“Attention, please be advised the ship has experienced an outbreak of illness and we are asking all passengers to refer to the precaution and sanitation protocols….”
No passenger on a cruise ship wants to hear this announcement, in the middle of their vacation on the sea. But what if you do?
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the cruise line industry work together and offer these suggestions to prevent and participate in good health practices while on board.
Because most sicknesses spread fast due to the large numbers of people from numerous places are suddenly in close proximity, the malady can spread fast. The single most important cause for outbreaks is because people forget to be responsible.
WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN
Stifling coughs and sneezes into your sleeve helps greatly.
Use the hand disinfectant dispensers at entrances to dining areas.
Wash your hands thoroughly and for 20 seconds or longer. Before and after eating or smoking.
After touching your face or going to the bathroom. When your hands are dirty.
Leave the area if you see someone get sick (vomiting or diarrhea). Report to cruise staff, if not already notified. You could become ill from contaminated particles that travel through the air.
Take care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Resting helps rebuild your immune system. Drinking water helps prevent dehydration.
ELBOW BUMPS. NO HANDSHAKES
Substitute "elbow bumps" for handshakes with staff and fellow passengers; at the very least, wash up well after shaking someone's hand.
Use sanitizing wipes or solution on key parts of your cabin occasionally. This is no criticism of your cabin steward, who's efforts will also be thorough, but an added protection nonetheless.
Use your cabin bathroom rather than public restrooms whenever you can.
If you become ill: Report it as soon as possible, very preferably by cabin phone.
The medical staff can help considerably, may attend to you in your cabin, and may direct you to remain there and cancel any port visits until you recover (usually within a couple days) to avoid spreading the malady.
If the illness is deemed the ship's responsibility (e.g., several other passengers have or have had it), you may not be charged for medical services and may receive reimbursement for missed ship's tours.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO REPORT TO THE STAFF
Specially-equipped teams of ship's staff will thoroughly clean and sanitize any "accidents" in your cabin. So report them, and report public accidents as well.
Ships that see "possible signs" of an outbreak (even several passengers with sea-sickness) may set up extensive precautions and health/sanitation protocols to limit spread of any infectious agent. This can include hand sanitizer dispensers at entry to all public areas, barriers to self-help in buffets, nearly constant sanitizing of railings, door handles and public restrooms everywhere. Make use of and respect those measures.
Passengers may start to notice the crew taking more actions for your protection such as more cleaning and disinfection activity, and announcements to encourage cleanliness and case reporting.
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