By serena on Tuesday, January 20th, 2015 | Comments Off on Tips For Staying Fit & Healthy While On A Cruise Holiday
Nothing beats the allure of going on a cruise holiday. With multiple destinations, numerous on-board and off-board activities, and plenty of foods and drinks, a cruise holiday is definitely worth considering. But with recent outbreaks of the norovirus, and other deadly diseases, many are starting to get worried about their health and safety when boarding cruise ships. So before you cancel your booking, here are a few helpful tips on how to stay healthy even when on a cruise holiday.
Why The Recent Rash Of Cruise Ship Outbreaks?
With the recent outbreak of rubella, measles and norovirus on some of the major cruise ships last year, the thought of booking great cruise deals may now seem quite risky and pointless. But when you look at the number of people going on 3 or 4-day, or weekend cruises, which went up to an estimated 20 million passengers last year, the risk of encountering an outbreak is quite slim.
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Like any other places on earth, cruise ships can become a hotbed for viruses and bacteria as thousands of people get on board every year. Cruise ships also visit places with poor sanitation records. Thus, when ship passengers drop by certain ports-of-call, and eat at the local restaurants, they could catch a couple of viruses, mold, mildew and bacteria.
In some of the recent outbreaks on luxury cruises, raw or undercooked oysters, fruits and vegetables have been the culprits. The norovirus for example, is a very contagious and tough virus to contain. It can thrive in extreme temperatures and on different surfaces.
As soon as one person gets infected on luxury cruise ships, the virus or bacteria can quickly pass from one individual to another through hand-shaking, close contact and through shared food and utensils.
Maintaining Good Health Even on a Cruise Ship
While the chances of a person contracting a nasty virus or bacteria while on a group or family holiday on a cruise ship are slim, it would still pay dividends if you take the necessary precautions.
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One of the best ways to prevent illnesses is to frequently wash your hands with soap and water. Wash before eating, using the bathroom, and before touching railings, door handles and other items. Bring along an alcohol-based hand sanitizer everywhere you go, whether on or off the ship.
At the ship’s ports of call, always make sure you follow all the standard food and water precautions. Check that the food you eat off-board is cooked and served hot, and drink water or other beverages only from sealed containers. If you want to eat fresh fruit or vegetables, make sure you have them washed with clean water, and peel them by yourself.