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 ach year millions enjoy cruise vacations. In 2003, approximately 8.3-million passengers
embarked from North American ports for their cruise vacation (source: Cruise Lines International Association).
Traveling on cruise ships exposes people to new environments and high
volumes of people, including other travelers. Although an infrequent
occurrence, this exposure creates the risk for illness, either from
contaminated food, water or more commonly through person-to-person
contact.
Follow these tips to help
prevent the spread of illness:
1. Wash your hands before and after...
After...
- Touching your face
Going to the bathroom
- When your hands are dirty
Learn more about hand washing technique (pdf).
2. Leave the area if you see
someone get sick (vomiting or diarrhea)...
- Report to cruise staff, if not already notified
- You could become sick if you ingest contaminated particles that travel through the air
3. Take care of yourself by...
- Get plenty of rest — Resting helps rebuild your immune system
- Drink lots of water — Drinking water helps prevents dehydration
4. Being considerate of other peoples' health...
- If you're ill before taking a cruise, call the cruise line to determine if there are alternative cruising options
Learn more about viral outbreaks aboard ships.
CDC's
Vessel Sanitation Program helps the cruise industry to control and
prevent the spread of gastrointestinal illnesses aboard cruise ships
and assists them in monitoring ships if they have an outbreak. Learn
more about CDC's Vessel Sanitation Program.
Click here CDC's Travelers' Health for more information on travel health issues.
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