5 Simple Travel Tips for a Healthy Cruise

Spring is in the air and my husband and I are talking about making our usual spring travel plans. We have been discussing taking another cruise and since I know how popular cruising is, especially during spring break season, I thought it would be a good idea to write a quick post with some tips on how to stay healthy on a cruise.

After all, why not learn from someone else’s mistakes or mishaps? Naturally, you will still have a few of your own, but that is what makes your first cruising experience unforgettable. I’ve made my fair share of travel mistakes so I hope giving you a few of these tips and reminders will help make your vacation stories fun related, rather than the “I should have done this differently” stories.

You’ve got your cruise booked and are awaiting the days until you set sail. Having said that, there are a few items for you to do before you even begin to consider packing.

1. Check with the cruise line to see what shots, if any, are needed for your journey. You’ll have to make a trip to your doctor to get current on any shots.

While you are at the doctor, ask them about tips on staying healthy and avoiding the flu or colds before you depart for your cruise. It is no fun having to travel sick or canceling all together. Also, ask about seasickness remedies. Some of these medications are prescription only. I’ve been on cruises that I’ve felt perfectly okay and some that were on very rough waters, leaving me to regret not having something for seasickness.

2. Speaking of prescription medications, stock up on any other regular prescription medications just in case they are scheduled to run out during your trip. Often, insurance companies will make exceptions and allow a prescription to be refilled early if you are traveling with no access to a chain pharmacy. It’s also a good idea to get a letter from your doctor on official letterhead, listing your prescriptions and stating that they were all legitimately prescribed for you. If you have to go through customs, a letter will sometimes keep you from being detained while your medication is inspected.

3. If you are on a special diet, let the cruise line be aware of this fact when you book your cruise. Most diets are easily accommodated, but it is always better to be safe than sorry. A few weeks before you depart, check in with the cruise line again to go over your reservations and special needs diet. I’ve found that there are so many food options on a cruise that any diet can be accommodated but it never hurts to be certain for your particular needs to be met.

4. Pack a small first aid kit for those just in case emergencies arise. Include antacids and anti-diarrhea medications for those episodes of Montezuma’s Revenge that seem to strike no matter where you travel (yes, I’ve been there, done that!).

Aspirin, antibiotic cream and aloe vera gel for sunburns also come in handy. Buying these things on a cruise ship will also typically run you 3 – 5 times more than buying and bringing from home.

Stow away sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm in your luggage too. When you are having too much fun outdoors, you tend to forget things like sunburn. Be sure to apply the sunscreen lotion before heading outdoors and if you are doing any water activities, be sure to reapply often.

Every cruise I have been on I have seen people with such severe sunburns that they are glowing red and typically out of commission for a few days of activities. It’s best just to be mindful and proactive and not ruin your vacation!

Moisturizer and lip balm are great to bring along as well because they keep your skin nice and soft. Sometimes the temperature changes from the cold air conditioner to the heat outside can wreak havoc on the skin and dry it out. Not to mention, if you have to fly to get to your cruise boarding destination, you will be likely be dehydrated and dry from the flight itself.

5. In addition to the sunscreen, protect your skin by wearing hats and sunglasses. When you are on the ships deck gazing at the beautiful waves, the suns reflection off the water can be pretty bright. The sunglasses will protect you from harmful UV rays from the sun. Of course, the hats will shield you from the sun’s rays and possible sunburn on your ears and face, two places that people sometimes forget to apply sunscreen lotion.

With the right preparation and precautions, you are well on your way to a healthy and happy first cruise. And when in doubt about something, ask your cruise line. They want to make sure your cruising experience is trouble-free. After all, they want you to sail with them again!

I know these tips seem like they are simple and obvious reminders, but these are some of the small things I often see easily forgotten that ruin ANY trip. If you are planning a cruise, or any travel for that matter, it’s best to plan ahead, think on the smallest prep level, and be safe so you can have the most fun and memorable vacation you can!

I’d love to hear what travel mishaps you’ve experienced – share in the comments below so we can all learn from each other’s mistakes!

Me, blogging away on a cruise ship!