Illness on Board
How ship medical centers, sanitation programs and insurance work when you feel unwell.
Get Free QuotesGetting Sick at Sea
Ships carry thousands of people in close quarters, so colds and stomach bugs can spread, just as they do in schools and offices. Cruise ships have medical centers staffed by doctors and nurses, and strict sanitation programs. Knowing how these work makes a sick day much less stressful.
How Sanitation Is Inspected
The CDC Vessel Sanitation Program helps the cruise industry prevent and control the spread of gastrointestinal illness. According to the CDC, ships on international voyages that stop at a US port are subject to two unannounced inspections a year, scored out of 100, and a ship fails with a score of 85 or below. The CDC publishes inspection reports and scores and lists gastrointestinal outbreaks on the ships it oversees.
These inspections cover food safety, water, pools, housekeeping and more. You can look up your ship’s recent scores before you sail.
If You Feel Unwell
- Call or visit the medical center; report stomach symptoms early, as asked by the crew.
- Follow isolation advice if you are given it, and let your traveling companions know.
- Drink plenty of fluids and rest.
- Keep receipts and medical reports; you will need them for any insurance claim.
- For serious illness, the ship may arrange treatment ashore or a medical evacuation; costs can be very high without insurance.
Staying Well
Wash your hands
Soap and water before eating and after the restroom; sanitizer is a backup, not a replacement.
Bring medicines
Pack prescriptions in your carry-on, in original containers, with extra days’ supply.
Pace yourself
Sun, alcohol and late nights add up. Hydrate and rest.
Check your cover
Make sure travel insurance includes medical treatment and evacuation.
For more on how ships handle health and safety, see health at sea on our sister site Cruising Is Safe.
Illness Questions
Is medical care on a ship free?
Generally no. The medical center charges for consultations and treatment, usually to your onboard account. Many home health plans do not pay for care at sea or abroad, which is why travel medical insurance matters.
What is a gastrointestinal outbreak on a ship?
The CDC defines a cruise ship outbreak as 3% or more of passengers or crew reporting specific gastrointestinal symptoms. The CDC lists outbreaks on ships under its program.
Will I be asked to stay in my cabin?
Guests with certain contagious symptoms may be asked to isolate in their cabin for a period to protect others. Cooperate; it helps stop illness spreading.
Traveling With a Medical Condition
If you have a chronic condition, carry a short summary from your doctor, a list of medicines with generic names and enough supply for possible delays. Tell the cruise line about special needs when you book, such as oxygen, dialysis or refrigerated medicine, so they can confirm what the ship can support.
Plan a Healthy Cruise
Have health concerns about cruising? Tell us about your trip. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will suggest suitable ships and itineraries and send free quotes.
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