Cruise ships, with hundreds or thousands of passengers in close quarters, can be a hotbed of germs, particularly norovirus, which causes gastroenteritis. A study of nearly 2,000 cruises docking in Sydney found that 5% of ships reported a gastro outbreak on board. Norovirus is highly contagious, spread via the faecal-oral route, and can survive on surfaces and resist many cleaning products.
To minimise your risk of catching norovirus on a cruise, follow these six tips: wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water, as hand sanitisers may not be effective against norovirus; avoid touching your face, especially your mouth; use a fist bump or 'cruise tap' instead of handshakes; be cautious with shared surfaces like handrails and lift buttons; and if you feel unwell, report to medical staff immediately and follow their instructions, which may include staying in your cabin.
Norovirus symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting, typically lasting two to three days. The main risk is dehydration, particularly for young children and the elderly. Cruise ships declare a gastro outbreak when 2-3% of passengers or crew are ill. In Australia, 93% of cruise gastro outbreaks with a known cause were due to norovirus.
While it's impossible to eliminate all risk, taking these precautions can help ensure a happy, gastro-free holiday. Remember, the sooner medical staff are informed of symptoms, the quicker they can implement extra cleaning and prevent wider outbreaks.
