Cruise ships are crowded yet enclosed spaces, making them prone to outbreaks of infectious diseases, a situation that is not uncommon. If you plan on taking a vacation on a cruise ship, how can you prevent infection and avoid falling ill? Let’s explore the advice provided by experts.
According to a report by the US “Travel + Leisure” magazine, while cruise companies implement strict cleaning protocols to eliminate pathogens before they spread, passengers also bear the responsibility of taking preventive measures. Some experts suggest that at a critical juncture, most passengers still need to do better.
Professor Benjamin Lopman, an epidemiologist and global health expert at Emory University, emphasizes that the most crucial thing is not avoiding buffet lines, wiping down cabins, or stuffing a variety of supplements in your suitcase, but ensuring that your hands are clean.
Dr. William Schaffner, a professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, explains that our hands come into contact with the surrounding environment and other people, picking up bacteria along the way. When we touch our mouth, nose, or eyes with our hands, these bacteria can transfer, leading to infections.
One of the most commonly contracted viruses by passengers on cruise ships is the norovirus. This virus can survive on surfaces like elevator buttons and buffet tongs for several days and requires only a small amount to infect individuals. This means that even passengers who do not interact with others may still get infected. However, regular handwashing can kill the virus before it infects you.
Many passengers are diligent about handwashing, especially on well-promoted cruise ships. Most cruise ships have hand sanitizing stations set up outside dining areas and at gangways where passengers board from ports. Modern cruise ships now have handwashing stations with sinks available for passengers to wash their hands with soap and water.
Some cruise companies also encourage handwashing in creative ways. For instance, staff may sing humorous and catchy “Washy Washy” songs or dance in food-themed costumes outside buffet areas, politely reminding passengers to wash their hands before dining. Nonetheless, it is unfortunate that some passengers still refuse to comply.
Lopman cautions against overestimating one’s hygiene habits, as research indicates that people often significantly overestimate the thoroughness and frequency of their handwashing.
The best hygiene practices include washing hands before eating, after using the restroom, after touching public surfaces, and after coming into contact with someone feeling unwell. In the case of norovirus, the effectiveness of hand sanitizer is lower compared to soap and water, so using soap and water should be a priority.
A quick rinse won’t suffice. Lopman stresses that each handwashing session should last at least 20 seconds. “Count the time! 20 seconds is longer than most people imagine.”
Of course, norovirus is not the only disease one might contract during a vacation, and cruise ships are not the only vacation option associated with getting sick. If you are on a red-eye flight and the person next to you is coughing incessantly throughout the journey, no matter how frequently you wash your hands, you may still fall ill.
Since you cannot control other people’s behavior, the best way to stay healthy while traveling on a cruise is to strictly adhere to preventive measures. This can start with washing hands thoroughly multiple times a day.
Earlier this year, a Dutch cruise ship, the MV Hondius, sailing in the Atlantic, experienced an outbreak of hantavirus, resulting in multiple fatalities. In response to this incident, Assistant Professor Vikram Niranjan of the University of Limerick in Ireland highlighted that pathogens tend to spread more easily in enclosed spaces like cruise ships. He urged people to wash their hands frequently after boarding. While disinfectant hand sanitizers can be helpful, they should not replace soap and water.