Staying healthy while on a cruise ship is not always an easy task!
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Since many cruise ships carry well over 4,000 passengers and staff, staying healthy for the duration of the cruise is not always an easy task. The key to staying healthy on your cruise is to relax and not to let yourself become run down!
STAYING HEALTHY WHILE ON A CRUISE
JOIN ME ON MY JOURNEY AND TRAVEL SOLO LIKE A PRO!
Staying healthy while on a cruise requires careful planning and preparation. One of the key things to keep in mind is to stay relaxed and not let stress take over. Another important aspect is to maintain a healthy diet and avoid indulging in unhealthy foods.
It’s important to remember that cruise ships are floating cities with a large number of people in close proximity, which increases the risk of illness spreading.
Main Cause of Illness While Cruising
Aside from motion sickness, research has shown that the primary illness on a cruise ship is gastrointestinal illness, which is caused by contaminated food and/or water. However, there are precautions that can be taken to combat this illness which we’ll take a look at.
Ways To Stay Healthy While Cruising
After having taken numerous cruises, I can say that I’ve been extremely lucky and have never become ill. To help with tips on how to keep yourself as healthy as possible and to ensure that you have the best cruise ever, I have provided a list of the “health” techniques to help you stay healthy throughout your cruise.
- The VERY FIRST thing you should do when arriving to your stateroom is to sanitize all common areas. Carry sanitizer wipes and wipe down the door handles, including the balcony door handles, toilet seat, faucets, television remotes and light switches. No matter how clean your cabin is, I can almost guarantee you that most of these items are not kept clean enough to prevent illness. NOTE: This was my practice even before COVID hit us.

- Avoid using the public restrooms. Return to your cabin if at all possible.
- Sanitize your hands before and after you eat your meals. There are hand sanitizers at the entrance of each restaurant. The last cruise I was on, an employee stood at the entrance to the buffet to ensure that all passengers sanitized before entering the restaurant.
- If you encounter a sick passenger, report him or her to the medical station. All passengers who are feeling under the weather or outright sick, should be in their staterooms and not wandering around the ship. Unfortunately, not all follow this logic.
- Whenever eating at the buffet, avoid using the serving utensils provided with each dish. Use the cutlery that you have grabbed to eat with.
- Ensure that you are up-to-date with all of your vaccinations, and don’t forget to take your prescription medications!
- Stay hydrated! And NOT with the alcoholic form of beverage! Avoid an excessive amount of alcohol and drink lots of bottled water.
Just One Tip: Cases of bottled water can be pre-ordered online prior to embarking on your cruise. This option is not available once you are onboard the ship
- Get plenty of rest. I know that with all of the activities available on the cruise ship, this is easier said than done, but it is important that you take at least an hour a day to rest up. I always do this when I return to the cabin to get ready for dinner.
- Avoid sharing! This includes food, drinks, towels and/or articles of clothing (hats, etc.).
- Arrive to your port city at least one day early if there is a time difference. This enables you to get acclimatized prior to boarding the ship.
- Apply sunscreen frequently and wear a hat whenever you are in the sun

Staying Fit While Cruising
In addition to avoiding sickness and other illnesses while on your cruise, there are also plenty of opportunities to stay fit and not gain an excessive amount of weight while at the same time continuing to enjoy your vacation. Make the most of your cruise and join in the activities and take advantage of the facilities offered onboard the ship.
- All cruise ships have a state of the art gym. I have found that it is least busy later in the evening and during meal times.
- Join in a morning walk, a yoga class on deck or a spin class. The various classes offered onboard and the time will be in the ships daily newsletter. This is also the perfect way to meet some fellow cruisers.
- Book a spa appointment.
Just One Tip: Most cruise lines offer specials for the spa and stores if purchased on the day of boarding
- Choose healthy, low carb foods. With all of the food options that you will find on a ship, this should be easy to do. Note to Self: it is okay to indulge on occasion.


In Conclusion …
These are just a few ways to help you stay healthy on your cruise and not to get sick. Unfortunately, not everybody onboard is diligent when it comes to staying healthy resulting in the occasional outbreak of sickness on the ship.
Depending on the severity of the out-break, all passengers may be quarantined to their staterooms. If this occurs, the next set of passengers to board the ship will be delayed embarking, as the crew disinfects the cruise ship. Boarding will not commence until this has been complete.
HEY CRUISERS! You might also like to read these articles before going on your long-awaited cruise:
The possibility of becoming ill is one of the small risks that you take whenever cruising, however, if you do become ill while on a cruise, it is important to notify the medical team immediately.
Cruising is still one of my favourite ways to travel. I have never gotten sick, nor have I been on a cruise that was under quarantine. I would love to hear what precautions you take when cruising? Have you ever encountered a ship-wide quarantine?
” Good health and good sense are two of life’s greatest blessings” – Publilius Syrus
HAPPY & HEALTHY CRUISING! 🙂
Kelly xoxo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelly is a writer and solo traveller who shares her adventures with the world. She is a mom, grandma, and lover of all things wine. Kelly’s passion lies in exploring Canada and other parts of the world and sharing her experiences with others.
As a senior traveller, Kelly aims to inspire others to live their best life and not be afraid to venture out into the world on their own. She encourages solo travel and offers tips and advice on how to do it safely and confidently.

Travel Solo Like a Pro!
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CRUISES:
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TRAVEL INSURANCE:
♥ Travel insurance these times of natural disasters, travel interruption and baggage loss is no longer a place where you can cut costs. essentials. It has become an essential part of travel. Visitors Coverage will take care of all of your insurance needs.
PIN TO STAY HEALTHY ON YOUR CRUISE!
Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle
Great tips! Haven’t been on a cruise before but it’s on the list. 🙂
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Just One Passport
Thank you. If you get the chance you have to go! I love them. There is so much to do on the ships!
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Rochelle | Adventuresfromelle
It’s on my 30 before 30 bucket list. Given that I have a few more years to go, I hope I’ll accomplish it in this decade. 🙂
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Just One Passport
I hope so. You will LOVE it!
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pamelard
Great tips! I never thought about going back to my cabin for the bathroom but it totally makes sense!
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Just One Passport
It can be quite a hike depending where you are on the ship…but it’s also good exercise.
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clairebromm
I would have never thought of some of these tips on my own, so thanks for sharing 🙂
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Just One Passport
It’s so easy to get sick on a cruise ship. Always best to take extra precautions
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WanderlustBeautyDreams
Such great tips. Staying healthy on vacation is so hard especially with all the yummy temptations around. I need to work on controlling that and sticking to the healthy options!
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Just One Passport
I have the same issue, but I walk a tonne when on vacation, also do active tours. It helps.
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Anna
I would definately be scared of getting ill on a ship! Think it is a good idea to dance and try to use the gym whilst you are onboard. I won’t be going on a cruise ship anytime soon though due to the pollution they emit. I still fly but have decided not to go on a cruise.
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Just One Passport
I think the cruise industry is realizing the damage they are doing to the environment. I know the guidelines have been tightened up quite a bit lately.
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nlhunter
What a timely post when just today I read that 600 passengers are stuck on board a cruise ship in Rome because two passengers are suspected of having a serious virus. Cruise ships are a little scary when one thinks about how easy it is to spread diseases with people living in such close quarters.
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Just One Passport
I read that as well! In a case like that, I’m not sure much can be done to avoid contracting the illness unfortunately.
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Kathryn Anderson
I’ve been on many cruises, and I love them! I had no idea you could pre-order cases of water to your room, that’s an excellent tip, thanks!
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Just One Passport
I’m not sure you can on all cruiselines, but on Princess you can. Once you are onboard, you can’t though.
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Marina
I also love cruising! But, it really is hard to stay healthy – so much food to try and so much to do! Thanks for the tips!
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Just One Passport
I agree…that’s where the tonnes of walking comes in handy lol
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Albi Mrázová
I would say that these are great tips for staying healthy not just on a cruise. But I get that it must be terrifying to get sick on a cruise
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Just One Passport
They do work every way but it’s especially important on a ship to be diligent
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jusztravel
Sanitizing is greatly important especially in places like cruise ships and airplanes. I also like the advice to find a quiet place to read or people watch. 🙂
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Just One Passport
It sure is! Especially now with all of these viruses going around!
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FunFitnessFamily
This is especially important this time of year – and even more so with this crazy coronavirus going around! Thanks for the tips!
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Just One Passport
Exactly! I’m almost afraid to get on the plane
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shreyasaha1987
Staying healthy on cruise is really crucial, and you have nicely described how to stay healthy. Cruise ship is a place where thousands of passenger join and if someone falls sick in a contagious way, it may affect others easily. In your blog you have mentioned nicely how we can stop spreading the infection – carry sanitizer wipes and wipe down the door handles, try to avoid public restrooms, avoid using the serving utensils at the buffet and stay hydrate all the time and stop consuming lots of alcohol. These points are really helpful.
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Just One Passport
Thank you. Especially now with all the sickness going around it is important to take as many precautions as possible
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Alex
Oh yes, there is no excuse for missing exercise even if you are on a cruise ship. It is good when they have a gym… but don’t remember seeing one when I was moving around Norway.
I only need 2 square meters to my morning routine though…
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Just One Passport
I usually get more exercise when travelling. I walk way more and I love adventure travel so theres always paddleboarding biking kayaking hiking
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Suman Doogar
Staying healthy while travelling is a major task in itself. I was detected with diabetes last year and since then health has become a concern. Its so difficult to choose food while travelling because most of times everything is fried or high on carbs. Its great to know that one can exercise and have options related to food on the cruise.
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Just One Passport
That is one of the things I like about cruising there are lots of healthy options
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Jas
These are great tips and it’s so important to stay safe and healthy when travelling! It’s a good idea to maintain a healthy diet, but you gotta say yes to the occasional bacon too hahaa 😉
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Just One Passport
I can NEVER say no to bacon lol
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thattexascouple2015
This post is perfectly timed for me as we are going on a cruise in a few weeks! I really never thought about skipping the public bathrooms, but I definitely will from now on. Thanks for the great tips!
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Just One Passport
Have a great time on your cruise! I cant wait to read all about it!
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Anja
Yeah, they just quarantined 6000 people on a cruise ship off the coast of Rome because of a Coronavirus scare… the bugs are just one reason not to go on a cruise!
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Just One Passport
I heard that! And the captain was initially going to let them off and the mayor put an end to that idea in a hurry
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Anja
All sounds scary. You can catch Norwalk quite easily on a large cruise I’ve heard but this reaches a new dimension
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Just One Passport
I love cruising and have been on 7 but I wouldn’t even consider going right now with the massive outbreak. And people can be so irresponsible!
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Anja
I have no cruise experience so all I know about them is from others… I love sailing though so … mini cruises 🙂
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Brian
Still have yet to go on a cruise, but this is sound advice! And honestly, I do a lot of the same stuff when staying in hotels. You just have to assume that things aren’t as clean as they should be, especially with common areas of use.
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Just One Passport
Exactly! I ALWAYS clean toilet handles, tv remote, light switches and balcony handles. Cleaning staff seldom, if ever, does this.
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jordinjordinsjourneyscom
I have never been on a cruise. These are great tips, with so many people on the ship it’s important to stay healthy. I’m pinning this for future reference.
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Just One Passport
Awesome! I hope you get on a cruise one day…although I admit I’m not sure I would go now with the Coronavirus outbreak
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Marcea
Great tips! I always make sure to be conscious about what I eat on a cruise (small bites of good things), take the stairs instead of the elevator and use lots of hand wipes.
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Just One Passport
Yes I do the same. Unfortunately I was just reading that Princess quarantined 3000 passengers for 14 days
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Christopher James Mitchell
It can be so hard to stay healthy on a cruise just because of the unlimited food available! I usually end up stuffing myself on a cruise!
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Just One Passport
You and me both! Lol
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uoprincess
Using only your own bathroom is a good idea. And if you take the stairs it will add exercise to your day.
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Just One Passport
Wherever I travel, I always try to use my own bathroom, but always on a cruise ship.
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Kristin In Motion
OMG That is literally the first time I’ve ever thought about buffet utensils! Wow thanks for sharing! This is obviously very timely but useful information anytime of year for any type of travel!
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Just One Passport
I completely agree. I actually wrote this before the outbreak, but given the circumstances I thought it would be useful right now.
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By Land and Sea
We’ve been on several cruises in the past and put most of these tips into practice. Smart choices lead to healthier results!
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Just One Passport
Exactly. Unfortunately not everybody does….but I’ve never been sick on a cruise
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Sage Scott
I’m not a big cruiser. I think it’s a combination of feeling “stuck” and worrying that I’ll get sick. These tips help reassure me a bit should I ever decide to give cruising another go.
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Just One Passport
Now isn’t the time to board a cruise ship unfortunately 😦
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Michelle Segrest
These are really great tips! Especially the part about using your own utensils at the buffet–that is brilliant! I’m going to start doing that anywhere I go that has a buffet! I also like your tip about using the bathroom in the stateroom and not in the public restrooms! A very helpful article!
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Just One Passport
I just hope that the ships will still have a buffet once they start sailing again. It will be interesting to see how they will handle that.
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thedctraveler9b7e4f7d4d
These are great tips – especially now. I’ve always been concerned about this on cruise ships, so I always pack hand sanitizer to carry around. 🙂
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Just One Passport
We will need it more now than ever
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Kelly
I have done a couple of cruises before, but both were a few years ago before we ever heard of COVID or considered this when travelling by cruise. Of course in close quarters we should always be aware, but these tips are more important now than ever!
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Just One Passport
They certainly are! Even without covid its easy to get sick on a cruise. Hygiene is imperative
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Anushka Seereeram
My husband always rave about how he loves cruises and all that he is able to eat! He wants to take me, but I will keep these tips in mind as I know all you can eats can always get the best of us 🙂
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Just One Passport
They most certainly do lol 🙂 I love cruising and I hope you are able to go on one at some point. It’s a great way to visit multiple places and see which one you want to go back to for a longer period of time.
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Michelle
These are such great tips. I never really thought about not using the public restrooms, but I can totally see why you say that!
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Just One Passport
Especially important since covid hit. But I’ve made this a cruising rule for me long before covid
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Portia Olaughlin
I could not agree with you more on sanitizing everything when you walk into your cabin or your hotel room. Sanitation is so important. I pretty much avoid buffet areas but sometimes they are the only place to grab a bite during certain times of the day, good personal sanitation habits can go along way.
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Just One Passport
They sure can. I did this before covid but im a lot Pickler since covid
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