Staying Safe and Healthy on a Cruise
Essential Tips for a Worry-Free Voyage

Wash Your Hands Like a Cruise Pro (Because You Are One)

Let’s start with the obvious: cruise ships are like floating cities, which means you’re sharing space (and handrails) with thousands of fellow travelers. And while I trust that you’re a hand-washing champ on land, let’s level up those skills at sea.

Here’s your cruise ship hand-washing routine, perfected:

• Every time you leave your cabin

• Before and after eating (especially at the buffet)

• After using the bathroom (obviously)

• Before touching your face (sunscreen counts)

• After handling menus, elevator buttons, or casino chips (because luck doesn’t kill germs)

Bonus tip: Bring a travel-size hand sanitizer and keep it in your day bag. Use it often. Befriend it. Name it if you must.

Master the Art of Seasickness Prevention

Even if you have the stomach of a deep-sea fisherman, motion sickness can sneak up on you—especially if the sea gets rougher than your cousin’s driving.

Here’s how to stay steady:

• Pick the right cabin. Mid-ship and lower-deck cabins feel the least motion. Avoid the very front or back if you’re sensitive.

• Come prepared. Pack sea bands, ginger chews, or non-drowsy motion sickness meds (because nobody wants to sleep through their vacation).

• Look at the horizon. Your brain loves a fixed point to regain its balance. Find one and stare at it like it holds the secrets of the universe.

• Fresh air helps. If you start feeling queasy, step onto the deck and let the ocean breeze work its magic.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate (No, Piña Coladas Don’t Count)

Cruise ships are warm. The sun is strong. You’re probably eating more salty foods than usual (hello, French fries). Staying hydrated keeps your energy up and helps prevent headaches, fatigue, and dehydration-induced grumpiness.

What to do:

• Bring a refillable water bottle and keep it full.

• Don’t rely on the tiny glasses from the buffet—refill often.

• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water if you’re indulging (your future self will thank you).

Pro Tip: If you’re cruising somewhere hot (like the Caribbean), consider bringing electrolyte packets to mix with your water. They’re lifesavers after a long beach day—or a few too many margaritas.

Sun Safety: Because Lobster Red Isn’t a Good Look

Sunburns happen faster at sea because the water reflects the sun’s rays. One minute you’re sipping a frozen daiquiri; the next, you’re radiating heat like a car hood in July.

Here’s how to avoid the crispy look:

• Use reef-safe sunscreen (and reapply every two hours).

• Wear sunglasses- your eyes need protection, too.

• Bring a hat. Extra points for wide-brim styles that make you feel like a movie star.

• Seek shade midday (when the sun is out for vengeance).

• Bring a Beach Cover-Up – Perfect for when the sun feels relentless, and even your sunscreen starts waving a white flag.

• Wear an SPF Swim Shirt – A total game-changer for my husband and son. When you're spending all day in the water, this is the easiest way to stay protected without constantly reapplying sunscreen.

Sunburn hack: If you forget to reapply, aloe vera gel + a cool shower = instant relief.

Don’t Overdo the Buffet (Or Do, But Strategically)

Cruise buffets are legendary, and I am not about to tell you to avoid them. But let’s be smart about it.

• Scope it out first. Walk through before grabbing a plate so you can prioritize (because why waste space on a mediocre pasta dish when there’s fresh seafood around the corner?).

• Start with lighter foods. Salad, fruit, or soup can prevent the “I overdid it, send help” feeling.

• Use utensils. Those tongs and spoons? Your best friends. Keep your hands far, far away from shared serving areas.

•  Go easy on the sauces. Heavy, creamy sauces might sound tempting, but they can sit like an anchor in your stomach when the ship starts moving.

• Portion control is your friend. You can always go back for more, so start small instead of piling your plate high like it’s a competitive sport.

• Dessert strategy: Taste, don’t commit. Buffets are the only place where it’s completely acceptable to take one bite of five different desserts instead of finishing just one. No regrets.

Be Smart About Ship Pools and Hot Tubs

Cruise pools and hot tubs are fun, but they’re also warm, wet places where germs throw pool parties.

To keep things clean:

• Shower before and after swimming. Not just a good habit—it helps keep the pool itself cleaner, too.

• Avoid drinking the pool water. Not that you were planning to, but… accidents happen. Let’s keep hydration and chlorine separate.

• If a hot tub looks suspiciously cloudy… sit that one out. Murky water is never a good sign. Move along.

• Flip-flops are a must. Nobody needs a case of mystery foot fungus on vacation.

• Skip the hot tub after a long sun session. Your body’s already working overtime in the heat—jumping into steaming water can make you lightheaded faster than a top-shelf margarita.

• Stick to the capacity limits. Cramming ten people into a six-person hot tub? Not the move. Less crowding = fewer germs.

• Watch the kiddos. Cruise pools don’t always have lifeguards, and deep areas can sneak up on little swimmers. Keep an eye out, even in the splash zones.

Know Your Limits with Alcohol

Cruise cocktails are strong, and let’s be honest—they go down really easily. But mixing alcohol with sun and motion can leave you feeling rough.

A few rules to drink responsibly at sea:

• Pace yourself. One drink per hour is a good rule of thumb.

• Eat before drinking. Empty stomach + unlimited drinks package = bad choices.

• Hydrate in between. Again, water is your friend.

Bonus Tip: If you’re doing a rum punch excursion, be warned—those drinks are sneaky. One minute, you’re fine; the next, you’re telling a stranger your life story.

Pay Attention to Muster Drills (Yes, Really)

Yes, the safety drill before sailing is boring. Yes, you still need to pay attention. Muster drills are like seatbelts—most of the time, you won’t need them, but when you do, you’ll be really glad you know what to do.

Here’s what to focus on:

• Know where your muster station is. It’s printed on your keycard and cabin door—memorize it like you would your room number.

• Understand the life vest situation. Where is it? How do you put it on? And no, fashioning a towel into a makeshift floatation device is not a backup plan.

• Listen for the emergency signal. That loud series of horn blasts? It’s not just an annoying noise—it’s your cue to take action if something goes wrong.

• Don’t assume you’ll have cell service. In an emergency, Wi-Fi and cell signals might be down. Pay attention so you don’t rely on Google when it really counts.

• Take note of multiple exit routes. The nearest one might not be the safest one—especially on a ship with thousands of passengers.

• Follow the crew’s instructions. The staff is trained for this. If they say move, move. If they say wait, wait. They’ve done this before (and hopefully, you haven’t).

• Don’t be the person sneaking out early. Muster drills are quick, but being clueless in a crisis lasts a lot longer.

Because in the highly unlikely event of an issue, you don’t want to be that person yelling, “Wait, where do I go?!” 

Sail Away with Confidence

Cruises are meant to be fun, relaxing, and packed with unforgettable experiences. And if you follow these tips, you’ll stay healthy, safe, and ready for every adventure that comes your way.

Now, go enjoy that balcony sunrise, eat the fancy dessert, and live your best cruise life—because you’ve got this.