SAFE CRUISING 

A cruise, like no other vacation, stirs your imagination and gets your heart beating faster.  Week by week the anticipation mounts as you go though the steps in preparation for your sailing date.  It is all so simple and straightforward that many people do not think of the health precautions that they might consider with other international trips.  And yet for many, there is more to think about than just what to pack for formal night.

Senior citizens, people with disabilities, pregnant women and families with small children all make up today’s cruising population.  Many of these have health issues that need to be addressed before they set sail.

Trip insurance should be part of the preparation for every cruise.  Remember that most health insurance policies, and especially Medicare, will not cover you outside the U.S.  An inexpensive trip policy nowadays will cover everything from lost luggage to lost limbs.  Trip cancellation, missing a flight, an accident on board or while ashore, even emergency medical evacuation can be included in the insurance you buy from your travel agent.

Shots may be something you think of when going on safari, but not on a cruise.  Yet one of the main problems on board cruise ships is the rapid spread of influenza.  Elderly passengers especially, or others with chronic illnesses, should definitely get a flu shot before going on a cruise.  People with chronic lung diseases should also consider a pneumonia shot. 

Some cruises to exotic ports now require that you have a Yellow Fever shot.  (This is usually a requirement of the destination country and actually not under the cruise line’s control.)  Over the age of 65, the Yellow Fever shot becomes a little riskier, so you may want to consult a Travel Medicine specialist about that. 

Adventuresome travelers, taking the more exotic land trips and eating in riskier places may also want to consider immunizations against typhoid and polio.  And don’t forget—your tetanus shot should always be up to date.

 Pregnant travelers need to remember that most cruise lines put a limit on how late in pregnancy you may travel.  A ship’s sick bay is just not equipped to handle most obstetrical emergencies.  You should check this out before you book the cruise.  And check your trip insurance carefully.  Most policies exclude problems related to the pregnancy.

Security on board ship has become as major an issue as it is for the airlines.  Be prepared to always present identification when boarding or disembarking, to have your packages inspected and to experience minor delays as a result.  Don’t be surprised if you see boats patrolling around your ship when you are in port.  Shortly after you embark there will be a safety drill.  Be sure you attend, and pay attention!  Not many ships sink these days, but fires and other emergencies do happen and you need to know what to do.

Sea sickness, of course, represents one of the main problems on a cruise.  People who are prone to motion sickness may want to fortify themselves ahead of time with the TransdermScop® patch or the equivalent oral tablets.  Side effects include dry mouth and blurred vision, which could be problematic when walking down stairs on a swaying ship. This medicine should not be used by people with glaucoma.  For short term use when the seas get rough, we still advise the antihistamines such as Dramamine® or Bonine®.    They may make you drowsy, but it’s a reasonable trade-off for nausea.

After seasickness, the main problem for which cruisers seek medical help is accidents.  Unfamiliar surroundings, a rolling ship, transferring to tenders or quay, slippery surfaces and other hazards make slips and falls more likely.  Until you are comfortable moving about the ship, walk slowly, don’t obstruct your vision with packages, and always use the guardrails.

Sunburn is another common shipboard ailment.  Remember your sunscreen!

Remember that the sick bay is more like an emergency room than a hospital.  Usually well equipped and with well-trained staff, it is still a place of triage and stabilization until definitive care is available.  And if the ship is some distance from port, transportation to proper medical care, even by helicopter, may not be available for as long as a day or two.  Also, medical care on board ship is not free or included in the cost of your cruise.  There will be fees and you will need to pay by cash or credit card.

Dental care is occasionally available on board ship but so far is not a common commodity.

People with chronic health problems, therefore, need to check with the cruise line ahead of time regarding any special arrangements they need to make.  Take along, in their original containers, an adequate supply of your regular medicines, as well as a copy of your pertinent medical records. 

Shore excursions are another potential source of problems, both accidents and crime.  If you are an experienced traveler and familiar with your destination, perhaps you can arrange your own day trip and save money.  But for your own safety, we generally recommend the shore excursions that are organized by the cruise line.