Travelore Tips: How To Keep From Getting Sick On A Cruise Ship

© 2007 JOHN GREIM

The Explorer of the Seas calling on Bermuda, in 2007.

UPDATE 1/31/14: Another norovirus outbreak has struck, this time on Princess Cruises'Caribbean Princess. The ship is sailing back to Houston a day early, with at least 176 sick passengers onboard, cutting short another cruise vacation. This is the third outbreak of illness on a cruise ship this year. At least 142 passengers fell ill aboard Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star (which I myself have sailed on) on its January 5 cruise out of Miami. Note that all three cruises were in the Caribbean—a region so saturated with cruise ships this year that big deals are on offer. This bad publicity will only force the cruise lines to cut prices even more. So, if you can stomach the risk (pun intended), consider taking advantage of the bargains to come.

ORIGINAL 1/28/14: We all hate getting sick. But getting sick on vacation is the worst. Unfortunately, that's what happened to the 600 people who became ill on Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. They were felled by norovirus—a gastrointestinal illness characterized by vomiting and diarrhea—on a Caribbean cruise, and the ship had to return to New Jersey two days early so it could be disinfected from top to bottom.

But don't let infrequent norovirus outbreaks convince you to rule out cruising altogether as a vacation option. Your risk of contracting norovirus on a ship is actually a lot smaller than you might think. Norovirus outbreaks are just much higher-profile when they strike a cruise ship than when they strike, say, a hotel (where people come and go, and you never know if other guests got sick) or a theme park (where visitors disperse at day's end) or that roadside fish-taco stand you pull into along the interstate. By contrast, on a ship the outbreak is confined to one small, highly populated space; everyone is in that same place for usually about seven days; and everyone uses the same medical center.As the CDC notes, "Outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land." And cruise-ship outbreaks are highly publicized too, perhaps because there's something so dramatic and riveting about hundreds of people trapped in a floating petri dish, with apparently little control over their fate.

You do have some degree of control, though. Here's the advice I give about precautions to take on a cruise ship—because they're what I do every time I take a cruise (and I've survived 23, with no norovirus yet):

Wash your hands every opportunity you get.

When shipboard staffers try to spray sanitizer into your hands on your way into the dining areas, let them.

When you pass a sanitizer dispenser onboard, use it. But don't think sanitizer is a replacement for soap and water. In its advice about keeping hands clean on cruises, the CDC points out that plain old soap and water disinfect better than alcohol-based products like Purell.

Pack antiseptic wipes.

Avoid the ship's public bathrooms and go back to your cabin.

As compensation for the illness and for cutting the cruise short by two days, Royal Caribbean is offering passengers onboard credit and 50% of the cruise fare they paid in the form of a certificate toward a future cruise. If I were one of those sick passengers, though, what I'd really want is for Royal Caribbean to convince my workplace to count my time away as sick leave and not precious vacation days!

Contributed by Wendy Perrin, cntraveler.com

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How To Feel Safe In Thailand

Like many South East Asian countries, Thailand has had its fair share of bad press, from political unrest to petty crime and drugs. Like most places in the world, Thailand does have a dark side, however exercising appropriate precautions and with a little common sense, the likelihood of becoming embroiled in disaster is low. To put your mind at rest, the following article details how to feel safe when visiting Thailand.

Food and drink

To avoid spending your vacation in the bathroom there are a number of precautions that will hold you in good steed. For starters, always wash you hands before consuming food. An easy rule of thumb to follow is; boil it, peel it or leave it. Make sure all food you eat has been cooked and if you’re eating fruit, peel it yourself. At all costs avoid drinking tap water, this means no ice and keeping your mouth shut in the shower! Most reputable establishments will provide bottled water.

Unfortunately despite your best efforts, travelers’ belly can hit anyone, in which case be prepared, drink lots of water and always carry Imodium.

Theft

Being aware of your surroundings and a little common sense are key to avoiding theft in Thailand. Never leave valuables unattended. Many high end hotels and holiday homes will provide in-room safes and security and if you are traveling with valuables or cash on you always keep these hidden close to your body. If carrying a bag, generally speaking have it across your body and keep it zipped up.

Drugs

A severe punishment for the consumption and/or possession of drugs in Thailand make accepting or taking illegal substances a fool’s game. Keep in mind that penalties include life sentences and even death, so experimenting with drugs in Thailand, is literally, gambling with your life.

Scams

Without a little knowledge it can be easy to fall victim to scam artists, causing both lose of money and time. Being aware of popular tourist scams and standing your ground are both tactics that will keep your mind at ease and your money in your pocket.

Popular scams to be aware of include:

Gemstone scam

Usually initiated by your taxi or tuk tuk driver, you be offered unbeatable prices on wonderfully beautiful gemstones, 9 times out of 10 you will return home to find these gemstones are completely worthless. While you can get good deals on jewelry in Thailand, it is important to do you research and buy from reputable dealers.

The temple is ‘closed’ scam

Many tourists fall victim to this simple scam. As you approach an iconic landmark or even well-known tourist shopping mall, a stranger or your taxi driver will inform you that it is closed and offer to take you to on a guided tour for a small price. The tour will stop at tailors, gem stores and travel agencies. While this scam won’t see you lose money, unless you purchase something in said stores, it can see you lose precious sight seeing time.

Jet ski scam

After hiring a jet ski for the day you will return only to be told that there are a number of scratches that weren’t there before and demanded to pay a large fee for the damage. This scam is easily avoided; if hiring a jet ski make sure any damage or scratches are recorded before you leave for the day.

While there are a number of other similar scams operating throughout Thailand, it is important to note that many scammers play on your greed. Simply; if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Civil threat and terrorism

Recent political unrest has seen Thailand in the news for violent protests, namely in the capital Bangkok. While the turbulence is off putting, knowledge and avoidance of demonstrations throughout Bangkok can see you avoiding becoming involved. Monitoring local media will keep you up to date and in case of emergency carrying the local phone number for your embassy is advisable.

Last word

Thailand is a stunning country that is bound to captivate those who travel there. Remember nearly 22 million tourists travel to Thailand each year, most of whom return with wonderful tales of adventure and excitement.

I have personally traveled to Thailand on numerous occasions, as a solo female traveler, and not once felt unsafe. By doing my research and trusting my gut, the experiences I have had have been both empowering and mesmerizing. I would not hesitate in recommending Thailand as a destination to anyone worried about safety.

Images: Shutterstock

Contributed by Lizi Oldham, Digital Marketing Manager at Amazing Accom. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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