Sailing Through Sickness: Tips for Managing Illness on a Cruise

You plan for months to go on your dream cruise vacation, but what happens if you get sick? Getting sick on a cruise happens to some of us.  Some common illnesses associated with cruise travel include seasickness, jet lag, allergic reactions, diarrhea, and norovirus. It is not fun, but knowing what to do and how to manage it will help your vacation be more enjoyable. 

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I am in no way a doctor and am not here to diagnose or treat any illnesses.  These are only suggestions based on my own personal experiences and client concerns.  Everyone is different and may react differently to treatments. For personal medical advice please seek your physician.

Sea Sickness

Sea Sickness or Motion Sickness is one of the most common types of sickness on any cruise ship.  Preventing sea sickness is key among travelers susceptible to motion sickness.  You can prevent sea sickness by using patches prescribed by your doctor, wearing sea bands, or using over-the-counter medications such as Bonine or Dramamine. Please always talk to your doctor before using any kind of medication or treatment.

The best place to stay on a ship is in the middle and on a lower deck.  The ship comes equipped with stabilizers to minimize motion in the water and choosing a cabin close to these is best.

If you do get seasick on a cruise eating green apples, using essential oils such as Digize and Ginger, may also help.  The ship’s medical center can also provide you with motion sickness pills to help you get through the trip.

Jet Lag

Jet lag happens to the best of us when traveling through different time zones.  Your body’s circadian rhythms or internal clock is synchronized with your original time zone, so it doesn’t know when to trigger sleep when you cross through different time zones.

According to Mayo Clinic jet lag symptoms include feeling fatigued and unwell, mood changes,  and can also cause stomach problems.  Flying East is also harder because you “lose” time as opposed to flying West when you “gain” time.

How to manage the illness of jet lag, before or after a cruise, involves proper planning ahead of time if possible.  If you know you will be traveling, try to gradually get your body on the new schedule.  Stay in the light longer if going west.  Eat meals during the new time zone’s schedule.  Try to sleep on the plane and try to gradually adjust once you arrive at your new destination.  Also, remember to stay hydrated. 

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can happen to anyone at any time, but being in the middle of ocean can make it seem so much worse.  On a recent cruise a personal client of mine woke up with her face and tongue swollen. 

By staying calm and reacting appropriately she was able to seek help from the ship’s medical team and was able to recover. 

The medical team determined that she had an allergic reaction.  To what we still do not know, but they were excellent in treating her.

If you experience any kind of allergic reaction or allergy symptoms while cruising seek the ship’s medical team.  On most ships they can be found on deck one but ask your cabin steward for assistance or guest services for help with this matter. 

Packing over-the-counter medications that are approved by your doctor can help with minor symptoms and discomfort, but for more serious cases please see the ship’s medical team.  They are the professionals who can help.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea can occur on vacation for various reasons.  Stress before the trip often causes stomach problems.  As can drinking contaminated water or too-rich foods.   Knowing how to manage this illness on a cruise can be simple.

When you are on vacation you want to splurge and eat and drink all the things.  Yes, those 2 desserts at dinner seem appealing, but if your body is not used to eating like that it can be a recipe for disaster. 

Try to avoid trigger foods such as fatty meats and sugary desserts and snacks. Your stomach will thank you later.

Avoid drinking non-filtered or tap water when traveling.  Especially when going out of the country.  Bring a water bottle and fill it up onboard the ship at the drink stations or drink only bottled water when going ashore.  This will help prevent drinking contaminated water. 

If you do experience tummy troubles onboard the ship one of the onboard shops should sell an over the counter medication to help.  More serious cases should consult the ship’s medical team for treatment.

Norovirus

Norovirus is an acute gastrointestinal disease often associated with cruise ships.  However, you would be surprised at how infrequently this actually occurs.  According to the CDC, a passenger on a cruise ship has a 1 in 5,500 chance of getting Norovirus during a shipboard outbreak. 

Cruise ships follow strict cleaning procedures and frequent health and safety checks.  You can prevent your own personal illness by frequently washing your hands, getting plenty of rest, and drinking plenty of water.  Be aware of other people’s health and tell the truth on the health and safety questionnaire before boarding. 

Final Thoughts

Getting sick can happen to anyone at any time, but getting sick on vacation often seems worse.  Some common illnesses associated with cruise travel include seasickness, jet lag, allergic reactions, diarrhea, and norovirus.  It is not fun, but knowing what to do and how to manage it will help your vacation be more enjoyable. 

Do you have any more ways to prevent illness while traveling? Let us know your best tips and tricks in the comments below. 

Ready to start planning your own? Contact us today and remember…Life’s Short… Take the Trip!