Cruise holidays continue to grow in popularity, offering the chance to visit multiple destinations while enjoying the convenience of travelling with your accommodation, dining, and entertainment all in one place.
For most people, cruises are safe and enjoyable. However, like any form of travel, they come with their own health considerations.
The combination of large numbers of passengers, shared facilities, international itineraries, and varying climates can create unique health risks that are worth understanding before you set sail.
Why cruise ships present unique health challenges
Cruise ships are essentially floating communities, with hundreds or even thousands of passengers sharing restaurants, theatres, swimming pools, gyms and communal areas.
Although cruise operators have robust cleaning and infection-control procedures, illnesses can spread more easily in environments where people spend prolonged periods together.
Health risks vary depending on:
- Your itinerary
- The countries you visit
- The length of your cruise
- Your age and existing medical conditions
- The activities you take part in during shore excursions
Fortunately, most risks can be reduced with sensible planning.
Gastrointestinal illnesses
Stomach bugs are probably the best-known health issue associated with cruises. Viruses such as norovirus can spread quickly in enclosed environments through contaminated surfaces, food, or person-to-person contact.
Symptoms typically include:
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Nausea
Simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating
- Use hand sanitiser where appropriate
- Avoid self-service food if you feel unwell
- Report symptoms promptly to the ship’s medical team
Cruise operators have strict outbreak management procedures, but early reporting helps protect both you and other passengers.
Respiratory infections
Cruise holidays also increase opportunities for common respiratory infections to spread. Colds, influenza and COVID-19 can all circulate in crowded indoor settings, particularly during longer voyages.
More recently in May 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) investigated a rare outbreak of Andes hantavirus linked to an expedition cruise ship travelling from South America.
The outbreak resulted in 13 infections and three deaths before being declared over in July 2026. WHO emphasised that the risk to the wider travelling public remained low.
Events like this are extremely uncommon, but they demonstrate how quickly health authorities can respond when unusual illnesses occur during international travel.
Destination-specific health risks
Your cruise may visit several countries, each with its own health considerations.
Depending on your itinerary, you may need advice about:
- Travel vaccinations
- Food and water safety
- Mosquito-borne diseases
- Sun protection
- Heat-related illness
For example, cruises visiting parts of Africa, South America or Southeast Asia may require different travel health preparations compared with Mediterranean itineraries.
A consultation at your local travel health clinic can assess your route and recommend any necessary vaccinations or preventive measures.
Heat and sun exposure
Many cruises take place in warm climates where temperatures can exceed 35°C during the summer months.
Passengers often spend long periods:
- Relaxing by the pool
- Exploring ports on foot
- Taking part in outdoor excursions
This increases the risk of:
- Dehydration
- Heat exhaustion
- Heatstroke
- Severe sunburn
To stay safe:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Wear lightweight clothing and a wide-brimmed hat
- Apply high-factor sunscreen regularly
- Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas
Older adults and young children should take extra care during periods of extreme heat.
Motion sickness
Even modern cruise ships can experience rough seas. If you’re prone to travel sickness, consider speaking to your pharmacist before departure about suitable medication or preventative treatments.
Taking action before symptoms begin is usually more effective than treating sickness once it develops.
Food and water safety during shore excursions
Although food served on cruise ships is subject to strict safety standards, you should also think about what you eat and drink when exploring ports of call.
Depending on your destination:
- Drink bottled water where recommended
- Choose freshly cooked food
- Avoid undercooked seafood or meat
- Peel fruit yourself where appropriate
Following local food and water advice can help reduce your risk of traveller’s diarrhoea.
Don’t forget your medication
If you take regular medication, ensure you have enough for the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of unexpected delays.
It’s also sensible to:
- Carry medicines in their original packaging
- Pack them in your hand luggage where possible
- Bring copies of prescriptions if needed
- Check whether any medicines have restrictions in countries you are visiting
A small travel health kit containing pain relief, oral rehydration salts, plasters and seasickness remedies can also be useful.
Cruise holidays remain one of the most enjoyable and relaxing ways to travel, and serious health problems are rare. However, being aware of the potential risks allows you to prepare properly and enjoy your holiday with greater confidence.