Enjoying cruises the healthy way

Nothing can disrupt your long-awaited holiday like a personal illness. You’ve been planning for and looking forward to this trip for quite some time so it makes sense to follow some basic guidelines for reducing the likelihood of personal illness. Ships are close quarters with many people using the same facilities. So you will have to be extra vigilant about hygiene and especially hand washing after using the toilet and before meals to keep yourself feeling ship-shape throughout your journey. The industry has been very pro-active about preventing illness on board their fleets. From Royal Caribbean cruises’ policy of having two qualified doctors and three nurses on board every vessel, to the inspections and sanitation protocols of all companies, the industry as a whole takes onboard health seriously. But some of the burden of protecting your health has to be carried by the passenger. All of the best practices and intentions cannot replace the passenger’s responsibility to be informed and prepared for an at-sea journey. It is relatively easy to remain healthy as long as you are informed and follow basic hygiene rules. And you shouldn’t be shy about taking advantage of the education and facilities provided for you on the vessel. They are there to keep you feeling healthy and happy so you get the most out of your holiday. Celebrity cruises even offers its own “Aquaspa Treatments” that range from body composition analysis to tooth whitening and facials and massages, ensuring you will return not only relaxed, but feeling and looking better than when you departed.

Emerald Princess Christmas party on deck

"The Queen Mary 2 is quite simply a stunning vessel, not too much glitz, just elegance personified. The cabin was excellent, the cabin steward very friendly and helpful, the Britannia restaurant did not disappoint." - Taylor, Heath Charnock on 17th Jun 2009 (Cunard Cruises)

Staying healthy on board

Health and sanitation is a topic that major cruise lines take very seriously. Currently, the concern over H1N1 virus has mobilized the industry to enact health campaigns to prevent the disease on board. NCL cruises, for example, has been very pro-active about this potential threat by insisting on fleet-wide medical questionnaire screening for all passengers, sanitation measures, as well as stocking their medical facilities with anti-viral medications in the event that anyone shows any flu-like symptoms. It is worth noting that vessels have medical facilities and trained medical staff on board in the event you are feeling unwell or even seasick. Quality operators such as the luxury MSC cruises are well equipped and knowledgeable about treating seasickness should it occur. When on board the best way to prevent illness in close quarters with so many other people, is to wash your hands. Toilet sanitation is key to preventing the occurrence and spread of noroviruses and other gastro-intestinal ailments. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water every time you use the toilet and before you eat or drink anything. However, should any sign of distress arise, be sure to visit the medical centre of the vessel as soon as possible so you can be treated and feeling better and don’t inadvertently expose others. Whether you’re on a Cunard cruises luxury liner, or a smaller more casual vessel, there well be medical facilities on board and they are typically available all day and night with full trained staff.

Moored at Ketchican

"We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise having been on the Navigator of the Seas to the Caribbean previously." - Barker, Nottingham on 17th Jun 2009 (Royal Caribbean Cruises)

Staying healthy on shore

Health considerations when going ashore vary with the country and port you are visiting. Every nation has some health considerations you have to keep in mind whether it’s a modern European city or a tropical island town in a developing country. Be sure you read up on each country your itinerary visits to become educated on what the potential risks are and how to best prevent them. If, for example, you’re heading to Southeast Asia on one of Princess cruises many Asian itineraries, be sure to talk to your doctor about proper Malarial prophylactics and heed the recommendations of the company for the countries you visit. Even if your journey only takes you to modern cities and established tourist areas, it is still wise to make sure your immunizations are all up to date. This is especially important for those who are visiting a greater number of countries on longer itineraries. P&O cruises offers a world tour itinerary where you will visit over twenty countries so proper immunization will ensure your adventure is worry free and you can enjoy yourself. If you’re visiting foreign countries in Asia, be advised that toilet facilities may not be what you’re used to, especially in developing nations. Make sure you bring along proper hand sanitizer, toilet paper, and wet wipes for use in these situations to maintain proper sanitation. Often in these countries, soap is not readily available for use let alone a sink so a toilet kit in your day bag is a good idea.

Pool Area

"It was a wonderful experience for a very good price. Two weeks self catering in Lanzarote or wherever is a thing of the past. I want to be pampered and looked after and taken to a new destination every day." - Holmes, Stranraer on 17th Jun 2009 (Thomson Cruises)

Coming prepared

Proper planning and preparation are key to ensuring you have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable holiday at sea. The first item you should pack is knowledge. Do your homework and read up on the region and countries your voyage will include. Will you need mosquito repellent? Extra allergy medications? Sun block? How about a warm pair of gloves and a hat? For example: Alaskan itineraries will require quite a different packing list than Caribbean cruises. A good place to start is the packing suggestions detailed on most operators’ websites. You will often get a customized packing suggestions list in your pre-trip information package. Always pack extras of your prescription medications and consider wet wipes and hand sanitizer for use after going to toilets and before eating meals. And consult with your physician to see what immunizations you need. Finally, one way to avoid additional exposure to flu and cold viruses is to avoid air travel. There are hundreds of cruises from Southampton and other ports in the UK that generally won’t require any air travel to get to. Eliminating the air travel is not only good for your health but for your budget too. Many of the major operators have departures sailing from domestic port cities. For example, Fred Olsen cruises offer dozens of departures from the UK that sail to all of their destinations around the world. So arm yourself with the knowledge and pack along the essentials to make sure you return from your holiday with a healthy glow.

Staircase in atrium

"This ship is amazing everything stated in the intenary is spot on. All of the restarants are first class as with all of the staff." - Astbury, Stoke on trent on 17th Jun 2009 (Azamara Cruises)