A cruise vacation can be an escape to paradise, rest and relaxation. However, if the proper health precautions are not taken by the cruise line (and its passengers) it can be an invitation to a host of health issues. Here are some cruise passenger health tips to keep you and your family feeling great on your next cruise!
- Always Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is an important tip for daily living in general, but when it comes to taking a cruise, washing hands is extremely important to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. With everyone in close quarters, germs can spread quickly. To prevent this issue, it is recommended that passengers wash their hands before and after eating, going to the bathroom, etc.
- Use the Hand Sanitizer Stations
Along those same lines, cruise ships come equipped with hand sanitizer stations all over the ship. It may not always be possible to wash your hands with soap and water, so these stations are the next best thing. A good rule of thumb is to use a hand sanitizer station anywhere you see one. It may seem excessive but adding that extra level of sanitation does not hurt.
- Always Eat Breakfast
Breakfast has always been said to be the most important meal of the day, and it is for good reason. It is important to eat breakfast to keep your energy level up during the day, especially if activities are planned on the ship or off-shore. By not eating that important meal, a passenger could be making it easier for him or her to get sick later.
- Remember your Medications
When putting together a list of items to pack for your cruise, it is important that your medications are not forgotten. If the passenger takes medication for important health conditions, these are a must to stay safe and healthy on the ship. In addition, it is recommended that over-the-counter medication, such as pain reliever or cold medication be packed as well.
- Get a Flu Shot
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC) recommends that cruise passengers get vaccinated with the most recent year’s flu vaccine before going on a cruise. It can take up to two weeks for the immunization to take effect, so it is important that the cruise passenger gets the shot at least two weeks in advance.
- Clean the Cabin
All the cabins are cleaned before arrival, but this does not necessarily mean the place is immaculate and completely free of germs. If the passenger is nervous about the room and germs, it can help to bring antibacterial wipes along with other packed items to wipe down the room beforehand. Certain areas tend to carry germs more often than others so play close attention to door handles, light switches, phones and remote controls.
- Wear Proper Shoes
A slip and fall on a cruise ship cannot always be prevented. However, proper footwear can help diminish the risk. Open decks can become slippery with rain, sea spray or even pool overflow. It is best to wear shoes that are not only comfortable but are also non-skid when walking around the ship. Wearing shoes that have soles that are slippery or wearing high heels will only increase the chance that the passenger injuring themselves while on the deck or anywhere else on the ship.
- Evacuate Contaminated Areas
If it is known that a certain area of the cruise ship has been contaminated due to another passenger getting sick, whether that passenger is experiencing diarrhea or is throwing up, it is recommended that the cruise passenger leave the area immediately. The longer he or she stays near another sick passenger, the more likely he or she will get sick as well.
- Use Your Cabin Bathroom
If germs are a big concern, try to use the bathroom in your passenger cabin. Sometimes the need to use a public restroom cannot be avoided, but many of these public spaces are well known for harboring germs, such as the norovirus. After being in a public restroom, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Try to avoid touching common surfaces if possible when exiting the space.
- Do Not Shake Hands with Strangers
Walking around the ship, it can be tempting to greet people as you meet them with a nice handshake. However, doing so will expose you to a whole host of germs, including the norovirus, especially if that person does not wash his or her hands. If it cannot be avoided, be sure to wash your own hands after shaking hands with a stranger. Keeping hand sanitizer nearby can be helpful in these situations. Keep your hands away from your face, until you are able to properly sanitize your hands.
- Take Care of Yourself
It goes without saying, but the best way to stay healthy while on the ship is to take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated, especially when out in the direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Try to not drink too much alcohol or consume too much food late at night. Wear sunscreen to prevent sun poisoning and always use common sense.
INJURED ON A CRUISE SHIP OR CRUISE SHIP EXCURSION? SPEAK TO A CRUISE SHIP ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY: 1-866-597-4529.
If you have been injured on your cruise, on a wet and slippery deck, down a poorly lit staircase or steep gangway, in port on an excursion, or on a tender boat- it is important that you speak as soon as possible with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims against cruise lines. Most cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian, MSC, Disney, Holland America, Princess, Costa, Regents Seven Seas and Oceania require that claims against them be pursued in a very specific place under very strict deadlines. Failure to comply with each individual cruise lines deadlines can result in a complete loss of any and all legal rights.
Aronfeld Trial Lawyers is a personal injury firm located in Miami, Florida since 1991. We have fought hard to hold cruise lines accountable when they put their profits ahead of passenger safety. We are available 24/7 and encourage you to contact us even if you are still on your cruise. The sooner we can begin our investigation and preservation of key evidence, such as the CCTV footage of your trip and fall, slip and fall, assault or other type of injury the more likely we will be able to understand and prove how the incident occurred. Remember, the cruise lines have the most aggressive and well-funded defense lawyers in the world- protecting their profits. You need an experienced legal advocate in your corner who will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve for lost wages, medical expenses, transportation reimbursement and pain and suffering. Call us today and speak with a cruise ship claims lawyer about your potential claim- toll free 1-866-597-4529, 305-441-0440, or by email. We are ready to help.
