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\nFor many people, a cruise is an ideal way to relax and see the world. You are surrounded by the gorgeous blue of the ocean, get waited on hand and foot, have activities and events planned for you, and are provided with a seemingly limitless supply of food and drinks\u2014all while having the opportunity to visit multiple countries and destinations.
\nAlthough cruising has many obvious pleasures, potential health hazards are also a risk with cruise ship travel. Staying informed and preparing for these potential hazards can help you stay healthy and get the most out of your cruise vacation.
\nIf you are traveling to an area with Zika, be sure to follow CDC recommendations to stay healthy and safe. All travelers to areas with Zika should prevent mosquito bites. Zika can also be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners, so travelers should use condoms. Condoms include male and female condoms.
\nBecause Zika during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika. Couples who are trying to become pregnant should talk to their doctor about their travel plans and see CDC guidance for how long you should wait to get pregnant after travel to an area with Zika.
\nEven if you do not feel sick, you should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks after returning from an area with Zika. If a mosquito bites an infected person while the virus is still in that person\u2019s blood, it can spread the virus by biting another person. You should also use condoms after travel to areas with Zika to protect your partners. Couples with a pregnant partner should either use condoms or not have sex during the pregnancy.
\nFor more information on Zika and travel, visit the Zika Travel Information website.
\nRegardless of your itinerary, you should be up-to-date on routine vaccines, such as measles/mumps/rubella, varicella, and seasonal flu. Crew members and fellow travelers often come from countries where these diseases are more common than in the United States and where vaccination is not routine. Consequently, outbreaks of chickenpox and rubella (German measles) have been reported on cruise ships.
\nAdditional vaccines you\u2019ll need depend on where you\u2019ll be stopping and what you\u2019re going to do there. CDC\u2019s general vaccination recommendations, by country, can be found on the Travelers\u2019 Health destination pages. However, discuss the cruise itinerary and your specific travel plans with your doctor. If you\u2019re stopping in a country only for a short time, or if you don\u2019t plan to leave the tourist area around the dock, certain vaccines may not be necessary.
\nEven if you are not at risk for yellow fever during port calls, some countries in Africa and South America may require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you have previously visited a country with yellow fever. Visit the destination pages for a country\u2019s yellow fever requirements. Cruise ship companies sometimes have requirements that differ from those of the countries you will be visiting, so be sure to check with the cruise line about those requirements as well.
\nVisit your doctor before going on a cruise.
\nCruise ship outbreaks of vomiting, and diarrhea, primarily caused by norovirus, have been reported. The best way to prevent illness is frequent handwashing with soap and water. Wash your hands before eating and after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching things that other people have touched, such as stair railings; it is also a good idea to avoid touching your face.
\nWhile on shore excursions, especially in developing countries, follow basic food and water precautions: eat only food that is cooked and served hot, drink only beverages from sealed containers, avoid ice, and eat fresh produce only if you have washed it with clean water and peeled it yourself.
\nIf you are feeling sick before your voyage, ask your cruise line if alternative cruising options are available. Consult your doctor to find out whether it is safe for you to sail. If you feel sick during your voyage, report your symptoms to the ship\u2019s medical facility and follow their recommendations. For more information about vomiting and diarrhea on cruise ships, visit CDC\u2019s Vessel Sanitation Program website.
\nLearn how to avoid getting sick on a cruise so you can enjoy yourself.
\nRespiratory diseases are also common on cruise ships. Frequent handwashing can keep you from getting sick, and coughing or sneezing into a tissue (not your hand) can prevent you from spreading germs. Getting a flu shot is the best way to keep from getting the flu.
\nSeasickness is a common complaint of cruise ship passengers. If you are (or think you might be) prone to seasickness, talk to your doctor about medicine to decrease your symptoms. Note that many common medications (including some antidepressants, painkillers, and birth control pills) can worsen the nausea of seasickness.
\nVarious stressors associated with cruising\u2014changes in diet, variation in climate, changes to sleep and activity patterns\u2014can worsen a chronic illness. If you have been diagnosed with such an illness, you should be prepared to monitor your health while on a cruise (for example, frequently testing your blood sugar if you have diabetes). If you regularly take medicine for a chronic illness, make sure you bring enough for the duration of the cruise, plus extra in case of delays, and take it on the same schedule as you would at home.
\nFor more information on healthy travel, visit the Travelers\u2019 Health website.
\nYou should check with your regular health insurance company to see if your policy will cover any medical care you might need in another country or on board the ship. If not, you can purchase travel health insurance to cover you during your trip.
\nAlso, look for gaps in your insurance coverage. For example, your health insurance might not cover medical evacuation if you cannot receive needed treatment where you are. Evacuation by air ambulance can cost $50,000\u2013$100,000 and must be paid in advance by people who do not have insurance. You can buy medical evacuation insurance to be sure you will have access to emergency care. For more information on travel health insurance, visit the Travelers\u2019 Health Insurance page.
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