What to Do If You Get Sick on a Cruise
DISCLOSURE: Stylish Cruising contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, as well as affiliate programs with other companies. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
Embarking on a cruise is an exciting adventure filled with the promise of relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable experiences. But as we all know, sometimes things don’t go according to plan and the unexpected happens – like getting sick.
Whether you just have a minor cold or it is something more serious, the last thing you want is to let illness ruin your much-needed getaway. Here are some practical steps on what to do if you get sick on a cruise ship.
Purchase Travel Insurance Before Your Cruise
Being proactive by purchasing travel insurance before your cruise ship adventure can save you a lot of headaches and stress in the event of an illness or injury. Not only does travel insurance provide coverage for unexpected medical expenses, but some policies even offer trip interruption or cancellation coverage in the event that you are forced to end your cruise early due to illness or injury.
Knowing what your travel insurance covers and having easy access to the policies and coverage are important in order to quickly navigate through any issues that may arise. So, be sure to pack a copy of your policy and your insurance company’s contact information, just in case.
Be Prepared with Medications
If you have a preexisting condition or are prone to certain illnesses, bring a small supply of necessary prescription and nonprescription medications with you. This proactive approach can help you manage your health while at sea.
Also, bring along nonprescription medications for coughs and colds, allergies, diarrhea, heartburn, cramps, and other common medical situations that might interrupt your cruise.
It is also a good idea to travel with your own first aid kit that includes various sizes of Band-Aids, as well as antibiotic ointment, scissors, tweezers, and the like. You can purchase a kit like the one below, or you can put together one yourself.
Small First Aid Kit
Going to the cruise ship’s medical clinic can be expensive, so keep common first-aid items and over-the-counter remedies with you. This small first aid kit won’t take up much room at all in your bag.
Visit the Ship’s Medical Facility
The first thing you should do if you start experiencing any symptoms is to see the ship’s doctor right away. Most cruise ships have medical professionals on board who are equipped to deal with a variety of illnesses and injuries.
Don’t wait until your condition worsens or becomes an emergency – it’s always better to be safe than sorry. While there may be a fee for the doctor’s services, it’s worth it to get the help you need.
Notify the Ship’s Crew
It’s important to inform the ship’s crew about your condition. They can offer assistance, keep an eye on your well-being, and make any necessary accommodations to ensure your comfort. Promptly reporting your illness can also help prevent the spread of contagious diseases among fellow passengers.
Follow Precautionary Measures
If you do get sick on a cruise ship, it’s important to take precautions to prevent the spread of illness to others. This means using hand sanitizer, washing your hands frequently, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, or wearing a face mask. The crew will also take measures to limit the spread of illness, such as sanitizing all high-touch surfaces and bringing food to passengers rather than having them serve themselves.
By doing your part and following these measures, you can help prevent illness from spreading to other passengers.
Isolate Yourself if Necessary
If your illness is contagious, follow any recommendations provided by the ship’s medical staff, such as isolating yourself to prevent the spread of the illness. This not only protects your fellow passengers but also ensures a safer and healthier environment for everyone on board.
Follow Medical Advice
Listen to the advice of the medical professionals on the ship. They may recommend rest, prescribe medication, or suggest specific dietary changes to aid in your recovery. Adhering to their guidance will increase the likelihood of a speedy recovery.
Stay Hydrated and Rest
Regardless of the nature of your illness, staying hydrated and getting enough rest are essential for a quicker recovery. The combination of sea air and proper self-care can work wonders in helping you bounce back to enjoy the remainder of your cruise.
If the doctor diagnoses you with an illness, the best thing you can do is rest and recover. This means taking it easy and not over-exerting yourself as this can hinder your body’s natural healing process.
Keep plenty of fluids on hand and take any medication prescribed by the doctor as directed. If you’re feeling unwell and don’t feel like leaving your cabin, most cruise ships offer room service, so you can still enjoy a meal without leaving the comfort of your bed.
Keep a Positive Attitude
This might sound like a no-brainer, but having a positive attitude can go a long way in helping you recover. Sure, getting sick on a cruise may not be ideal, but it doesn’t have to ruin your entire vacation. Focus on the things you can still do, like catch up on some reading, watch a movie, or simply enjoy the ocean view. Plus, with attentive crew members and the amenities of a cruise ship at your fingertips, you’ll have everything you need to make a speedy recovery.
Check Travel Insurance
If you have travel insurance, check the coverage related to medical expenses and see if any procedures need to be followed to ensure reimbursement. Keep any receipts or documentation related to medical expenses for use in making an insurance claim.
Personally, we use Allianz for travel insurance. Thankfully, we haven’t needed it yet, but having the policy gives us peace of mind.
Keep in Touch with Loved Ones
Inform your travel companions or loved ones back home about your condition. It’s reassuring for them to know and can be helpful in case you need any additional support or assistance.
What Happens If There Is A Viral Outbreak On The Cruise
Viral outbreaks aboard ship are uncommon. But they do happen occasionally, usually with a form of norovirus, a gastrointestinal illness.
We sailed on Norwegian Joy the week after a norovirus outbreak onboard and got a firsthand look at the measures that cruise lines take to eradicate the virus and help the healthy passengers onboard stay that way. Read more here.
Final Thoughts On What To Do If You Get Sick On A Cruise
While falling ill during a cruise may not be part of the plan, knowing how to handle the situation can make a significant difference in your overall experience. By promptly seeking medical attention, following professional advice, and taking necessary precautions, you can do your part to return to health and hopefully get back to enjoying your cruise soon.
So, go ahead and book that trip. With a little planning and preparation, you will be setting sail with peace of mind.
Safe travels!
LET’S BE SOCIAL: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Planning to book a cruise? We have some tips for you.
