Six Essential Strategies to Avoid Illness on Cruise Ships
Cruise ships offer the perfect summer holiday escape, but with hundreds or even thousands of passengers in close quarters, they can also become breeding grounds for germs. In particular, gastrointestinal outbreaks are a well-known issue on these voyages. A study examining nearly 2,000 cruises docking in Sydney found that 5% of ships reported gastro outbreaks onboard. However, there is no need to panic if you are planning a cruise. By taking some straightforward precautions, you can significantly increase your chances of a happy and illness-free holiday.
Understanding the Causes of Gastrointestinal Illness
Viruses are the primary cause of acute gastroenteritis in Australia, with norovirus being the leading culprit. This virus is responsible for an estimated 2.2 million cases of gastro each year. Norovirus is typically transmitted through the faecal-oral route, where virus particles from an infected person's stool are inadvertently swallowed by another individual. It is highly contagious, as only a small number of particles are needed to cause infection, and it can survive in various conditions, including acidic environments and moderate temperatures.
Many common cleaning products and hand sanitisers are ineffective against norovirus, making proper hygiene crucial. Symptoms include diarrhoea and vomiting, usually lasting two to three days, with dehydration being the main risk, especially for young children and the elderly.
Norovirus Outbreaks on Cruise Ships
Cruise ships typically declare a gastro outbreak when 2-3% of passengers or crew exhibit symptoms. For instance, on a ship with 2,000 passengers, this means 40 to 60 people would need to be ill. An Australian study revealed that 5% of cruise ships arriving in Sydney between 2007 and 2016 reported gastro outbreaks, with 93% of those caused by norovirus. Notable incidents, such as the Sea Princess recording 200 cases in 2018, highlight the ongoing challenge.
How Norovirus Spreads in Confined Spaces
Norovirus can be spread by individuals who are infectious before symptoms appear or after they have resolved, potentially bringing the virus onboard unknowingly. On cruise ships, transmission mainly occurs through direct person-to-person contact, such as handshakes, which are common but unsanitary. Some studies suggest promoting alternatives like fist-bumps or the "cruise-tap" to reduce risk.
Indirect spread is also a significant factor, as norovirus particles can linger on surfaces like handrails, lift buttons, or buffet utensils after an infected person touches them. While airborne transmission is rare, it can happen if someone vomits nearby. Although cruise ships enforce strict food handling practices, contamination is still possible.
Practical Tips to Minimise Your Risk
While it is impossible to eliminate all risk, you can take several steps to protect yourself:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently, particularly before meals.
- Avoid relying solely on hand sanitisers, as hand washing is more effective.
- Do not share food, drinks, or eating utensils with others.
- Refrain from touching food with your hands to prevent contamination.
- Minimise contact with communal surfaces whenever possible.
- Leave the area immediately if someone vomits to avoid exposure.
If you develop gastro symptoms during your cruise, inform medical personnel promptly and follow their instructions. You may be asked to stay in your cabin to prevent spreading the virus to others. Early reporting allows the crew to implement extra cleaning measures and provide support, such as medication and food delivery, to aid your recovery.
Ultimately, maintaining excellent hand hygiene is the most effective way to reduce the risk of gastro spoiling your cruise experience. By staying vigilant and adopting these simple habits, you can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable journey at sea.
