Keeping Yourself and All Those around You Healthy on Your Cruise Vacation
February 17, 2005
There's nothing quite like a spectacular cruise vacation. Warm tropical breezes, breathtaking views, delicious food, dazzling entertainment, and the chance to travel to some of the most beautiful places in the world---this is the last place that you would ever want to worry about getting sick!
In recent months there have been numerous reports of people embarking on their voyages as happy and healthy passengers, only to return several days or weeks later feeling far less than desirable. The Centers for Disease Control reports that already more than 1,000 passengers have complained of some kind of illness following their cruise vacation so far this year. But how and why does this happen? The reality is, when you put as many as several thousand people together in one relatively small area such as a cruise ship, especially during cold and flu season, there is a big risk that you may come back from your trip with more than just a few souvenirs.
Cruise ships are like one big floating neighborhood, and when one person in the neighborhood gets sick, it doesn't take long for the illness to spread to everyone else near by. From public restrooms, dining facilities, gyms, pools, and even your favorite onboard nighttime hot spot, you are always surrounded by other people that could potentially make you ill. Even areas of the ship that you may expect to be safe from any kind of harmful infectious bacteria, such as your own private stateroom, can often be laden with harmful germs just waiting to make you miserable!
The good news is, the fear of getting sick isn't anything that you should let ruin your vacation, and there are a number of very simple steps that can be taken to ensure that you and all those around you enjoy a safe and healthy journey.
This being said, the easiest and most important thing you can do to protect yourself is to wash your hands thoroughly and regularly! Harmful infectious diseases are most commonly spread through hand to hand contact, so keeping your hands clean will help ensure that you continue to feel your best. According to experts, it takes and entire minute (60 seconds) to completely and correctly clean your hands, allowing a full 30 seconds to lather, and another 30 seconds to rinse.
Also, always remain aware of your actions and surroundings. Try to limit your physical contact with things like door knobs, hand rails, and counter tops, as well as your hand to hand contact with other passengers. If you notice any blatant sanitation violation of any kind that you feel needs attention, report it to a crew member right away.
Experts stress that though this is a major concern, it is in no way anything that should scare anyone away from taking a cruise vacation. Cruise ships are held to the highest standards of sanitation and must adhere to strict guidelines. Ship crews are highly trained in maintaining a clean a safe environment for all passengers to call home while at sea. And by doing something as simple as washing your hands, you can help ensure that yourself as well as everyone around you will be able to thoroughly enjoy this thrilling vacation of a lifetime!
Sources Cited:
Sanders, Kerry. "The Perfect Vacation Starts with Hand Washing." Today.MSNBC.com. www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6985497. Feb 17, 2005.
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