Tips for Staying Healthy on Your Cruise
Nothing spoils a good trip like a trip to the infirmary.
We’ve all heard stories on the news about Norwalk Virus. What you may not know is that it’s more common than you think and you don’t contract it the way most commonly thought. Unless an outbreak of Norwalk Virus reaches an epidemic level (around 200 people) it does not have to be reported. Most sailings encounter at least one instance of the illness, however passengers do not contract the disease from a bite of bad food. Instead they contract it from other passengers who were previously exposed to the virus and brought it on to the ship. The incubation period for symptoms is 48 hours, which explains why a sick person could board the ship and then think he or she got sick on board. By that point this individual would have come into contact with other passengers and an outbreak occurs. If you feel nauseous or are experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, it is best if you do not board the ship. Most cruise lines are more than willing to offer a credit or a refund if you arrive at the port and report these symptoms. Even though it’s no fun to miss your vacation, it’s also no fun to spend it in the infirmary or be escorted off the ship.
With upwards of 500+ meals served in one sitting, food poisoning can happen, though it is rare. The Centers for Disease Control monitors hygiene and sanitation conditions on ships and in their kitchens, however these inspections only occur twice a year and are voluntary. You can go to CDC website and search for participating cruise lines’ scores at http://www2.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/vspmain.asp.
Food has long since been a focal point of cruises for many travelers. While many cruise lines have added healthier options to their menus, there still are plenty of folks who enjoy a hearty steak and potatoes laden with rich sauces. Cruising attracts people from all walks of life, including many senior citizens who may experience severe heartburn or indigestion, which can be confused with chest pains and other serious symptoms. If you know you are prone to heartburn and indigestion or have other health-related sensitivities, consult your physician prior to your cruise for vaccinations (if traveling to an exotic location such as Southeast Asia or Africa) and for travel recommendations. If you have a health condition, let your cabin attendant, chief purser, server captain and ship doctor know about them, as well as medications that you need in case you are unresponsive. Many newer, large ships have helicopter landing pads in the event of a serious health emergency that cannot be addressed by the ship’s medical staff.
Heat stroke and sunburn are other safety concerns on boards cruise ships. It’s easy to fall asleep poolside in a comfortable lounge chair with the sun kissing your skin. But too much sun exposure can leave you wishing you’d stayed in your stateroom. To beat the heat but still have a good time, get up and walk around, go inside periodically and stay hydrated. Load up on sunscreen and use it. Another danger on board that many people don’t think about are rolled ankles from jogging, climbing the rock wall or from a drunken stumble. Be sure to follow on board safety guidelines and common sense. Don’t brave the rock wall after you’ve spent half the day in the cocktail lounge swigging Long Island Ice Teas.
We’ve all heard stories on the news about Norwalk Virus. What you may not know is that it’s more common than you think and you don’t contract it the way most commonly thought. Unless an outbreak of Norwalk Virus reaches an epidemic level (around 200 people) it does not have to be reported. Most sailings encounter at least one instance of the illness, however passengers do not contract the disease from a bite of bad food. Instead they contract it from other passengers who were previously exposed to the virus and brought it on to the ship. The incubation period for symptoms is 48 hours, which explains why a sick person could board the ship and then think he or she got sick on board. By that point this individual would have come into contact with other passengers and an outbreak occurs. If you feel nauseous or are experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort, it is best if you do not board the ship. Most cruise lines are more than willing to offer a credit or a refund if you arrive at the port and report these symptoms. Even though it’s no fun to miss your vacation, it’s also no fun to spend it in the infirmary or be escorted off the ship.
With upwards of 500+ meals served in one sitting, food poisoning can happen, though it is rare. The Centers for Disease Control monitors hygiene and sanitation conditions on ships and in their kitchens, however these inspections only occur twice a year and are voluntary. You can go to CDC website and search for participating cruise lines’ scores at http://www2.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/vspmain.asp.
Food has long since been a focal point of cruises for many travelers. While many cruise lines have added healthier options to their menus, there still are plenty of folks who enjoy a hearty steak and potatoes laden with rich sauces. Cruising attracts people from all walks of life, including many senior citizens who may experience severe heartburn or indigestion, which can be confused with chest pains and other serious symptoms. If you know you are prone to heartburn and indigestion or have other health-related sensitivities, consult your physician prior to your cruise for vaccinations (if traveling to an exotic location such as Southeast Asia or Africa) and for travel recommendations. If you have a health condition, let your cabin attendant, chief purser, server captain and ship doctor know about them, as well as medications that you need in case you are unresponsive. Many newer, large ships have helicopter landing pads in the event of a serious health emergency that cannot be addressed by the ship’s medical staff.
Heat stroke and sunburn are other safety concerns on boards cruise ships. It’s easy to fall asleep poolside in a comfortable lounge chair with the sun kissing your skin. But too much sun exposure can leave you wishing you’d stayed in your stateroom. To beat the heat but still have a good time, get up and walk around, go inside periodically and stay hydrated. Load up on sunscreen and use it. Another danger on board that many people don’t think about are rolled ankles from jogging, climbing the rock wall or from a drunken stumble. Be sure to follow on board safety guidelines and common sense. Don’t brave the rock wall after you’ve spent half the day in the cocktail lounge swigging Long Island Ice Teas.
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