Yeah, we’ve all heard it in the news.
Another ship struck with the dreaded norovirus.
The truth of the matter is that many passengers may be sick before they even leave for their cruise vacation!
When you arrive at the cruise port, you will probably receive a Public Health Questionnaire that you have to fill out and sign.
Here are the questions:
- Within the last 3 days, have you or any person listed above developed any symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting? Yes or No?
- Do you, or any person listed above, have a fever or feverishness PLUS any ONE of the following additional symptoms: cough, runny nose or sore throat? Yes or No?
Now riddle me this Batman:
You’ve taken off precious time from work. Little Timmy and Brittany are out of school and the wife has been counting down the days to your cruise for over 6 months…are you REALLY going to check YES to any of those questions?????
NOPE
That’s one of the major reasons why people get sick on cruises.
People are already sick (or getting sick) when they board, and it’s very contagious.
Have you seen the movie Contagion? Rent it.
The minute you touch a railing, or the handle of the one armed bandit in the casino, or roll snake eyes at the craps table, etc, you are spreading your illness.
Consider you are on a floating hotel with thousands of people in close proximity to each other. A contagious disease spreads faster than…well…you can finish that sentence.
Now do you get it?
So how can you prevent or lessen the effects of being sick on a cruise?
Step 1. Stay healthy BEFORE your cruise vacation!
Lots of people take Vitamin C and other health supplements to boost their immune system. If you aren’t doing that now, then start because you need a strong immune system to stay healthy.
Step 2. Buy travel insurance.
In the unlikely event you do get sick, you will be heading straight to the medical center on the ship for treatment…and it’s NOT FREE. Sure, you may have to pay out of pocket up front, but you will be reimbursed for your out of pocket expenses when you get back. Save all receipts and be sure to read all the fine print on your travel insurance documentation!
Step 3. Buy health supplies BEFORE you sail.
Get Imodium AD, Tylenol, Pepto Bismol and other supplies at your local WalMart or Target and pack them in your carry on bag. You don’t want to be sick and have to run to the ship’s store to purchase these items. They cost quite a bit more on board the ship, and who knows, if lots of people are sick, you may be out of luck!
Step 4. Practice safe habits
Yes. Guys are notorious for not washing their hands after they use the restroom. It’s critical that you wash your hands frequently with warm soapy water vigorously for over 20 seconds. Sure, you will see hand sanitizers all over the ship, but that does not replace washing your hands frequently.
So in conclusion, the best way to have a fun and healthy cruise vacation is to strengthen your immune system before your cruise, buy travel insurance, purchase supplies ahead of time and wash your hands!
If you are interested in sailing on a cruise, email me at slara1961@gmail.com and I will give you the best price and service.
Also, check out my YouTube channel for all my cruise videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/slara1961
Scott Lara @scottlara1961 on Twitter
