Staying Healthy on a Cruise Without Being Paranoid
Let’s Talk About “Cruise Ship Germ Anxiety”
Whether you’re a full-on germaphobe or someone who rarely gives it a second thought… we all worry, at least a little, about getting sick on a cruise.
Maybe it’s the headlines about norovirus. Maybe it’s everything we all went through during COVID. Or maybe it’s just that lingering thought in the back of your mind: What if I spend half my cruise stuck in my cabin feeling miserable?
We’ll be honest—before some of our early cruises, we didn’t think much about it. Then you have that one cruise that changed your entire perspective. Fever, stomach issues, not wanting to see the ship doctor…many of us have been there before, and swear that you will do things differently moving forward.
But here’s the part that doesn’t always make the headlines… Norovirus and other common illnesses exist everywhere—schools, hotels, restaurants, airplanes, even at home. Cruise ships just happen to report outbreaks more transparently, which can make them feel riskier than they actually are.
Over time, we’ve found something important: you don’t need to ignore the risks—but you also don’t need to obsess over them.
There’s a middle ground, and once you find it, cruising becomes a whole lot more enjoyable.
What We Actually Do (Not What Every Article Tells You To Do)
You’ll find a thousand articles telling you to wash your hands, and yes—of course—do that.
But instead of repeating the obvious, we thought we’d share what we actually do now when we cruise. Not perfectly, not obsessively… just consistently.
A Week Before We Travel
About 7 days before a trip, Susan and I start taking bee pollen.
Now, let’s be real—this isn’t some miracle cure, and we’re not doctors. But there is a little bit of science behind why people use it.
Bee pollen contains a mix of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids that are thought to support overall immune function. Some small studies suggest it may help reduce inflammation and support the body’s natural defenses, but the research is still limited and not universally accepted.
So why do we take it? Because it’s worked well for us.
We’ve built it into our routine before and during travel, and whether it’s the bee pollen itself or just being more intentional about our health leading up to a trip, we’ve had great luck staying healthy.
We’ll also occasionally add something simple like zinc or Airborne—nothing over the top, just a little nudge to the immune system heading into travel.
There’s some evidence that zinc, in particular, can help reduce the duration of colds if taken early. Is it a guarantee? No. But it’s one of those low-risk, “might help, won’t hurt” additions.
At the end of the day, we’re not looking for perfection—we’re just stacking the odds in our favor.
Travel Day Habits (Where It Actually Matters)
Airplanes are probably the least glamorous part of any cruise vacation—and honestly, one of the places you’re most likely to pick something up.
So we keep it simple:
- Quick wipe-down of tray tables
- Armrests
- Seatbelt buckle
That’s it. Thirty seconds, and we’re done. (Those tray tables have seen things….better to not ask questions.)
And there’s actually a reason this helps. High-touch surfaces like tray tables and armrests can carry bacteria and viruses from previous passengers. It’s not something to panic about—but it is one of the easiest places to reduce exposure with almost no effort.
When We First Get to the Cabin
Once we board and get into our stateroom, we do a quick once-over with wipes:
- Door handles
- TV remote
- Light switches
Not a deep clean. Not a full sanitization process. Just a quick reset so we can settle in and relax. After that? We’re done thinking about it.
Day-to-Day Onboard Habits
We’re not walking around in hazmat suits—but we are intentional:
- Wash hands before meals
- Use sanitizer when it’s convenient
- Be mindful at buffets
And one small but important note… While hand sanitizer is great, it’s not always as effective against certain stomach viruses like norovirus. Good old-fashioned soap and water still does the heavy lifting there.
So we use both—but we don’t confuse the two.
At the end of the day, we’re not trying to eliminate every germ… but once again, just stack the odds in our favor.
Cruise Lines Are Already Doing More Than You Think
One thing that often gets overlooked is that cruise lines take sanitation very seriously, and I mean beyond the staff member singing “washy, washy, washy” when you walk into the buffet.
We’re talking about:
- Constant cleaning of railings, elevators, and public spaces
- Handwashing stations at dining entrances
- Strict food handling and preparation protocols
And here’s something most people don’t realize… Cruise ships are held to very high public health standards and are regularly inspected, especially when sailing in and out of U.S. ports.
So while the perception might be that cruises are “higher risk,” the reality is that they’re also one of the most actively monitored travel environments out there.
What Happens If You Do Get Sick on a Cruise?
Let’s take a little of the mystery out of this.
If you start feeling sick, especially with something like a stomach bug, the expectation is that you report it to the ship’s medical team. Do most of us…probably not. But protocols are in place for a reason, and often include:
- Being asked to stay in your cabin temporarily
- Having meals delivered to you
- The crew monitoring your condition
Is it ideal? Of course not. But it’s handled professionally, and the goal is both your recovery and keeping everyone else onboard healthy.
Most cases resolve fairly quickly, and many people are back enjoying the ship within a day or two.
The Ship Doctor: When to Go (and What It Costs)
This is something not enough people talk about.
When You Should Go:
- Persistent fever
- Severe dehydration
- Breathing issues
- Symptoms that aren’t improving
When You Might Not Need To:
- Mild cold symptoms
- Minor stomach discomfort that passes
- Or if you are a man (ok – just kidding here, but many of us XY type resist seeing a doctor at all costs.)
What It Costs:
- Basic visit: typically $100–$300
- Additional treatment (IV fluids, tests, meds): can add up quickly
And here’s the key point: Most cruise ships do not accept your regular health insurance onboard.
You’ll typically pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement later.
The good news? Onboard medical teams are well-trained and equipped to handle a wide range of issues. You’re not in a full hospital—but you’re also not without care if something happens.
This is also where travel insurance can make a lot of sense, whether purchased from the cruise line or a 3rd party insurance company. Check out our Cruise Travel Insurance Guide.
Staying Healthy Off the Ship (Where People Slip Up)
Here’s something we’ve noticed over time: Many people don’t get sick on the ship… they get sick from what happens off the ship.
When you’re in port, you’re dealing with:
- New environments
- Different food standards
- Heat, humidity, and long days
We’re not overly cautious—but we are a bit more selective off the ship than on it.
A few simple things we keep in mind:
- Stick to busy, reputable restaurants
- Be cautious with food sitting out in the heat
- Use bottled water in certain destinations
A good rule of thumb? If a place looks clean and locals are eating there, that’s usually a good sign. If something feels questionable… it probably is.
The Sneaky Factor: Fatigue
One of the most overlooked factors in getting sick while traveling isn’t germs—it’s fatigue.
Travel days, jet lag, heat, long excursions, and maybe a cocktail (or two) can wear you down faster than you realize. And when your body is run down, your immune system isn’t exactly at full strength.
That’s why something as simple as:
- Staying hydrated
- Getting decent sleep
- Not testing the unlimited drink package your first couple of days
…can make a bigger difference than people expect.
Who Should Be a Bit More Careful
For most travelers, a few simple habits go a long way.
But if you fall into one of these groups, it’s worth being a bit more intentional:
- Older travelers
- Those with underlying conditions
- Anyone with a compromised immune system
Not a reason to avoid cruising—just a reason to plan a little smarter.
The Balance: Smart, Not Paranoid
There are two extremes when it comes to staying healthy on a cruise:
- Not thinking about it at all
- Thinking about it constantly
The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle.
Take a few smart precautions, build a simple routine, and then let it fade into the background.
Because the goal isn’t to eliminate every risk—it’s to make it small enough that it doesn’t take away from the experience.
Somewhere between “I don’t care at all” and “I brought a hazmat suit”… is where you want to be.
Final Thoughts…
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over time, it’s this…
Staying healthy on a cruise isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing a few simple things consistently.
Wash your hands. Be a little mindful on travel days. Take care of your body before and during the trip. Maybe build in a few routines that work for you—whether that’s bee pollen, zinc, or just getting a good night’s sleep before you board.
And then… let it go.
Because the truth is, you can’t eliminate every risk—and trying to do so will take away from the very thing you booked the cruise for in the first place. Relaxation. Exploration. Time together. New experiences.
We’ve found that the sweet spot is being prepared—but not preoccupied. Do a few smart things, trust your routine, and then go enjoy the ocean, the ports, and everything in between.
That’s where the real magic of cruising happens.
As Always… We’re Here to Help
If you have questions about preparing for your next cruise—or just want to talk through ideas for a future trip—we’re always happy to help.
And if it’s outside our lane, we’ve built a trusted network of cruise experts who are just as passionate about making your experience a great one.
