Staying Healthy On Cruises and Ashore

With a distinct November chill in the air, minds begin to wander to the possibility of a warm winter getaway and many older adults have discovered cruising is a budget-friendly alternative that offers a wide variety of activities.

But after many a horror story of cruise ship illnesses, seniors may be hesitant about traveling by ship and wondering how they can protect themselves against potential health hazards while staying in close quarters with others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers be up-to-date on all vaccines including measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and seasonal flu.  Ask your doctor about the Hepatitis A vaccine and review your itinerary together to see what other vaccines might be recommended.

While on board,  passengers can protect themselves against common causes of illness such as norovirus by frequently washing hands with soap and water and using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  When leaving the ship for shore visits, eat only food that is cooked and served hot and drink beverages from sealed containers only, avoiding ice.  Eat only fresh fruit that you have washed with clean water and peeled yourself.  Bring travel sized hand sanitizer along for added protection ashore.

Passengers with chronic illness should make sure they have enough medication for the full length of the trip and may also want to consider purchasing travel health insurance.  Be careful to read policies fully to make sure unexpected costs such as air ambulance are covered.

For more information about health concerns for specific destinations visit the CDC’s Travelers’ Health webpage by following this link.