtain the safety scores for the cruise line and ship you intend to book.
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What Illnesses Can I Get While on a Cruise?
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Flu or influenza occurs on cruise ships year-round, and crowded passenger conditions increase the likelihood of contagion. Obtain your seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccines in ample time before your departure. Legionnaires' disease has caused pneumonia outbreaks on cruises. Passengers typically do not develop symptoms such as fever and cough until the trip is over, thereby unknowingly spreading disease on the ship. Contaminated whirlpool spas and water supply systems onboard are the most common sources. Hepatitis A, a virus that causes liver disease, can be contracted through food or utensils handled by an infected person. Especially if you plan to dine at local restaurants during port visits, consider hepatitis A vaccination. You may need additional travel vaccinations depending on your destination. Diarrhea can be caused by many different bacteria and viruses. Good hygiene and probiotics may prevent traveler’s diarrhea. Norovirus (Norwalk virus) is a common culprit on cruise ships due to its resistance to cleaning procedures, making it difficult to control ship outbreaks. Visit our Norovirus page and the CDC Norovirus page for more information. Motion sickness, a common problem for travelers, usually causes mild to moderate discomfort, but can be incapacitating. Symptoms include abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and cold sweats. Motion sickness is more common in women and children ages 2-12 years. If you are susceptible to motion sickness, take measures to minimize your symptoms.
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What if I'm Pregnant or have an Infant?
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Women more than 23 weeks pregnant cannot embark on a cruise. Check your cruise line for restrictions regarding permitted infant ages. Remember that certain travel immunizations, e.g. yellow fever vaccine, may be contraindicated in pregnancy and infants
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Does Hand Washing Help?
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Absolutely! Performed properly, hand washing is a no-cost activity that can help prevent disease.
For more in-depth information regarding cruise ship travel and health issues, visit the CDC’s
Traveler’s Health Yellow Book.
To best prepare for your cruise, schedule an appointment with a Travel Clinics of America physician near you.
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