So, it’s no wonder more and more Aussies choose to enjoy the high life on the high seas, with the bonus of seeing exotic faces in exotic places in the various ports of call.
However, it’s not all plain sailing. A major retrospective study of 172 voyages by a major US cruise company revealed:
• One in every 250 passengers experiences an illness that requires medical attention.
• Half of shipboard infirmary visits are made by passengers over the age of 65, (not surprising with seniors often making up a large proportion of passengers).
• The most common ailments were respiratory tract infections (29.1%), followed by injuries (18.2%), seasickness (9.1%), and gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses (8.9%). The likelihood of contracting gastroenteritis on an average seven-day cruise is less than 1%.
So, what should cruise passengers be aware of before and after they take that first step up the gangplank?
FIRST, VISIT YOUR DOCTOR
See your doctor at least four weeks before your departure. Ask about necessary immunisations, particularly for any disease risks in your ports of call. Depending on your itinerary, you may be recommended to have vaccinations such as Influenza (Flu), hepatitis A and a booster for tetanus diphtheria and whooping cough may be recommended. For cruises which include African or South American ports Yellow Fever may be required.
Review your prescriptions and ensure you have extra medication to allow for unexpected delays. Medicare Australia’s travelling with PBS medicines website and their 1800 500 147 helpline can provide further information.
If you have chronic health issues, such as diabetes or heart disease, discuss the risk of travel in detail – before you book your berth. Have a written profile of your medical condition including current treatments, medications, and dosages that you can provide to the ship’s physician, if needed. Around 95% of shipboard illnesses can be treated onboard but medical services can be expensive, so carry travel insurance that covers this possibility.
COME WELL EQUIPPED
It’s cheaper and more convenient to bring your own over-the-counter items, like insect spray, sunscreen, pain reliever, motion sickness medication, hand sanitiser gel or wipes and anti-diarrhoea products.
WASH YOUR HANDS – REGULARLY
A cruise ship is a confined, crowded place and often it’s the respiratory and gastro bugs that passengers and crew bring aboard with them that can leave you feeling, well, becalmed. You’ve heard this advice before, but it bears repeating. Wash your hands using warm water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds before and after eating, after using the toilet, after visiting the ship's common areas, or touching doorknobs, ATM’s or guard rails. It may sound heartless, but if illness breaks out on your ship, try to stay away from sick passengers. Eat in a separate area or in your cabin.
CHOOSE SAFE FOOD AND WATER
Cruise ships pride themselves on their fare (the main risk here is overindulging) so it’s easy to forget the dos and don’ts of safe food and water selection when you go ashore. Eating undercooked food (particularly shellfish) or unwashed vegetables and fruits could put you at risk for gastroenteritis, Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Onboard and ashore, ensure hot food is served hot and cold food is served cold. Don't drink tap water ashore; stick to bottled water.
STAY COOL
Use sun protection, wear a hat and drink plenty of water to avoid sunburn and heat-related illness. The sun is hotter in the tropics.
DRINK IN MODERATION
It’s tempting to drink too much on a cruise. Excessive alcohol consumption can leave you high and dry (dehydrated, that is) as well as (a) hung over, (b) injured, and/or (c) embarrassed.
PRACTICE SAFE SEX
Take along a supply of condoms to avoid sexually transmitted diseases.
AVOID INSECT BITES
Prevent bites from mosquitoes and other insect by using a DEET-based or Citriodiol based repellents when you go ashore or when the ship is in port, especially in tropical destinations.

Travellers seeking advice on cruise travel can call Travelvax Australia’s travel health advisory line on 1300 360 164 (toll-free for fixed lines; mobiles excluded).