Getting sick on vacation is a big bummer. Cruises are meant to be fun and relaxing. But, being around lots of people in a small space can be risky.
So, how do you stay healthy on a cruise? I’ve got some easy tips to help you avoid getting sick. These tips will keep your immune system strong and make your cruise worry-free.
1. Start with Your Cabin: Disinfect High-Touch Areas
When I get to my cabin, I disinfect it right away. Cruise staff clean well, but a quick wipe-down is always good. Focus on:
- Door handles
- Light switches
- TV remote
- Nightstands
- Vanity surfaces
- Drawer pulls
Bring a pack of disinfecting wipes and stash them in your carry-on.
2. Hands Off the Handrails (and Elevator Buttons)
When exploring the ship, avoid touching handrails and buttons. Instead:
- Use your knuckle, a tissue, or the corner of your sleeve
- Carry a travel-sized pack of tissues or sanitizing wipes
- Avoid touching your face after using shared surfaces
Add mini hand sanitizers or touchless door openers to your packing list for added protection.
3. Cruise Buffet Health Tips
The buffet is both a blessing and a health hazard. Here’s how to navigate it safely:
- Always wash your hands before and after visiting the buffet.
- Use hand sanitizing stations provided throughout the dining areas.
- Avoid touching your face after using buffet tongs.
- Bring disposable gloves if you’re extra cautious.
- Carry personal hand sanitizer to use at your table.
- Wipe down your table and chair arms with disinfecting wipes.
During times of heightened illness, cruise lines may switch from self-serve to staff-served buffets—a trend many prefer for sanitary reasons.
4. Avoid Public Restrooms When Possible
Public washrooms are high-risk areas. If your cabin is nearby, it’s safer to use your own bathroom.
If you must use a public restroom:
- Use a paper towel to open the door when exiting
- Sanitize your hands thoroughly afterward
Keep pocket tissues or sanitizing hand wipes in your bag for these moments.
5. Boost Your Immunity Before You Board
Staying healthy on a cruise starts before you leave home. I prep my immune system 1–2 weeks early by adding:
- Zinc supplements (like Cold-Eeze)
- Vitamin C
- Immune support products like Airborne, Zicam, or Emergen-C
If I feel a scratchy throat or sniffles, I keep taking them daily during the cruise.
6. Airport and Airplane Sanitation Tips
Your exposure to germs starts before you board the ship. Here’s how to protect yourself in the airport and on the plane:
- Wipe down armrests, tray tables, and seat belt buckles with disinfecting wipes
- Avoid putting anything in the seat-back pocket—use an airplane seat organizer instead
- Keep hand sanitizer accessible in your carry-on
- Don’t touch your face without clean hands
The Airplane Pocket is a genius travel product that helps keep your personal space clean and organized.
7. Avoid Coughers and Crowded Spaces
If someone near you is visibly coughing—whether in a theater, lounge, or elevator—consider moving. You can also:
- Take the stairs instead of riding a packed elevator
- Turn away or breathe into your sleeve
- Wear a mask in high-density indoor areas, specially during flu season
These small actions can reduce your exposure to airborne illnesses.
8. Be Ready for Cold, Flu, and Stomach Bugs
If you do get sick, don’t panic—but do be prepared. Bring your own medications because over-the-counter remedies can be hard to find on board and expensive in the ship’s medical center.
Your cruise medical kit should include:
- Daytime and nighttime cold medicine
- Throat lozenges
- Decongestants
- Cough syrup or drops
- Thermometer
- Pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen
- Antacids like Tums or Pepto-Bismol
- Anti-diarrheal meds (like Imodium)
- Laxatives (like Dulcolax)
9. Rest, Fresh Air & Vitamin C
If you feel under the weather, listen to your body. Take it easy.
- Sleep in or take an afternoon nap
- Get fresh air on your balcony or the top deck
- Eat nutrient-rich foods (like oranges, grapefruits, kiwi)
- Stay hydrated
Your body heals faster when you give it rest and nourishment.
10. Be Careful Where You Eat in Port
Cruise ships have strict food safety standards. But not every restaurant in port does. To avoid foodborne illness:
- Choose clean, busy restaurants with good reviews
- Avoid raw foods unless you trust the source
- Drink bottled water, if water safety is a concern
- Avoid street food unless it’s hot and cooked in front of you
Pack activated charcoal or digestive enzymes if you’re prone to tummy troubles.
11. Preventing Sunburn and Heat Stroke
Cruise destinations, like the Caribbean, can have intense sun. Even seasoned tanners can get sunburned on a ship deck.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Take breaks indoors with air conditioning
- Stay hydrated—especially if drinking alcohol
Aloe vera gel, Liquid I.V. hydration packs, and cooling towels are smart items to pack for hot climates.
12. Motion Sickness Solutions
Seasickness is less common on today’s large, stabilized cruise ships—but it can happen, even in rough seas. Be ready with:
- Less-drowsy Dramamine or Bonine
- Anti-nausea patches (like Transderm Scop)
- Sea-Bands for natural acupressure relief
- Reliefband (a tech-based solution that’s pricey, but some swear by it)
- Ginger candy or Tummy Drops
- Green apples (yep—they actually help settle your stomach!)
13. Hangover Recovery on a Cruise
Cruises + drink packages = temptation to overdo it. If you indulge a little too much, make sure you’re prepared for the next day.
- Rehydrate with Liquid I.V. or Pedialyte packets
- Eat something bland (like toast, crackers, or bananas)
- Take an anti-nausea tablet if needed
- Get fresh air and shade
- Nap it off if you can
Or… you know… skip drink #15. 😉
Final Thoughts
Getting sick on a cruise is never part of the plan—but it can happen. With some smart packing, basic precautions, and a little preparation, you can dramatically reduce your chances of illness. This way, your cruise vacation stays relaxing and fun.
Quick Packing Checklist:
- Disinfecting wipes
- Zinc + vitamin C
- Hand sanitizer
- First aid kit
- Cold & flu meds
- Anti-nausea products
- Aloe vera + SPF sunscreen
- Digestive aids
- Liquid I.V. hydration
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